Millions of people in the United States live with alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD and other forms of substance use disorder (SUD) can be very challenging to treat. People with co-occurring disorders, including personality disorders, may face additional challenges during addiction recovery.
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition that can affect people with alcohol abuse and addiction. People with substance abuse and NPD must receive specialized treatment to address both conditions.
This article will explore the connection between narcissistic personality disorder and alcohol addiction. You will learn:
- How alcoholism develops
- The symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder
- The connection between alcoholism and NPD
- The challenges of treating people with NPD and alcoholism
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with mental health conditions and addiction, you are not alone. Contact The Living Room specialists to explore our recovery programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
Alcoholism: An Overview
Alcoholism can develop after a long period of heavy alcohol consumption. Alcohol addiction occurs when the body becomes dependent on alcohol. People who drink heavily for a long time may develop a physical dependence on alcohol. If they attempt to quit drinking, they may experience severe or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
People who develop alcoholism cannot control their drinking. They must consume alcohol to function. People with alcoholism require intensive treatment to quit drinking and prevent relapse in the future. Treatment typically includes medical care, medications, behavioral therapies, education, and other support.
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
A person’s personality is the thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors that make them unique. A personality disorder is a mental health condition that can impact these aspects of a person’s life. The symptoms of a personality disorder can make it challenging for a person to have healthy relationships. They can also prevent people from caring for themselves, working, and engaging in other daily activities.
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a type of personality disorder. NPD is a chronic (lifelong) disorder that can cause:
- An inflated sense of self-importance
- A sense of entitlement or superiority
- A lack of empathy (the ability to recognize and relate to others’ emotions)
- A belief that others are jealous of them
- Arrogance or aloofness
- Obsession with power, intelligence, beauty, or success
People with NPD may believe they deserve special treatment. They may take advantage of others for personal gain and generally view other people as a means to an end. People with NPD may also take credit for others’ accomplishments.
These and other narcissistic behaviors can make it very challenging for people with NPD to have healthy relationships. They can also get people into legal trouble or cause other long-term consequences.
What is the Connection Between Narcissism and Alcoholism?
People with all types of mental health conditions are more likely to develop alcohol use disorder (AUD) than others. But why is this the case?
The symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and other mental health conditions can make life more challenging. People with mental health conditions may live with chronic stress and other emotional discomfort.
Some turn to alcohol or drugs for relief from their mental health symptoms. Using drugs or alcohol to manage mental health symptoms is called “self-medication.” Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol is an unhealthy coping mechanism that can lead to an addiction.
Some mental health experts believe alcoholism and NPD share common traits, including:
- Shame
- A need to avoid humiliation
- A complete focus on their “drug of choice” (for narcissists, the drug of choice is attention)
- A lack of insight into their thoughts and behaviors
- Resistance to accepting responsibility for personal behaviors
Some experts believe that people with alcoholism and NPD are more likely to get “stuck’ in destructive patterns.
Treating Narcissistic Alcoholism: Understanding the Challenges
Treating people with narcissistic personality disorder and alcoholism can be very challenging. Some of the traits of NPD can make it very challenging for people to engage in the treatment process.
First, people with NPD may lack awareness of their behaviors. They may resist exploring their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions more deeply.
Second, those with NPD may not be aware of or care about how their actions impact others. They often do not have external motivation to change in the same way others might. They may be resistant to others and vice versa.
Third, people with vulnerable narcissism will avoid taking personal responsibility at all costs. They may resist the idea that they have a responsibility to make changes.
Finally, people with NPD may be hostile, angry, or volatile when confronted or challenged. This can make cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), support groups, and other aspects of comprehensive addiction treatment more challenging.
People with alcohol addiction and narcissistic personality disorder need specialized treatment programs to address both conditions. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), it is critical to treat mental health conditions and SUD at the same time. Dual-diagnosis treatment programs offer comprehensive treatment for mental health conditions and substance abuse.
Find Treatment Now
If you or a loved one lives with alcohol addiction and a mental health condition, you are not alone. Find comprehensive treatment and recovery support at The Living Room. Contact our intake specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- American Psychiatric Association (APA): What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
- Taylor & Francis Online: Narcissism and alcohol use: The mediating role of drinking motives among college students