Narcissism and Alcoholism: Similarities, Differences, Diagnosis

Narcissism is a personality disorder that may cause individuals to display grandiose and self-involved behaviors. Alcoholism is an addiction where people cannot control their alcohol use. Narcissism and alcoholism may both share similar characteristics and can occur at the same time. Recognizing these links traits may enable individuals to seek appropriate help in managing these conditions.

It is common for personality disorders to occur alongside AUD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 22.6% of people with a personality disorder may also have a substance misuse disorder. While alcoholism is an addiction and narcissism is a personality disorder, the two share many characteristics that may cause trouble in their personal, social and https://ecosoberhouse.com/ work lives. 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. NuView Treatment Center is a top leading Los Angeles outpatient alcohol and drug rehab program.

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In other words, grandiose narcissists are more likely to regard the alcohol problems that they may encounter as good. This may be because of the social benefits they bring (e.g., holding one’s liquor might be seen as a good quality and doing risky things while intoxicated could be seen as “cool” in some circles). It is also possible that grandiose narcissism gives one the illusion of invulnerability, especially when drunk. Thus, by not learning narcissism and alcoholism from negative experiences, they might continue to see alcohol consequences as positive. Although the overall R2 was small for problem evaluations, this result is novel since no other study has examined a narcissist’s perceptions of alcohol-related problems. Devaluing or diminishing the worth of others is how many individuals destroy their relationships, such as by drinking beyond limits at inappropriate times and letting others down.

Narcissists view others in terms of what they can do for the narcissist. Narcissists are quick to blame others for making them act as they do. Went to medical school at The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Narcissists rarely apologize for their mistakes and often blame others.

The Link Between Alcoholism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissists almost never apologize or promise to change their ways. That would feel like weakness, which is anathema to narcissists, sullying the image they desperately seek to cultivate. From a narcissist’s point of view, he or she has no problems and can do no wrong. Bragging and a damn-the-consequences-swagger are essential parts of many narcissists personae. Narcissists gratify themselves despite the costs to those around them. Alcoholics not in recovery continue drinking even when it hurts loved ones.

While it is partially true that an individual can begin drinking due to a stressful environment or to let loose in hopes of feeling better, this can damage relationships. For this reason, it’s crucial to treat co-occurring disorders simultaneously. Treating only one (alcoholism or narcissistic personality disorder) increases the chances of relapse. When somebody is dealing with both narcissism and alcoholism, it can become difficult to even convince them that they have an issue.

What’s Narcissism?

They may fish for compliments, or they may search for publicity through impulsive acts. Often described as a manic-depressive illness, this condition involves erratic mood swings that go from extreme highs to severe lows. Narcissists reveal destructive behavior because of a lack of empathy and genuine emotions. Alcoholics are opportunistic and resourceful at getting their drinks.

People with an alcoholic personality show a disregard for others. They hurt their loved ones and let down people who trust them. They fail to keep promises, fulfill obligations, or pay attention to what other people need.

This prevents them from seeking help, and families very often have to contact a professional interventionist for resolution. They are also places where people share tips on how to deal with both conditions. A narcissistic alcoholic is someone who either possesses narcissistic traits due to their alcoholism or is someone who has NPD and drinks alcohol because of their disorder. If you feel like you or someone you care about might be showing signs of being an alcoholic narcissist, there is hope, and there is no reason to be ashamed. Alcoholism is a very serious condition, and without treatment, it can lead to homelessness, failed relationships, and even early death.

Five outcome variables (alcohol use, problems, and problem recognition, expectancies and evaluations) were tested in steps. For each regression model, gender, social desirability, and alcohol use (in the models where it wasn’t the outcome) were entered at Step 1. Though age was collected, it was not controlled for due to the sample being so homogenous. At Step 2 the types of narcissism, vulnerable and grandiose, were simultaneously entered into the model. While narcissism is a personality disorder and alcoholism is an addiction, narcissists and alcoholics share several characteristics.

Why do narcissists take more risks? Testing the roles of perceived risks and benefits of risky behaviors

We dare not attempt to address the issue in this small space. You’ve simply got to a) fully commit and b) solicit qualified medical supervision. Because like AUD, SUD includes serious physiological issues that no amount of talk can circumvent. Brief Interventions are short, one-on-one or small-group counseling sessions that are time limited. The counselor provides information about the individual’s drinking pattern and potential risks. After the client receives personalized feedback, the counselor will work with him or her to set goals and provide ideas for helping to make a change.