10 Ways Narcissists and Alcoholics Are Similar

These individuals have a lack of concern for the well-being of others or how others may be affected by their actions. These individuals will debate, argue, distract, or back you into a corner, due to the way alcohol affects them. Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive, complicated disease that is hallmarked by an unmanageable compulsion to drink alcohol. Regardless of consequences, an alcoholic will find a reason to drink, even if they have to make one up and deny the actual repercussions. An alcoholic can exhibit symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), but usually not enough to be diagnosed. When AUD and NPD occur together, it can increase a person’s hostility and aggression.

Struggling With Addiction or Mental health Issues?

The number of criteria a person meets determines whether they have AUD, and if so, the severity of the condition. It can be a part of celebratory occasions and fun, or an occasional way to unwind after a long day. For some people, alcohol use becomes regular and problematic and may lead to dependence.

• Methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and schema therapy can be helpful to address the similarities and differences between the two conditions.
• The combination of high grandiosity, low self-esteem, and vulnerable narcissism can create a powerful fuel for a self-destructive cycle.
• For example, you can express your need for personal space without feeling guilty.
• Similarly, using alcohol doesn’t mean a person with NPD has AUD, even if there have been incidents of extreme intoxication.
• The number of criteria a person meets determines whether they have AUD, and if so, the severity of the condition.
• Again, if care is not coordinated by a qualified mental health professional, the overlapping treatments can lead to drug interactions, unintended side effects, and the possible abandonment of treatment.
• In either case, alcohol use can exaggerate a narcissist’s already fragile sense of self-importance, leading to grandiosity and arrogance.

Diagnosing alcoholism and NPD

But when you consider someone’s motivation behind those acts of service, the covert narcissist may be doing those things for praise, admiration or just to get ahead in life. Plus, it’s easy for a covert narcissist to burn themselves out by over-extending themselves for other people in an effort to be perceived as a good person. Treating SUDs and mental illnesses frequently involve using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

AUD Prognosis

This can make treatment more challenging than it would be to treat each issue separately. Reach out to loved ones you trust who can walk with you through the recovery journal. Treating each condition independently can sometimes lead people to “choose one over the other,” especially if care is not coordinated. One example is being referred to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) on the presumption of AUD.

But more specifically, covert narcissists tend to rely on self-deprecation and negative self-talk as a means of getting sympathy and attention from others. If you say out loud, “Wow, I look horrible today,” others may come rushing in with positive compliments about how you don’t look that bad. If you tend to say things like, “I’m such a loser,” or “I’m such an idiot,” others will quickly step in to oppose those negative comments and come to your rescue.

Recognizing Signs and Seeking Help

• You can take them with you to your next appointment to talk with your healthcare provider.
• Remember, seeking professional help is a proactive step towards prioritizing your mental health and emotional well-being when dealing with a covert narcissist family member.
• Aggressive behavior and pathological narcissism were linked to alcohol overuse in a 2017 study of Canadian men.
• Addressing the underlying depression, denial, or childhood trauma that drives both narcissism and alcohol consumption can provide the clarity needed for lasting change.
• By acknowledging the relationship between narcissistic personality disorder and alcohol use disorder, both professionals and loved ones can better support those living with alcoholic narcissism on their journey to recovery.
• Their insecurity and low self-esteem might lead them to expect bad situations to occur.27 It is also possible that vulnerable narcissists expect problems to happen to them based on their previous experiences with alcohol problems.

While narcissism is a personality disorder and alcoholism is an addiction, narcissists and alcoholics share several characteristics. Recognizing these commonalities can help you understand and cope with people who have Narcissistic Personality Disorder, untreated alcoholism, or both. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are closely linked and can occur together as a dual diagnosis. NPD increases the risk of alcohol misuse as a means to escape difficult emotions. 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. A narcissistic personality disorder is a pattern of grandiose beliefs about oneself and arrogant behavior.

Dual 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. This was measured by the Readiness to Change Ruler for Decreased Drinking.37 Participants rated their level on the ruler ranging from 0 (Never think about my drinking) to 10 (My drinking has changed. I now drink less than before). The results speak to the effects that different types of narcissism have on alcohol use, alcohol problems and attitudes towards alcohol problems among young adults.

Remember, you deserve to feel safe and respected in your relationships, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Stay strong and prioritize your emotional health as you navigate this challenging situation. This duality of addiction and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) not only affects the individuals but also interferes with their loved ones, causing anxiety and strain in their relationships. The similarities and differences covert narcissist alcoholic between alcoholism and narcissism combined lead to a severe and challenging mental health disorder that requires special attention. Alcoholic narcissism is a term used to describe individuals who exhibit both narcissistic traits and struggle with alcohol addiction. When seeking treatment for alcoholic narcissism, it’s essential to address both the addiction and the underlying personality disorder.

The intricate interplay between narcissism and alcoholism can create a challenging dynamic that goes unnoticed by many. However, peeling back the layers of this covert behavior reveals a compelling narrative that sheds light on the hidden struggles and destructive patterns that can unfold. Dealing with a covert narcissist family member is challenging, so be kind to yourself during this process. Remember that you deserve to be treated with respect and understanding. Although covert narcissists avoid the spotlight and prefer passive-aggressive means of controlling others, this is not necessarily because they are introverted as is often stated. Rather, they lack the brash confidence of overt narcissists and fear being exposed and humiliated if they draw public attention to themselves.