Narcissism and Alcoholism: Similarities, Differences, Diagnosis

They can talk to a therapist individually, or they can attend group sessions with people who have similar experiences. A person’s use of alcohol turns into an alcohol use disorder when they exhibit several symptoms. They have a strong need to drink, sometimes avoiding important responsibilities in order to do so. When other people point out their drinking problem, alcoholics react defensively. If they acknowledge their problem, it means they’ll have to take the difficult steps of addressing it. Someone can be narcissistic or have a formal diagnosis of NPD without ever becoming alcoholic.

They seek admiration regardless of the cost and have no interest in self-reflection or personal growth. You can receive 24/7 text support right away and at your convenience. There is no obligation to enter treatment and you can opt out at any time. Self-centeredness often leads to acting manipulatively toward others.

Alcohol Addiction & Abuse

Along with emotionally or physically neglecting their loved ones, they sometimes commit physical abuse. In some cases, they want to show off narcissism and alcoholism by drinking as much as possible. When drunk, they have an easier time seeing themselves as smarter and more powerful than everyone else.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 22.6% of people with a personality disorder may also have a substance misuse disorder. All personality and substance abuse disorders are diagnosed based on a strict set of criteria described in the DSM-5. While there is room for interpretation, a person with NPD and/or AUD must meet a minimum standard before a diagnosis can be delivered with confidence. It is not uncommon for two mental health conditions to co-exist (referred to as a comorbidity). The occurrence of two such conditions is called a dual diagnosis. We need a recovery program for the self-absorbed” – Patti Maguire Armstrong (2014).

Getting Help For Alcoholic Narcissists

If people have risk factors for AUD, feel they are drinking excessively, or cannot control their alcohol intake, they can speak with a healthcare professional. Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is an addictive disorder where people cannot control or stop their use of alcohol. People with AUD may be unable to reduce or stop drinking despite experiencing the negative effects of alcohol or a desire to quit. 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. They often go hand-in-hand, with people who are narcissistic often abusing alcohol to self-medicate.

• Similarly, many people who misuse alcohol might display very few signs of narcissism.
• Both alcohol abuse and narcissism are disorders that require a personalized treatment plan that identifies the source of the problem as well as the necessary level of care.
• Lastly, don’t be afraid to set boundaries and find support in family and friends.
• Third, this study differentially evaluated the relationship between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism and alcohol outcomes.
• In order to have a diagnosis of NPD, they’ll have to consistently show the relevant symptoms over a period of many years.

Heavy alcohol use often goes hand-in-hand with a range of psychological issues. Narcissists view others in terms of what they can do for the narcissist. Read more about living with a person who has AUD and managing a relationship with someone who has NPD. If your alcohol https://ecosoberhouse.com/ use is severe, you’ll likely need to go to an inpatient facility so that you can safely withdraw from alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, so it’s important to seek medical help. The main treatment for NPD is talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy.

Outlook for Alcoholism

Two participants were considered multivariate outliers and excluded from the analysis due to unreliable response style. Additionally, 36 participants were excluded from the analysis because they took the survey in less than 600 seconds (10 minutes). The final analysis sample was 345 participants, which represents about 90% of the original 383 participants. Thirteen additional outliers were included but reduced in value to one unit greater than the nearest non-outlying value.42 Variables included in the analyses were relatively normally distributed. The results speak to the effects that different types of narcissism have on alcohol use, alcohol problems and attitudes towards alcohol problems among young adults. Alcohol detox isn’t easy and not everyone can do it on their own.

However, research and clinical observations show that narcissists are susceptible to developing a drinking problem. Similarly, an alcoholics behavior and personality can change drastically, especially when under the influence. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, leading to outrageous, dangerous or abusive behavior.

What Is an Alcohol Use Disorder?

Historically, narcissism has been deemed excessive selfishness or self-admiration. The complete sonnets and poems of Shakespeare (Shakespeare, 1912) recanted the Greek story of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, while ignoring a chance for a real relationship. Psychoanalysts as early as Sigmund Freud (1914) described a developmental stage in children in which their egos lack concern for anyone else’s needs, which he referred to as primary narcissism. According to Freud, individuals severely traumatized during this developmental period never leave the ego-driven state, even as adults, leaving them incapable of caring for others.

When narcissism co-occurs with addiction, getting professional treatment is vital. Here, you will address both conditions at the same time, proving the most effective approach for the treatment of co-occurring disorders. Treatment for co-occurring alcoholism and narcissistic personality disorder is essential to help the individual recover from both conditions. Treatment may involve medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, or in some cases, hospitalization. It is important to remember that no two people are the same, so there needs to be a tailored approach to each individual’s needs. While alcoholism cannot cause a personality disorder it can make the individuals how hostile behavior, paranoia, and edginess.