A trained mental health professional is usually able to diagnose personality disorders using standardized psychiatric interview methods. Psychotherapy, medications, and support systems play crucial roles in addressing both the alcohol use disorder and narcissistic personality traits. Our why are the holidays so hard for those in recovery programs are designed to address both alcohol use disorder and the underlying personality traits or co-occurring mental health concerns that often accompany it.
Anxiety After Drinking
Narcissism involves manipulation, taking advantage of the kindness of others, and selfish behaviors. Loss of close relationships is often the most devastating and frequent consequence of untreated NPD. The person with the disorder is often the last to experience consequences as they manipulate others to protect themselves. Sometimes, self-destructive tendencies cause people with NPD to make impulsive life-changing decisions, including cheating on a spouse or failing to follow proper workplace procedures. People with NPD have a higher rate of relationship failures, legal issues, and difficulty making healthy social connections in their personal and professional lives.
These vulnerabilities may contribute to the development of both conditions or make individuals more susceptible to their co-occurrence. The combination can lead to deteriorating relationships, as loved ones may struggle to cope with the emotional rollercoaster caused by both conditions. The reinforcement of entitlement can lead to a cycle where alcohol abuse fuels narcissistic tendencies and vice versa. Narcissistic people often feel entitled and believe they deserve special treatment.
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It’s common for two mental health conditions to co-exist, a situation known as comorbidity. Both NPD and AUD are mental health conditions listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). While diagnosis and treatment can be challenging, studies have shown that the successful treatment of a mental illness can lead to alcohol recovery in two out of every three cases.
Overcoming the Dual Challenge: Treatment and Recovery
Many reputable sources recommend screening and addressing both conditions simultaneously so progress in one area isn’t undermined by the other. Progress requires willingness to stick with treatment and practice new interpersonal skills. Long‑term psychotherapy is the primary approach; options include CBT, dialectical behavior therapy, schema therapy, transference‑focused psychotherapy, and other relational models. What you can do is get support, set clear boundaries, and choose safety.
How do narcissism and alcoholism impact relationships?
This may include therapy, support groups, and medication when appropriate. This combination is not uncommon, as individuals with NPD may turn to alcohol to cope with underlying insecurities or boost their self-image. It’s a chronic brain disease marked by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. Both types share core narcissistic traits but express them differently. Both conditions can significantly impact a person’s relationships, well-being, and overall quality of life.
- Recognizing these commonalities can help you understand and cope with people who have Narcissistic Personality Disorder, untreated alcoholism, or both.
- Pathways Recovery Center offers detox and residential treatment programs.
- Emerging treatments and ongoing studies aim to improve outcomes for individuals with co-occurring narcissism and alcohol use disorder.
- Long-term studies are needed to assess treatment outcomes and identify factors that promote sustained recovery.
- Both conditions can significantly impact a person’s relationships, well-being, and overall quality of life.
How Are Narcissism and Alcoholism Similar—and How Are They Different?
The fact that other people bear the brunt of the adverse side effects sets NPD apart from most other disorders. Narcissism and alcoholism both worsen symptoms people may be trying to avoid. However, studies have shown family participation in the treatment process may increase the effectiveness of therapy for some individuals. Grandiose narcissism reflects positive self-esteem, inflated self-views, high approach motivation, social confidence, and the need for admiration.” Each form of narcissism requires different treatments to address the root causes of the disorder. Risk-taking behaviors, including alcohol and drug abuse, are common in individuals with NPD. Generally, people grow out of overt narcissistic behaviors when they reach puberty.
- Many people with narcissistic behaviors are highly controlling of their environment and health.
- Instead, they shame other people for their wrongdoings to avoid their feelings.
- The narcissistic alcoholic may attempt to isolate their partner from friends and family, limiting their support system.
- At Dove Recovery, we also understand that everyone has different goals for their recovery journey.
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When these two disorders co-occur, their effects can amplify each other, leading to more severe emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal challenges. NPD is characterized by inflated self-importance and lack of empathy, while alcohol use disorder involves an inability to control alcohol consumption despite negative impacts. Read on to learn more about both disorders and how to treat them. Long-term studies are needed to assess treatment outcomes and identify factors that promote sustained recovery.
Left unchecked, both narcissism and alcoholism can be detrimental to mental and physical health — along with negatively affecting social circles and family connections. Narcissistic personality disorder and alcoholism frequently coexist, but there are some differences. The relationship between narcissism and alcoholism presents unique and complex challenges, and when these disorders coexist — expect the challenges to multiply. Read further to understand both narcissism and alcoholism and the potential correlations between the two disorders. However, alcoholism can cause some people to develop narcissistic traits. Whether you have narcissistic personality disorder, alcohol use disorder, or both, getting professional help is crucial.
Narcissistic personality disorder can be one of the more challenging mental health conditions to treat. Individuals with co-occurring personality disorders have a higher risk of experiencing a relapse during treatment and early recovery. However, narcissistic traits do not inherently indicate the presence of a mental health disorder. In addition, people with NPD have a higher risk of being diagnosed with more severe mental health disorders, including schizophrenia. Many people struggling with substance misuse have co-occurring mental health disorders.
Prioritize safety, set and enforce clear boundaries, avoid circular arguments while intoxicated, and seek professional and peer support. Using accurate clinical terms avoids stigma and helps you pursue the right treatments and benefits (insurance, referrals, level of care). Medications may target co‑occurring conditions (depression, anxiety), not NPD itself. In the case of an alcoholic narcissist, these patterns are often intensified by alcohol use, creating a cycle of denial and conflict. If narcissism is also present, focusing on personal safety and clear boundaries is essential.
They’re often the best people to practice disclosure with. Reach out to loved ones you trust who can walk with you through the recovery journal. But don’t just limit yourself to support groups. If you live in a remote region, you can also find online support through Facebook Groups or by joining “closed” support groups like I am Sober, Sober Tool, and Sober Grid.
By Michelle PugleMichelle Pugle writes health articles for award-winning websites, as seen in Healthline, Verywell, Everyday Health, and Psych Central. You can also find narcissist abuse support groups, both online or in-person, through organizations like Help Within Reach. You can take them with you to your next appointment to talk with your healthcare provider.
But crying is meaningless because they still won’t stop drinking. Additionally, many alcoholics will lie about how many drinks they had or when they had their last drink. Alcoholics will say they can stop drinking anytime they want. People with AUD will use and manipulate others to get to alcohol.
Impacts and Consequences
A professional evaluation can differentiate temporary alcohol‑related behaviors from enduring NPD patterns. Guidance from clinical sources favors treating both at the same time—evidence‑based AUD care (medical management, behavioral therapies, mutual‑help) plus psychotherapy for NPD/traits. However, true NPD traits typically require psychotherapy (e.g., long‑term talk therapy). They may co‑occur and share outward behaviors, but they differ in etiology and treatment. Alcohol can heighten impulsivity, grandiosity, and emotional dysregulation, potentially amplifying narcissistic traits (e.g., entitlement or low empathy) during intoxication or withdrawal.