Author: James Anderson

Is There a Connection Between Narcissism and Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is an addiction where people cannot control their alcohol use. Narcissism and alcoholism may both share similar characteristics and can occur at the same time. Recognizing these links traits may enable individuals to seek appropriate help in managing these conditions.

The underlying cause of each is sometimes not the same, but the behaviors can seem very similar. For instance, NPD and AUD both involve psychotherapy, but the formats for each can vary. For NPD, it may involve individual or group counseling using cognitive behavioral therapy, schema-focused therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. For AUD, group approaches such as AA and other twelve-step addiction programs are common. NPD and AUD frequently co-exist and can increase the effects of each other.

1. It is important to note, however, that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) does not distinguish between types of narcissism.
2. Dr. Jenni Jacobsen is an expert medical reviewer, holding roles as a licensed social worker, behavioral health consultant, and PhD in clinical psychology.
3. In order to receive a diagnosis of NPD, someone needs to display the above symptoms over several years.
4. With NPD, for example, there are no drugs specifically used for the treatment of the personality disorder, but antidepressants or anxiolytics may be prescribed if depression or anxiety is present.

In order to receive a diagnosis of NPD, someone needs to display the above symptoms over several years. Some individuals have both Narcissistic Personality Disorder and an active addiction. Coping with someone with a dual diagnosis can be more difficult than if that person suffered from only narcissism or untreated alcoholism. This might include joining Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs that offer nonjudgmental peer support to others living with AUD. You can also join a local support group offered by the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI), which addresses substance abuse when NPD and other mental health disorders. 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.

Another study from 2019 found a link between drinking and the narcissistic traits of devaluing and entitlement-rage. Threatened egotism was listed as a factor that motivated increased alcohol use. Patience and support are therefore needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.

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

Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information. Each person needs a different treatment method depending on their unique situation, and as such, not everyone will have the same treatment program. The main treatment for NPD is talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy. Genetics also seem to play a role in the development of both conditions.

Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today. Take our short alcohol quiz to learn where you fall on the drinking spectrum and if you might benefit from quitting or cutting back on alcohol. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. After the withdrawal stage, you could seek inpatient or outpatient care depending on your needs and the services offered by the facilities that are available to you.

What to know about narcissism and alcoholism

Medications for AUD can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal side effects, whereas therapy can be beneficial for reducing distorted thinking about alcohol and developing stronger coping skills. Therapy can also help people with NPD to process unresolved childhood trauma and develop skills for managing their symptoms [1]. Given that genetic factors and childhood history are strongly linked to narcissism, it doesn’t seem that alcohol alone can directly cause narcissism. 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.

If alcohol misuse begins to impact your life, health, or safety, you might have AUD. Many people use the terms “alcohol use disorder” and “alcohol misuse” interchangeably, but they refer to two different things. Although alcohol misuse and AUD can cause someone to display narcissist-like behavior, this behavior might change when they’re sober or in recovery. In fact, some research suggests that alcohol misuse might be more common among people who have narcissistic tendencies.

Overlapping tools for diagnosis

A 2019 study found a link between vulnerable narcissism, shame, and an increased likelihood of problem drinking and gambling. Vulnerable narcissism features traits like low self-esteem, helplessness, and rejection sensitivity. Narcissism and alcoholism are two distinct conditions but share some traits.

A person with narcissistic personality disorder may have an inflated or grandiose sense of self-importance or worth and experience feelings of entitlement. It’s possible to have a narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) as well as an alcohol use disorder (AUD). They may marry, obtain a good job, and even have a family, but there is little peace behind the façade. To cope with the crippling self-doubt and self-hatred, many will turn to drugs and/or alcohol.

For both narcissists and addicts, the major casualty is the destruction of personal relationships. Substance abuse preys on one’s low self-esteem and some may be genetically predisposed. In 2008 the American Psychological Association described studies that showed at least half of an individual’s susceptibility to drug abuse and addiction could be linked to genetic factors. This finding was echoed in a 2021 Rutgers study that identified an interaction between genes and environmental factors.

Overlapping causes and risk factors

A 2020 review of research on narcissism and substance use disorders concludes that low self-esteem that requires external validation from others can increase the risk of substance use disorders. Both grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism show a strong link to substance use disorders. A 2019 article in Frontiers in Psychiatry looks at the relationship between the problematic use of substances and narcissism, concluding that self-esteem plays a major role. Also, people with AUD might seem to behave similarly to people with narcissistic traits.

For information about the terms governing the use of our website and how we handle data, please refer to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The platform offers reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities. Its mission involves educating, supporting, and empowering people in their pursuit of well-being. When you’re caught in the crossfire of someone with these symptoms, recognize that you aren’t responsible for their behavior—as much as they might try to pin it on you or someone else. A 2014 study into narcissism and the use of internet pornography found a direct correlation between hours spent viewing pornographic material and the extent of narcissism. It also found that people who watch internet pornography are more likely to have narcissism than people who do not.

The number of criteria a person meets determines whether they have AUD, and if so, the severity of the condition. Aggressive behavior and pathological narcissism were linked to alcohol overuse in a 2017 study of Canadian men. The association remained intact even when researchers accounted for general psychological distress as a trigger for coping responses like alcohol use. Reach out to loved ones you trust who can walk with you through the recovery journal. If you have NPD and AUD, finding support can be challenging because they are two separate disorders with two separate treatment approaches. Treating each condition independently can sometimes lead people to “choose one over the other,” especially if care is not coordinated.