The Relationship Between Alcohol Use and Narcissistic Personality Disorder

They may struggle with maintaining healthy relationships and may have difficulty admitting they have a problem. According to Vazire & Funder’s meta-analysis (Vazire & Funder, 2006), impulsive acts account for much of a narcissist’s maladaptive behavior. In fact, narcissists have been found to score lower on overall self-control (Ludwig et al., 2013; sample of narcissism and alcoholism healthy 18–34 year olds) than non-narcissists. In addition, self-control has been found to mediate a composite score for narcissism (using the PNI) and substance use. Due to a tendency to use poor self-regulation strategies, narcissists may be particularly prone to engaging in alcohol use through IC, (Dowgwillo, Dawood, & Pincus, 2016; Vazire & Funder, 2006).

It is characterized as a problematic relationship with alcohol where the individual cannot control their drinking, even when they want to stop. It is important to prioritize self-care and set healthy boundaries. Coping strategies may include seeking support from friends and family, seeking professional counseling, and practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation and exercise. We need a recovery program for the self-absorbed” – Patti Maguire Armstrong (2014). Historically, narcissism has been deemed excessive selfishness or self-admiration. The complete sonnets and poems of Shakespeare (Shakespeare, 1912) recanted the Greek story of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, while ignoring a chance for a real relationship.

Reasons Why Narcissists Indulge In Fast Relationships

Because of their lack of self-accountability, choosing the right rehab program is an important factor in maintaining a long-term recovery. This means that they don’t like to seriously think about their behaviors. They avoid reflecting on their insecurities and lack of self-esteem by drinking. Alcoholism is used to describe the chemical and psychological dependence on alcohol that a person may have. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5)  uses “alcohol use disorder” as the official term for alcoholism.

• Multiple regression analyses were conducted in Stata 14 (StataCorp, 2014).
• Those close to both narcissists and alcoholics experience deprivation, abandonment, shame, rejection and feeling used.
• They insist that their drinking is normal and may even be proud of it, especially if it makes them seem special.
• A personality disorder is a type of mental illness where the person has a strict and unhealthy pattern of thinking, behaving, and functioning.
• If they are cut off from alcohol, they may become angry or violent.

Doing activities with friends or families are not as fun if it does not involve a bit of drinking and so the individual would brush off the event. An individual may be an alcoholic narcissist, someone who has NPD and then develops alcohol addiction and dependence. But their alcoholic personality https://ecosoberhouse.com/ leads them to act in ways that are similar to a narcissist. In contrast, vulnerable narcissism, or covert narcissism, was a risk factor for future alcohol-related problems. Compared to grandiose narcissists, people in this group were more likely to acknowledge that they had a problem.

Alcoholism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder: How Are They Related?

Alcohol dependency can be mixed in with mood, anxiety, substance abuse, and personality disorders. In addition to these symptoms, people with a narcissistic personality disorder may also have difficulty holding down long-term relationships due to their lack of empathy and disturbed interpersonal dynamics. They may be prone to outbursts of anger and have difficulty controlling their emotions.

• Alcoholism is more than just occasionally drinking too much and causing a scene.
• They also tend to have a low tolerance for stress and will often give up and walk away than deal with it.
• Alcohol use may also increase self-centeredness, which can contribute to the development of a narcissistic personality disorder.

Many individuals who struggle with substance disorders tend to condemn others due to their alcoholic personalities. They may blame the fact that they drink on their family or friends. While it is partially true that an individual can begin drinking due to a stressful environment or to let loose in hopes of feeling better, this can damage relationships. As a result of self-centeredness and denial, alcoholics can behave in manipulative ways.

Facets of grandiose narcissism predict involvement in health-risk behaviors

This study highlights the importance of individual differences in alcohol-related outcomes in a high risk population of college students. Multiple regression analyses were conducted in Stata 14 (StataCorp, 2014). Five outcome variables (alcohol use, problems, and problem recognition, expectancies and evaluations) were tested in steps. For each regression model, gender, social desirability, and alcohol use (in the models where it wasn’t the outcome) were entered at Step 1. Though age was collected, it was not controlled for due to the sample being so homogenous.

• This means that the signs of narcissism can vary, though many people show similar features.
• Both NPD and AUD are mental health conditions classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5).
• One example is being referred to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) on the presumption of AUD.
• People with an alcohol use disorder struggle to control their consumption of the substance.
• They might view their problem as a personal shortcoming or a failure that they are embarrassed to open up about.
• You might also consider seeing a therapist who can provide you with coping tools and a means to sort out your feelings.