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Alcoholic Narcissist: How the Two Conditions Are Related

However, it is more likely that the alcoholic is trying to surround themselves with others that support these extreme drinking habits. By Angelica Bottaro

Angelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space. Because of how they see themselves, they can engage in destructive behaviors that lead to damaging consequences for others. However, they do not see their actions or behaviors as damaging, as they blame others for issues arising from their behavior.

traits of an alcoholic narcissist

Entitlement is a key narcissistic trait for alcoholics as well. Their pasts, their futures, their mood, their day, their whim, their desire – anything entitles them to drink. Entitlement is a way to justify not just drinking but also feeling, which can fuel not taking responsibility or coming out of denial. When seeking treatment for alcohol addiction, it is important to locate a treatment program that offers a medically supervised detox program to help manage the dangerous withdrawal symptoms of alcohol. Individuals who are experiencing these symptoms would benefit from considering a treatment program for alcohol abuse. Drinking when consequences are obviously damaging or will cause major losses, are both signs of severe alcohol abuse.

Treating Alcoholism and Narcissism

You will need to go above and beyond to ensure you are protecting yourself emotionally, physically, financially and mentally. Gaslighting starts with the narcissist planting seeds of doubt. You may notice something your partner is doing or saying that doesn’t seem to add up, but when you mention it, you are made to feel like it’s the most absurd thing you have ever said. Although I have already covered some of the ways a narcissistic partner can manipulate you, it is worth delving into their manipulation techniques a little deeper.

  • NPD and AUD frequently co-exist and can increase the effects of each other.
  • During conversations, they don’t seem to process what other people tell them.
  • Remember that a person with both alcoholic and narcissistic traits may need to get professional help before they can have a healthy relationship with you again.

Many people use the terms “alcohol use disorder” and “alcohol misuse” interchangeably, but they refer to two different things. In fact, some research suggests that alcohol narcissism and alcoholism misuse might be more common among people who have narcissistic tendencies. As the lines between real and fake blur, Americans increasingly chase the idea of authenticity.

Alcoholic Narcissist Alcohol And Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Based on existing research, we can’t say that alcoholism causes a personality disorder like narcissism. Personality disorders usually start when someone is a teenager or young adult. However, alcoholism does increase narcissistic behaviors and tendencies.

  • Regardless of consequences, an alcoholic will find a reason to drink, even if they have to make one up and deny the actual repercussions.
  • They will often be convinced that they’re entitled to do whatever they want and that their drinking isn’t a problem but a social benefit.
  • What they view as insults to self-esteem may make it difficult to accept and follow through with treatment.

Both NPD and AUD are mental health conditions classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). According to a 2019 study in Behavioral Medicine, 40.6% of NPD have substance abuse problems. On the flip side, grandiose and vulnerable NPD were both independent factors for alcohol abuse, concluded a 2019 study in the Journal of American College Health. It is a personality disorder, which is a mental health disorder.

The 20 Traits Of The Narcissist So You Can Spot Them Early

Without treatment, people with NPD have trouble maintaining positive relationships and are vulnerable to abusing drugs and alcohol to cope with difficult emotions. Alcohol abuse disorder is characterized by periods of sobriety and relapse. Even so, with a combination of therapy, support, and persistence, around a third of people with AUD will maintain sobriety for at least a year and sometimes https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/why-we-have-a-fear-of-being-sober-5-fears-about-it/ for decades. Medications like Campral, Topamax, and Revia have greatly improved AUD recovery rates. Again, if care is not coordinated by a qualified mental health professional, the overlapping treatments can lead to drug interactions, unintended side effects, and the possible abandonment of treatment. For instance, NPD and AUD both involve psychotherapy, but the formats for each can vary.