Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Substance Abuse Learn More

While diagnosis and treatment can be challenging, studies have shown that the successful treatment of a mental illness can lead to alcohol recovery in two out of every three cases. 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 use problems. On the flip side, grandiose and vulnerable NPD were both independent factors for alcohol misuse, concluded a 2019 study in the Journal of American College Health. Therapists and experts on narcissism and alcohol addiction have observed that self-absorbed individuals often use drinking as a coping mechanism. The combination of high grandiosity, low self-esteem, and vulnerable narcissism can create a powerful fuel for a self-destructive cycle.

Future Directions in Treatment and Research

You could start by engaging with a mental healthcare provider or treatment center that specializes in dual diagnoses. Treatment centers can also ensure that you can access the right support systems at the right time in your treatment. By doing so, a person is less likely to be “over-treated” for a condition they may not actually have. For AUD to be diagnosed, a person must meet one of four possible criteria for alcohol misuse, three of seven possible criteria for alcohol dependence, and two of 12 possible criteria for AUD symptoms. Exhibiting narcissistic behaviors when drunk, for example, doesn’t inherently mean that a person has NPD.

Overlapping causes and risk factors

In the next section, we will explore treatment approaches and recovery strategies for individuals dealing with both narcissism and alcoholism. Another factor that contributes to the link between narcissism and alcoholism is the tendency of narcissists to use alcohol as a means of escapism. Narcissists often struggle with underlying feelings of emptiness, dissatisfaction, and a constant need for validation. Alcohol can serve as a temporary means of escape from these negative emotions and the pressures of maintaining a grandiose self-image.

How to determine the cause of your loved one’s behavior.

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is one of the Cluster B personality disorders, which are characterized by unpredictable and emotional behavior. People who are experiencing problems with alcohol, drugs, or sex should contact a doctor or mental health professional. A doctor can offer help and treatment to those dealing with addiction, which may involve suggesting lifestyle changes or rehabilitation clinics.

• Narcissistic individuals who misuse alcohol are more likely to be self-destructive.
• Childhood trauma, such as neglect or abuse, can contribute to the development of both narcissistic traits and alcoholism.
• These approaches focus on self-care, boundary-setting, and building a strong support network.
• In such cases, a person might start to question the diagnosis and abandon treatment altogether even if another condition, such as NPD, actually exists.
• In addition, future research could include more ethnically diverse samples to determine if the associations found here differ for students of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
• Mood-related symptoms may include irritability, anxiety, and depression, especially when unable to drink.
• Grandiose narcissism was also a significant predictor of a positive alcohol problem evaluation, over and above alcohol use, social desirability and vulnerable narcissism.

• Their inflated sense of self-importance may lead them to expect constant admiration and special treatment.
• A loved one’s drinking and selfish behavior can be devastating and cause a great deal of pain and disappointment.
• They may turn to alcohol as a means of escaping feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem, and emotional distress.
• Narcissism is a personality disorder that may cause individuals to display grandiose and self-involved behaviors.
• Therapists can teach cognitive-behavioral techniques to reframe negative thoughts.
• These activities provide an outlet for emotions and promote mental well-being.

It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. If you or someone you know struggles with a substance use disorder in addition to narcissistic personality disorder, help is available atThe Recovery Village. Resorting to drugs and alcohol to cope with the effects of NPD can be dangerous. Treatment is available to help people who have thismental health disorder. Lastly, don’t be afraid to set boundaries and find support in family and friends.

• Individuals with NPD often have a fragile sense of self-esteem, which may be either very high (grandiose narcissists) or very low (vulnerable narcissists).
• Narcissism has positive attributes, including increased self-confidence and self-sufficiency.
• People with vulnerable narcissism tend to show avoidant, defensive, or hypersensitive behaviors, and they often experience feelings of rage at a perceived lack of esteem or respect.
• These centers specialize in treating both mental health disorders and substance abuse simultaneously, offering integrated and personalized treatment plans for effective recovery.
• Individuals and families affected by NPD and AUD benefit from attending family therapy and support groups.

• Recognizing this interplay highlights the importance of comprehensive care, such as that provided by dual diagnosis treatment centers in Pennsylvania.
• With both conditions, the benefits of therapy depend on your willingness to work on yourself.
• Vulnerable narcissism features traits like low self-esteem, helplessness, and rejection sensitivity.
• However, genetics alone do not determine the development of narcissistic traits or alcohol misuse.
• Therefore, the presence or absence of external validations of their value determines whether a person may have the traits of grandiose narcissism or vulnerable narcissism.
• Clear, consistent boundaries are crucial when interacting with a narcissistic alcoholic.

Along with emotionally or physically neglecting their loved ones, they sometimes commit physical abuse. Support from loved ones can help people with NPD or AUD change their behavior and work toward recovery. There’s little data on whether people with both NPD and AUD have a different outlook than people who have only one of the conditions. However, it’s recommended that both conditions are treated at the same time to improve your likelihood of recovery. 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 narcissism and alcoholism be a good idea.