Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches skills to manage emotions and improve interpersonal relationships. This can be particularly helpful for those struggling with narcissistic traits and alcohol abuse. Alcoholism is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over intake, and negative emotional states when not drinking. It affects millions of people worldwide and can have severe consequences on health, relationships, and overall quality of life. If you think you have either or both conditions, it’s best to talk with a mental health professional for a diagnosis. A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial matters.

Mental Health:

Co-occurring disorders have a profound impact on individuals and families. People who display addictive behaviors in addition to narcissistic traits may require a substance abuse treatment program that is equipped to treat co-occurring disorders. Narcissism and alcoholism often co-occur, creating complex challenges for individuals affected by both conditions. These disorders can amplify each other’s effects and complicate treatment approaches. Narcissistic personality disorder is just one of several personality disorders that can be dually diagnosed with alcoholism. However, there is some evidence that having narcissistic personality disorder can make you more vulnerable to alcohol abuse.

Drug Abuse as a Hinderance to Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatment

Understanding the relationship between alcoholism and narcissistic behaviors is crucial in developing effective treatment approaches. By addressing both the underlying narcissistic traits and the alcohol use disorder, individuals can work towards a healthier and more balanced life. Integrated treatment approaches recognize the interplay between these disorders and provide comprehensive care.

• Various therapies and treatment programs are effective in treating co-occurring disorders.
• People can misuse alcohol without having AUD or being addicted to alcohol.
• This reinforces the association between alcohol and the alleviation of negative emotions, leading to a higher risk of developing alcohol dependence.
• The reduced concern about social judgment may make a person with narcissistic personality disorder more likely to use or abuse marijuana compared to other illicit substances.

Health Challenges

NPD is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. AUD, on the other hand, is a chronic disorder characterized by the compulsive and harmful consumption of alcohol. Understanding the nature of narcissism and alcoholism sets the stage for exploring the connection between these two conditions. To comprehend the relationship between narcissism and alcoholism, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of narcissism itself. Narcissism is not a binary characteristic but rather a spectrum, with varying degrees of narcissistic traits observed in individuals. Some individuals may exhibit mild narcissistic traits without meeting the criteria for NPD, while others may have more severe narcissistic tendencies.

Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria

MentalHealth.com is a health technology company guiding people towards self-understanding and connection. 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. Dr. Jenni Jacobsen, PhD is a medical reviewer, licensed social worker, and behavioral health consultant, holding a PhD in clinical psychology. The platform offers reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities. Its mission involves educating, supporting, and empowering people in their pursuit of well-being. The number of criteria a person meets determines whether they have AUD, and if so, the severity of the condition.

The occurrence of two such conditions is called a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. The reduced concern about social judgment may make a person with narcissistic personality disorder more likely to use or abuse marijuana compared to other illicit substances. If untreated, drug use can prevent progress from being made innarcissistic personality disorder treatment. Narcissistic personality disorder andsubstance use disordersboth are challenging to treat on their own. Combining narcissistic personality disorder with drug abuse can cause treatment adherence to drop even lower. The disinhibiting effects of alcohol can amplify narcissistic tendencies, such as an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration and attention, and a lack of empathy for others.

It’s possible to have a narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) as well as an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Based on existing research, we can’t say that alcoholism causes a personality disorder like narcissism. Personality disorders usually start when someone is a teenager or young adult. Even when an alcoholic doesn’t have a full diagnosis of NPD, they act in ways that are similar to a narcissist. It is not uncommon for two mental health conditions to co-exist (referred to as a comorbidity).

• Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive, complicated disease that is hallmarked by an unmanageable compulsion to drink alcohol.
• Threatened egotism was listed as a factor that motivated increased alcohol use.
• Some features of narcissistic personality disorder are like those of other personality disorders.
• But if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other conditions, medicines such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medicines may be helpful.

Developmental Factors in the Etiology of NPD

By Lana BandoimBandoim has nearly 20 years of experience writing for a variety of outlets including health sites, scientific publishers, and academic medical centers. Coping with NPD can be difficult since the person who has the condition usually does not realize it. Narcissism may also lead to aggression and violence narcissism and alcoholism in both men and women. Aggression and violence may appear because the person with NPD feels threatened or wants to protect the ego. This pattern of compulsive behavior comes from deep insecurity and low self-esteem. When AUD and NPD occur together, it can increase a person’s hostility and aggression.

• Individuals with a NPD feel they can only be understood by special people.
• Also, people with AUD might seem to behave similarly to people with narcissistic traits.
• This combination is not uncommon, as individuals with NPD may turn to alcohol to cope with underlying insecurities or boost their self-image.
• Studies of twins and families show heritability estimates of 50-60% for narcissistic personality disorder and 40-60% for alcohol use disorder.
• Alcoholism can have profound effects on individuals’ lives, relationships, and overall well-being.

These behaviors are also seen in people with alcoholism (also known as a severe alcohol use disorder) and drug use or substance use disorders. Treating NPD can be challenging and may require long-term therapy, but working alongside healthcare professionals can help people reduce symptoms. With treatment, those with NPD can live healthy lives with positive relationships. Long-term studies are needed to assess treatment outcomes and identify factors that promote sustained recovery. Advancing our understanding of these complex, intertwined conditions can lead to more effective interventions and improved quality of life for affected individuals.