An individual may be an alcoholic narcissist, someone who has NPD and then develops alcohol addiction and dependence. But their alcoholic personality leads them to act in ways that are similar to a narcissist. Whatever the case may be, people need effective alcoholism treatment. A strong treatment program will address both the problematic drinking and any other psychological issues, including narcissistic tendencies.

• Treating only one (alcoholism or narcissistic personality disorder) increases the chances of relapse.
• A 2018 study found that people with personality disorders were more likely to have AUD at some point in their lives.
• Alcohol addiction affects an alcoholic’s behavior and the way they treat people, as well.
• However, alcoholism can cause some people to develop narcissistic traits.
• Understanding the dynamics between these conditions is vital for recognizing the struggles faced by individuals and their loved ones.
• Another study from 2019 found a link between drinking and the narcissistic traits of devaluing and entitlement-rage.

#6 Encourage Professional Help

In such cases, a person might start to question the diagnosis and abandon treatment altogether even if another condition, such as NPD, actually exists. By way of example, a person must meet five of nine possible criteria for NPD to be diagnosed, ranging from grandiosity to a lack of empathy. Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa.

Alcoholism and Narcissism: Exploring the Complex Connection

Following alcohol guidelines can help people stay within moderate levels of alcohol consumption. For females, it is not advisable to consume more than one unit of alcohol per day. 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. You might also consider seeing a therapist who can provide you with coping tools and a means to sort out your feelings. This is especially true if you have conflicted emotions and are reluctant to speak with others who might judge you or your relationship. Reach out to loved ones you trust who can walk with you through the recovery journal.

Narcissism vs. narcissistic personality disorder

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• They will do anything to avoid scrutinizing their inner selves, even if it means drinking so much that it hurts their lives.
• It is also recommended to utilize family or couples counseling to heal relationships as well.
• For example, an individual may turn to alcohol as an escape or self-medication for their persistent anxiety and depression, but this may quickly develop into a destructive cycle of behavior.
• Furthermore, alcoholic narcissist has an exceptionally difficult time admitting that they have a problem.

Treatment centers can also ensure that you can access the right support systems at the right time in your treatment. Making a dual diagnosis of NPD and AUD can be challenging and something that only a qualified mental health professional can make. NPD and AUD frequently co-exist and can increase the effects of each other. People with a pattern of narcissism often turn to alcohol to reinforce a false sense of grandiosity. People with alcohol use disorder, also known as alcoholism, can display patterns of narcissism, including self-absorption and an underlying craving for admiration.

It’s like watching a butterfly emerge from a cocoon – the transformation can be truly remarkable. Alcohol has a nasty habit of bringing out the worst in people, sometimes mimicking narcissistic traits. It’s like alcohol puts on a narcissism costume, making it hard to tell what’s the booze talking and what’s a genuine personality disorder. But here’s where things get really interesting – the overlapping behaviors and symptoms. Both alcoholics and narcissists often exhibit poor impulse control, difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, and a tendency to blame others for their problems. They’re masters of denial, refusing to acknowledge the harm they cause to themselves and others.

Along with denying the existence of their drinking problem, alcoholics refuse to take responsibility for their harmful behaviors. The existence of both narcissism and alcoholism can have devastating effects on relationships. The relationship between narcissism and alcoholism presents unique and complex challenges, and when these disorders coexist — expect the challenges to multiply. You have a loved one who has been dealing with alcoholic tendencies and behaviors for years but also seems to have self-centered personality traits that have impacted their life. Suggest that the alcoholic narcissist seek professional help to address both their addiction and narcissistic traits.

The Relationship Between Narcissism and Alcoholism

In the United States, the DSM-5-TR is used to diagnose both conditions. People can misuse alcohol without having AUD or being addicted to alcohol. They might infrequently have bouts of excessive drinking, for example, but find that it doesn’t affect their life and that it’s easy to cut back on alcohol (or to stop drinking entirely). Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Individuals with NPD often have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for excessive attention and admiration.

Just as narcissism doesn’t necessarily cause alcohol use disorder, alcoholism doesn’t necessarily cause NPD. The two conditions may co-occur, but it is often difficult to determine which disorder occurred first. The study commented that people who show grandiose traits may have feelings of importance in an environment of drinking where this quality may thrive. Narcissists with low self-esteem may gain acceptance from others or a sense of security through alcohol consumption or use it as a coping mechanism for dealing with distress.

They share common risk factors, create similar relationship dynamics, and pose unique challenges for treatment. Before we address the complex are narcissists alcoholics relationship between alcoholism and narcissism, we need to understand what narcissism is. Rooted in the term “narcissus” from Greek mythology, where Narcissus fell in love with his reflection, it represents an excessive self-focus and inflated sense of self-importance. Healthcare professionals may ask people about their drinking habits to assess AUD. A psychiatrist may carry out a standard psychiatric interview, which healthcare professionals use to diagnose personality disorders.

Overlapping tools for diagnosis

People with AUD may have self-awareness of their condition and a desire to change. However, some with NPD may not be aware of how their behavior affects others. By building support from family and friends, you are more likely to stay on course with your dual treatment plan and avoid the stress that can make AUD and NPD worse.

In such cases, it’s vital to opt for treatment centers that can tackle both issues. For those in Pennsylvania, alcohol rehab in Lake Ariel PA is a good choice. Our facility provides specialized programs that focus on treating co-occurring disorders.

Integrated treatment approaches recognize the interplay between these disorders and provide comprehensive care. For instance, inpatient alcohol rehab in Pennsylvania offers a structured environment where individuals can receive intensive therapy and medical support. This type of setting is particularly beneficial for those with severe addiction and co-occurring mental health issues, ensuring they receive the necessary care to address both conditions.

Similarly, using alcohol doesn’t mean a person with NPD has AUD, even if there have been incidents of extreme intoxication. Both AUD and NPD have distinctive symptoms and features that occur independently of each other. Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.