Is It Narcissism or Alcoholism?

Many Narcissists do not want or refuse help because they are entirely convinced that they are in the right. In order to fully help your loved one, it may take an interventionist to convince them to go to treatment. There is much research to suggest a strong link between narcissism and problematic sexual behavior, notably infidelity and sexual assault. The same factors that drive the problematic use of alcohol and drugs can also drive sex addiction. These include fluctuating or low self-esteem, the devaluing of others, and a sense of invulnerability.

By definition, narcissists have a hard time accepting criticism and admitting when they’re wrong. They may deny, hide, or minimize if they start drinking again, particularly since they may have made their sobriety the new focus of attention for their family and friends. To begin, a person will go through a professional assessment to determine https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-alcohol-can-affect-relationships/ if NPD is present and the extent of the addiction. Initially, the patient will go through a supervised detoxification period. This is especially important for alcoholism as the withdrawals symptoms can be severe. On the other hand, a person with narcissism and an addiction to alcohol or another substance goes through a cycle.

Gain Validation and Attention

This results in anger and them taking out their frustrations on the victim. When the victim resists, the narcissist turns to their addiction. The substance they abuse then reinforces their beliefs and behavior. This usually results in the victim retreating and the narcissist becoming confused and then threatened, and thus the cycle repeats.

Alternative models propose two or three factors named fearless dominance/boldness, self-centered impulsivity/disinhibition, and coldheartedness/meanness (63, 68). Drinking is related to grandiose narcissism and self-esteem contingency (such as need for approval) (23). Grandiose narcissism predicts drinking behavior independently of impulsivity, which indicates that other mechanisms might be relevant (24). This becomes even more apparent when grandiosity is accompanied by vulnerability, for which increased feelings of shame explain the association with problematic alcohol use (21). Not all narcissists have problems with alcohol, but it isn’t uncommon for people with personality disorders to develop alcohol-related problems.

Alcoholism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Self-care is crucial for maintaining your resilience and emotional strength. But it’s unlikely they’ll reveal the whole, unadulterated truth, regardless of how much they drink. Because of this skewed worldview, narcissists hardly ever acknowledge anyone else’s truth, and nor will getting them drunk bring them any closer to achieving that. As far as the narcissist is concerned, they tell the truth 99% of the time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that truth aligns with yours.

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• They are also places where people share tips on how to deal with both conditions.
• These medicines work by reducing cravings, decreasing the impact of symptoms, and causing intolerable side effects upon alcohol consumption.
• We talk loudly, interrupt people, and generally behave as if no one else’s feelings matter.
• Both conditions may influence the other, and some symptoms or behaviors of each condition can overlap.

When two conditions like narcissism and alcoholism occur together, sometimes people believe that one disorder causes the other, but co-occurring disorders are more complex than that. Research has shown that there is an overlap between alcohol use disorder and personality disorders, including NPD. One study found that among individuals who reported alcohol use, 9.1% were diagnosed with NPD at some point during their lives [1]. 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.

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

For others, it may mean drinking a few drinks every night for extended periods. Other signs of alcohol use disorder are related to drinking frequency, habits, and its impact on relationships, which we’ll explore below. Our core values center around treating others with the same kindness and respect that we value for ourselves. We understand mental health challenges firsthand and approach your mental health journey with compassion. Whether it’s connecting you with the right therapist or supporting you through difficult times, we embrace you as part of our community. Dr. Jenni Jacobsen is a licensed social worker and behavioral health consultant.

All these factors increase the likelihood of a narcissist developing a problem with alcohol. When intoxicated, they may use alcohol to dominate others, manipulate situations, or maintain a sense of superiority. Drinking alcohol may be a way for them to project narcissism and alcoholism a carefree and fun-loving image, further bolstering their grandiose self-image. Alcohol can provide a temporary sense of being cared for or admired, which is particularly appealing to individuals with an underlying sense of emotional deprivation.

Alcohol use and long-term abuse can also lead to changes in the brain that result in impaired judgment, memory loss, and difficulty controlling behavior, which can all be symptoms of narcissism. They may be prone to outbursts of anger and have difficulty controlling their emotions. There is often a genetic factor in the development of mental health conditions. Those with a family history of substance abuse are more at risk themselves, and this also applies to alcoholism.

It’s possible for people with AUD to successfully stop using alcohol when they have the right support and treatment. People who are genetically predisposed to experience unpleasant side effects of drinking are less likely to drink often, making AUD unlikely. If you think that you or a loved one has NPD or AUD, knowing the symptoms can help you better understand both conditions.

What Causes of NPD?

To find a treatment program, browse the top-rated addiction treatment facilities in each state by visiting our homepage, or by viewing the SAMHSA Treatment Services Locator. For many of these individuals, alcohol leads to significant disruptions in their everyday life. Support from loved ones can help people with NPD or AUD change their behavior and work toward recovery. Likewise, people with AUD can successfully recover from the disorder. Therapy, a strong support system, and self-care strategies can help you make a full recovery. If you answered “yes” to most of the questions above, speaking with a therapist might be a good idea.