The narcissistic alcoholic might blame others for their drinking or use their addiction as an excuse for poor behavior. People with narcissistic traits often have trouble maintaining healthy relationships. They may struggle with jealousy, have a sense of entitlement, and display manipulative behaviors. Narcissism is a complex personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a deep need for attention and admiration. It exists on a spectrum, ranging from healthy self-esteem to pathological narcissistic personality disorder. A 2018 study examined the link between narcissism and alcohol use based on a survey of 345 college students.
Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissism: Associations with Alcohol Use, Alcohol Problems and Problem Recognition
A trained mental health professional is usually able to diagnose personality disorders using standardized psychiatric interview methods. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 22.6% of people with a personality disorder may also have a substance misuse disorder. Family therapy is often beneficial, helping to repair relationships damaged by narcissistic behaviors and alcohol abuse. Effective treatment for narcissistic alcoholism requires a multifaceted approach. Psychotherapy, medications, and support systems play crucial roles in addressing both the alcohol use disorder and narcissistic personality traits.
What to know about narcissism and alcoholism
Moderators such as positive or negative affect or reward sensitivity might affect the strength of the associations found in this study. In addition, future research could include more ethnically diverse samples to determine if the associations found here differ for students of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. While alcohol use disorder and narcissism occur together relatively often, this doesn’t necessarily mean that NPD causes alcohol problems. It is, however, possible that individuals who experience distress or dysfunction as a result of NPD may turn to alcohol consumption as a coping mechanism, placing them at higher risk of developing AUD. By working towards a healthier and more fulfilling life through these strategies, individuals can break free from the destructive cycle of narcissism and alcoholism.
If they’ve just started dating a new partner and are still in the love-bombing phase, they’re likely to become even more vociferous about their love and admiration for that idealized person. They will do anything to avoid scrutinizing their inner selves, even if it means drinking so much that it hurts their lives. The experience of having nothing to do, and no one to impress, fills them with dread because it brings with it a risk of self-reflection. Alcohol helps the narcissist overcome their deep-seated insecurities and gain confidence, increasing the likelihood of them experiencing problems with alcohol later on. Research suggests that narcissists suffer more stress than non-narcissists, possibly because they’re actually more insecure.
- If your alcohol use is severe, you’ll likely need to go to an inpatient facility so that you can safely withdraw from alcohol.
- For a person to recover fully, they’ll generally need treatment that addresses both disorders.
- An overall mean score of narcissism was calculated for the two subscales (i.e., grandiose and vulnerable narcissism).
- Individuals with these types of relationships may not consider how their actions affect others.
Dealing with the Alcoholic Narcissist
This combination is not uncommon, as individuals with NPD may turn to alcohol to cope with underlying insecurities or boost their self-image. Both narcissistic personality disorder and alcoholism are treatable conditions, tommy lee sober but getting an alcoholic narcissist to accept help is notoriously difficult. Not all narcissists are alcoholics, nor are all alcoholics narcissists, although alcoholism often causes people to develop narcissistic traits, such as arrogance, self-absorption, and a lack of empathy.
Mood-related symptoms may include irritability, anxiety, and depression, especially when unable to drink. 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.
Alcohol misuse vs. alcohol use disorder
If you think you have NPD, try to make an appointment with a mental health professional. You can connect with a mental health professional using the Healthline FindCare tool. You can take steps to prevent relapse, such as recognizing your triggers and joining a support group. If you do relapse, try to seek help again — it’s still possible to make a full recovery. You might also engage in lifestyle changes and self-care strategies in order to make progress.
Establish clear boundaries to protect your emotional well-being, being clear about what behaviors you’re willing to tolerate and what your reaction will be if those boundaries are crossed. As alcohol impairs judgment, a narcissist’s underlying need for control and power can escalate into full-scale aggression. While on a drinking binge, a narcissist may start fabricating stories to secure the attention and sympathy of those around them. Narcissists base their self-worth on the praise and attention of others, and when they fail to secure it experience depressive symptoms like shame and isolation, which they seek to drown in alcohol. For instance, they tend to demonstrate a lack of empathy and are prone to anger, irritability, and impulsivity outbursts.
They have yet to confront the shame, guilt, or past trauma that drew them to alcohol in the first place, so are at risk of relapsing. Vulnerable narcissists are highly sensitive to criticism and may turn to alcohol to numb the emotional pain and create a temporary buffer against negative feelings. In this article, I want to explore the relationship between narcissists and alcohol, examining why they drink and how alcohol affects their behavior. They will con a way to buy alcohol, drink in secret, and find a way to cover their drinking. For narcissists, manipulation is a way to use someone to get the reactions or attention they desire.