7 Ways Narcissists and Alcoholics Resemble Each Other Medium

A loved one’s drinking and selfish behavior can be devastating and cause a great deal of pain and disappointment. If you’ve ever wondered if your loved one’s issues involve only their drinking problem or may in fact involve narcissism as well, consider the following symptoms. Narcissists don’t really understand or care about others’ feelings, and they think they can do whatever they want, even if it hurts others. Similarly, alcoholics are really good at finding ways to get alcohol, even if it means breaking rules. Mind Psychiatrist provides educational articles on psychology, personality, and narcissism.

How to cope with the challenges of relating with narcissists or addicted people

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are closely linked. Both are mental health conditions that can damage relationships, cause personal distress, and undermine a person’s quality of life and sense of well-being. The more covert form of pathological narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is not expressed the same way in every individual, but there are typical patterns that are very covert narcissist alcoholic common. If you see many or most of these attitudes and behaviors in a person you know, you’re probably dealing with someone who suffers—and makes others suffer—with covert narcissism. The combination of alcoholism and narcissism can lead to destruction in various aspects of life, including relationships, mental health, and social well-being.

Am I a Binge Drinker or an Alcoholic?

And those feeling of support and admiration, however sincere or surface-level, may feel like a boon to your self-esteem. This introvertive form of narcissism, called covert narcissism, may cause people to be more sensitive to criticism, have difficulty fitting in and become self-deprecating in an attempt to garner attention from others. Covert narcissists may also be more prone to social anxiety, passive-aggressive behavior and exacting revenge on others when they’re backed into a corner. Healthcare professionals may ask people about their drinking habits to assess AUD.

• Psychotherapy, facilitated by a qualified psychiatrist, can target the root causes, like childhood trauma, and work towards sobriety while managing withdrawal symptoms of alcohol addiction.
• In addition to problem recognition, important factors that might maintain or change drinking behavior are expectancies and evaluations of problems.
• They take advantage of others, especially to accomplish their own goals.
• Both types of pathological narcissism (abnormal efforts to regulate the self) are also linked to alcoholism.
• Often this is because they have been conditioned not to compete with a domineering overt narcissist parent.
• Seeking support from trusted sources can also provide valuable insights and coping strategies.

The Cycle of Addiction and Narcissism

Dealing with a covert narcissist family member can be challenging, but setting boundaries, practicing assertive communication, and prioritizing self-care are key strategies. Seeking support from professionals like therapists, counselors, and support groups can provide invaluable guidance in navigating complex family dynamics. Remember to enforce boundaries consistently, practice patience, and show yourself compassion as you manage manipulative behavior. By prioritizing your mental health and well-being, you can effectively handle the difficulties that come with having a covert narcissist in your family.

Maintain Healthy Relationships

Explore our content for valuable insights and mental health information. Understand that dealing with a covert narcissist can be emotionally draining. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would offer to a friend in a similar situation. When called out, someone may respond by exhibiting more harmful behaviors like passive aggression or gaslighting.

• The comorbid psychological distress stemming from both conditions can lead to a tumultuous environment, affecting not only the individual but also those around them.
• Another therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), focuses on developing effective skills in handling emotions and interpersonal relationships.
• The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5)  uses “alcohol use disorder” as the official term for alcoholism.
• Understanding these common traits can help you deal with individuals dealing with narcissistic personality disorder, untreated alcoholism, and in some cases both.
• Reach out to one of our addiction specialists for alcohol treatment help today.
• ​​​​When someone is deep in an alcohol addiction, they become very self-absorbed.

Diagnosing Alcoholism and Narcissism

Alcohol is sometimes used as a quick fix but can actually make symptoms worse. They’ll also deny when they had a drink or that their drinking has negative consequences. Alcoholics and narcissists will both become defensive once they are confronted about it.

While grandiose narcissists possess high self-esteem, vulnerable narcissists tend to have low self-esteem. In either case, alcohol use can exaggerate a narcissist’s already fragile sense of self-importance, leading to grandiosity and arrogance. A common experience of those on the path to recovery from an alcoholic narcissist is the rediscovery of empathy. For a narcissist, it can be challenging to maintain a genuine connection with others, as they tend to have a strong need for attention and a sense of entitlement. As they work through their 12-step program, they may begin to confront the manipulative and self-destructive tendencies in their behavior.