Alcoholism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissism and Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a progressive and chronic medical condition that concerns the compulsive use of alcohol despite negative consequences. Individuals who suffer from a diagnosable alcohol use disorder typically face a range of internal and external ramifications, including (but certainly not limited to), lowered self-esteem, depression, anxiety, a lack of self-worth, compromised interpersonal relationships, job loss, and financial instability. 

Narcissism is a mental health condition that concerns a heightened, disproportionate sense of self-importance and an inability to accept personal responsibility. Those who suffer from NPD find it difficult to take accountability; they tend to believe their misfortune is a direct result of the inadequacies of others. Many narcissistic individuals manipulate those around them in order to maintain their own appearance and ultimately get what they want. 

Both alcoholism and narcissism can concern several of the same symptoms, including a lack of empathy for others, emotional manipulation, and an inflated ego. It is often found that the alcoholic and the narcissist require admiration and praise from others — often because their sense of self is harshly unstable or entirely non-existent.

How Narcissists and Alcoholics Are Similar

An individual who is in the throes of active alcoholism will often fail to consider how their actions affect their loved ones and others around them. It is not necessarily because they don’t care about others, but because they don’t have the mental or emotional capacity to look outside of themselves. Once a person loses control over their alcohol consumption, they spend the majority of their time figuring out how, when, and where to drink, drinking, and recovering from the effects of excessive alcohol consumption. They are driven to continue drinking at all costs, even if that means deeply hurting those around them. Similarly, individuals who struggle with NPD struggle to see things from the perspective of others. They tend to engage in destructive behaviors at the expense of others, and often experience the same sense of denial that goes hand-in-hand with alcoholism. 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Alcohol Abuse

When Narcissistic Personality Disorder and alcohol use disorder co-occur, it can be difficult to differentiate the symptoms of one disorder from another. It is imperative that each disorder be treated simultaneously in a designated dual diagnosis treatment center. If a person is treated for NPD and an underlying alcohol use disorder is left unaddressed, there is a good chance that heavy drinking will ultimately render NPD treatment ineffective. The opposite is also true — if a person is treated for alcoholism but is still exhibiting symptoms of NPD, these symptoms will likely eventually lead them back to alcohol use. 

If you believe that someone you love is suffering from NPD and alcoholism, there are several specific warning signs to keep an eye out for. If you would like more information on dual diagnosis treatment options in your area, contact us today. 

Warning signs of NPD and alcoholism include:

• Manipulation of other people. Individuals with NPD and an alcohol use disorder often manipulate others utilizing deceit, flagrant lies, and emotional appeal in order to get what they want. They might go to great lengths to protect their substance use, even if it means hurting others along the way. 
• An inability to take personal responsibility. For example, someone who is suffering from NPD and alcohol dependence might lose their job because they continuously show up to work hungover and struggle to meet deadlines. Rather than take responsibility and say, “I lost my job because of my alcohol use,” they might say, “I lost my job because my boss is a real piece of work. I’ve done great things for that company, and my efforts were never recognized! It’s their loss.” 
• Superficial interpersonal relationships. Someone with an alcohol use disorder will struggle to develop and maintain meaningful relationships, often because they are consumed with alcohol use and because they have repeatedly let down their loved ones. Those with NPD will also struggle to maintain close relationships with others, often because they have a difficult time with the concept of give-and-take. 

Individuals who suffer from alcoholism and narcissism often grapple with feelings of shame and have a propensity towards self-destruction. The good news is that recovery is possible. Contact us today to learn more.