Narcissism and alcoholism: Is there a link?

Morgan Blair is our expert medical reviewer, a licensed therapist, and writer with a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. Her work combines mental health advocacy and creative expression to provide valuable support for those on their mental health journey. Treatment can help someone with NPD and AUD to change their behavior and what causes alcohol use disorder alcoholism reduce the level of dysfunction that these two conditions have in their daily life. When a person has two conditions, the best option is often to treat the two conditions simultaneously. Given that genetic factors and childhood history are strongly linked to narcissism, it doesn’t seem that alcohol alone can directly cause narcissism.

1. Narcissism and alcoholism are different conditions, but they can occur simultaneously and may share some overlapping symptoms.
2. Risk-taking behaviors, including alcohol and drug abuse, are common in individuals with NPD.
3. For example, perhaps types of drinking motives (e.g., conformity or coping) differentially mediate the relationship between narcissism subtypes and alcohol outcomes.
4. Studies suggest that “narcissists have higher cortisol and cardiovascular reactivity in socially threatening situations” and experience more stress.
5. 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.

This reinforces the association between alcohol and the alleviation of negative emotions, leading to a higher risk of developing alcohol dependence. Alcoholism can have profound effects on individuals’ lives, relationships, and overall well-being. It is important to recognize that alcoholism is not solely a result of personal weakness or moral failing, but rather a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. That change, Malkin says, is about learning to open up to and depend on loved ones and friends in healthy ways.

Does Alcohol Make Narcissistic Behavior Worse?

Once they receive this affirmation, they experience grandiosity and may behave in an arrogant and entitled way. However, without affirmation, the same individual may feel depressed and ashamed. Therefore, the presence or absence of external validations of their value determines whether a person may have the traits of grandiose narcissism or vulnerable narcissism. It is important to note, however, that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) does not distinguish between types of narcissism. The idea of vulnerable versus grandiose narcissism comes from the psychodynamic idea that people with narcissistic traits believe they need to be perfect to be okay.

You nor your loved one are under any obligation to commit to an Ark Behavioral Health treatment program when calling our helpline. Many of the symptoms of NPD are thought to be the result of a sensitive or vulnerable ego. While they may not show it outwardly, criticism is especially unbearable for a narcissist.

In traditional types of addiction recovery programs, it is not unusual to find people that meet the criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder NPD, even though they may never have been diagnosed. Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available. Individuals with a NPD feel they can only be understood by special people. They take advantage of others, especially to accomplish their own goals. 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.

What’s the outlook for people with NPD or AUD?

Narcissists often struggle with underlying feelings of emptiness, dissatisfaction, and a constant need for validation. Alcohol can serve as a temporary means of escape from these negative emotions and the pressures of maintaining a grandiose self-image. Additionally, societal and cultural influences can contribute to the development of narcissism and alcoholism. Societies that prioritize individualism and materialism may foster a higher prevalence of narcissistic traits. Similarly, cultural norms surrounding alcohol and its consumption can influence an individual’s likelihood of developing alcoholism. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate the difference between the two types of narcissism and how they relate to alcohol outcomes in a college sample.

Personality disorders are grouped into clusters based on similar traits. Narcissism and alcoholism are different conditions, but they can occur simultaneously and may share some overlapping symptoms. While both conditions can be challenging, certain approaches can help individuals overcome the potential complications of these disorders. On the other hand, the term “alcoholic” describes someone who has an alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is the clinical term for an alcohol addiction. In summary, whether alcohol is to blame or not, having a person with narcissistic traits in your life can be exhausting and upsetting.

Because a person with NPD will often approach therapy with ambivalence or negative feelings, they are more likely to give up prematurely. They also tend to have a low tolerance for stress and will often give up and walk away than deal with it. For instance, NPD and AUD both involve psychotherapy, but the formats for each can vary. For NPD, it may involve individual or group counseling using cognitive behavioral therapy, schema-focused therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy.

Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissism and Alcohol Outcomes

Groups that provide support, such as 12-step programs, are an important resource for those in recovery. The purpose of these groups is to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can share your struggles and receive encouragement and guidance from others. People with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), also known as alcoholism, can exhibit self-absorption and a desire for admiration, similar to those with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). However, there are distinctions between the two that are crucial to recognize. Discover the challenges, treatment options, and finding hope on the road to recovery.

Narcissistic Personality Traits and Substance Abuse

It was estimated as recently as 2017, that approximately one in every eight adults in the United States meets the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. However, it is more likely that the alcoholic why sobriety in your 20s doesnt mean the good times are over is trying to surround themselves with others that support these extreme drinking habits. They also have a deep hatred of the self which they cover with a highly extroverted persona.

Though age was collected, it was not controlled for due to the sample being so homogenous. At Step 2 the types of narcissism, vulnerable and grandiose, were simultaneously entered into the model. An overall mean score of narcissism was calculated for the two subscales (i.e., grandiose and vulnerable narcissism). Internal consistency in the current study was alpha of .84 for the grandiose narcissism subscale and .79 for the vulnerable narcissism subscale. If you know someone who regularly uses alcohol, it’s possible that narcissism might be one of the influencing factors.

All personality and substance abuse disorders are diagnosed based on a strict set of criteria described in the DSM-5. While there is room for interpretation, a person with NPD and/or AUD must meet a minimum standard before a diagnosis can be delivered with confidence. Research suggests that narcissism is not caused by alcohol, but rather by other factors that occur during the early developmental period. For instance, research has shown that genetic predispositions can place a person at risk of NPD. Childhood rejection or experiences like child abuse and neglect are also linked to NPD [2].

How to determine the cause of your loved one’s behavior.

This positive reinforcement from others can further perpetuate their reliance on alcohol as a means of bolstering their ego and maintaining their desired image. In the next section, we will explore treatment approaches and recovery strategies for individuals dealing with both understanding constipation after quitting drinking. Furthermore, alcoholic narcissist has an exceptionally difficult time admitting that they have a problem. In general, narcissists don’t like to accept responsibility for what they say and do.

Both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism were predictors of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. Some mental health conditions are likely to occur together, and when they do, they’re called co-occurring disorders. Alcohol use disorder and narcissism are common co-occurring disorders, and in some cases, the symptoms of the two conditions may present similarly [1]. While narcissism and alcoholism don’t always occur together, there are some reasons why narcissists might be more prone to developing an alcohol use disorder than the average person. Talk therapy can be an effective treatment for people with narcissistic personality disorder. It can help them learn ways to develop empathy for others, assess their capabilities realistically, and improve their ability to regulate their emotions.