Conversely, addiction is a compulsive behavior that leads to negative consequences, such as physical and psychological harm, social isolation, and financial problems. This may include practicing mindfulness, engaging in physical activity, or finding creative outlets for stress relief. While these similarities exist, it’s important to note that alcoholism and narcissism are different conditions with unique characteristics. But what if you’ve come to realize that your partner is also a narcissist? Dealing with that recognition in a healthy way requires a different response than the one prompted by the disease model. In fact, empathy and support are actually not helpful in dealing with a narcissist.

• This may involve setting boundaries with the narcissist, seeking support from a therapist or support group, and learning to prioritize your own needs and well-being.
• The care team helps clients overcome these symptoms and develop a healthy support system.
• In this article, I want to explore the relationship between narcissists and alcohol, examining why they drink and how alcohol affects their behavior.

Someone who has a diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) experiences grandiose, arrogant behavior patterns that are coupled with a lack of empathy and need to be admired. These behaviors are at the expense of other people, including loved ones. If you or someone you know is struggling with an alcoholic narcissist, reach out to a professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who can guide you towards appropriate treatment options. Remember, seeking help is a courageous step towards reclaiming a healthier and more fulfilling life. Furthermore, the unpredictable nature of alcoholism can make the relationship tumultuous and chaotic. The alcoholic narcissist’s drinking patterns and behavior can be erratic, causing emotional instability and a sense of walking on eggshells for their partners.

Treatment Approaches for Narcissism and Alcoholism

To friends, family, and even coworkers, it can seem as though the alcoholic will sacrifice everything to be able to drink. Individuals with a NPD feel they can only be understood by special people. These individuals have a lack of concern for the well-being of others or how others may be affected by their actions.

• Treating each condition independently can sometimes lead people to “choose one over the other,” especially if care is not coordinated.
• Often, family therapy reduces the negative effects on children or partners.
• 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.
• The consumption of alcohol can lower inhibitions, leading to an amplification of narcissistic traits.

The current study explored the relationship between narcissism and alcohol use, alcohol-related problems, problem recognition, evaluation, and problem expectancies in a college population. Grandiose and vulnerable narcissism differentially predicted all five of the outcomes. If you think you have either or both conditions, it’s best to talk with a mental health professional for a diagnosis. 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. Although experts believe that genetic factors can make people up to 50% more inclined toward alcohol use disorder, addiction has many possible causes.

Narcissistic Traits in Alcoholics

With a focus on expanding care access, empowering patient choice, and enhancing care quality, the company delivers innovative solutions that support individuals throughout their mental health journey. Research suggests that narcissism is not caused by alcohol, but rather by other factors that occur during the early developmental period. For instance, research has shown that genetic predispositions can place a person at risk of NPD.

• If you have NPD and AUD, finding support can be challenging because they are two separate disorders with two separate treatment approaches.
• Furthermore, the unpredictable nature of alcoholism can make the relationship tumultuous and chaotic.
• Research suggests that narcissism is not caused by alcohol, but rather by other factors that occur during the early developmental period.
• Remember, seeking help is a courageous step towards reclaiming a healthier and more fulfilling life.
• If you are in a relationship with someone who struggles with addiction, and is a narcissist, you may find it difficult or impossible to figure out what, precisely, you should be doing, thinking, or feeling.

Understanding this cycle is crucial in comprehending the complex relationship between these two conditions. One thing that has intrigued researchers about narcissists is that they are ultimately playing a losing game, and prone to self-defeating behaviors. If someone you know exhibits destructive, selfish behavior—and can’t be held accountable for it due to their drinking—it can be hard to decipher if you’re dealing with an alcoholic or a narcissist. A person struggling with alcoholism can appear to dismiss friends and family to spend time with others that support their need to drink excessively. To family, it can appear that their loved one is putting these newfound friends ahead of them (similar to what a narcissist would do).

Narcissism and alcohol: Is there a link?

People who think that they may have an addiction or a personality disorder should consult a doctor or mental health professional for advice and treatment. People with narcissistic personality disorders may wish to control their sexual partner’s behavior for their own satisfaction, and they may have an inflated sense of sexual entitlement. This study concluded that people with grandiose narcissism are more able to evaluate and recognize their problems with alcohol covert narcissism and alcoholism than people with vulnerable narcissism. People in the latter group are less able to recognize that they have a problem and are, therefore, less likely to be ready to change their behaviors. 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.

According to some of my clients who’ve had experience with alcoholic narcissists, they might tell a few select half-truths when drunk and even reveal something of their underlying insecurities. Narcissists think they’re better than everyone else and even that they’re unaffected by the effects of alcohol abuse due to their inherent superiority. Another reason narcissists are at risk of becoming addicted to alcohol is that they believe they’re impervious to its negative effects. Another reason narcissists are likely to become alcoholics is their desire to fit in or stand out in social situations. A dry drunk has stopped drinking but hasn’t yet dealt with the issues that caused their alcohol dependence.

What are the potential consequences of being in a relationship with a narcissistic alcoholic?

345 college students (28% male, 72% female) from a Midwestern university were recruited from undergraduate psychology courses from April 2015 to October 2016. The number of criteria a person meets determines whether they have AUD, and if so, the severity of the condition. It can be a part of celebratory occasions and fun, or an occasional way to unwind after a long day. For some people, alcohol use becomes regular and problematic and may lead to dependence. Read more about living with a person who has AUD and managing a relationship with someone who has NPD. 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.