People with NPD may be more likely to misuse alcohol and develop AUD. Also, people with AUD might seem to behave similarly to people with narcissistic traits. If you think you’re misusing alcohol, or if you think you have NPD, reach out to a mental health professional.

Community and Family Support

Family members often find themselves walking on eggshells, unsure of when the next outburst or hurtful remark will come. Holidays or special occasions, which should be joyful, become minefields of tension. If left unchecked, this toxic cycle can escalate into physical abuse, Substance abuse financial control, or extreme emotional dependency. Partners of narcissists with alcohol addiction often become enablers, caught in an endless loop of trying to “fix” someone who refuses to change. This dynamic is particularly destructive in cases where the narcissist weaponizes sobriety, promising reform during periods of clarity only to relapse and repeat the cycle.

• By adopting these measures, you can reduce the risk of these conditions and improve their overall well-being.
• In other words, those who had narcissistic tendencies were more likely to use alcohol and experience problems because of alcohol use.
• For NPD, mood changes often relate to perceived slights or lack of admiration.
• Grandiose narcissism has been linked to drug abuse, alcohol use, compulsive working, pathological gambling, smartphone usage, compulsive shopping, and social media addiction.

Addiction Treatment Programs

Narcissism is a personality disorder that shares many common traits with addiction. There are two types of narcissism, both of which may lead to tendencies in people that can, in turn, encourage addictive behaviors. Alcohol abuse is a chronic disease with many known risk factors. Individuals with co-occurring personality disorders have a higher risk of experiencing a relapse during treatment and early recovery. Chronic alcohol misuse changes neurotransmitters in the brain and affects how the body responds to alcohol.

The Link Between Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Alcoholism

They may internalize their anger at perceived mistreatment from another, waiting for the right opportunity to exact revenge. This can be done subtly, for example sabotaging a colleague’s work or a friend’s relationship. On covert narcissism and alcoholism the inside, covert narcissists believe themselves superior to others.

The Narcissist Alcoholic: Understanding the Vicious Cycle and How To Find Help

You can meet some of them by joining a support group online or in your town. Covert narcissists may often engage in gaslighting because it’s a subtle way of manipulating others without making it too obvious. You may also find it helpful to talk to a therapist about your experiences.

• This dangerous liaison between covert narcissism and addiction creates a self-perpetuating cycle.
• Healthcare professionals and psychologists may use a set of criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to diagnose narcissism or AUD.

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. At the expense of other people, they focus on themselves and on getting the next drink.

These organizations often provide education about narcissism and alcoholism. https://natur-klinikken.dk/does-alcohol-cause-bruising Clear, consistent boundaries are crucial when interacting with a narcissistic alcoholic. Communicate limits calmly and directly, focusing on specific behaviors rather than personal attacks.