Addressing covert narcissism and alcoholism concurrently through therapy, support groups, medication, and lifestyle adjustments is essential for promoting recovery and enhancing overall well-being. While narcissism is a personality disorder and alcoholism is an addiction, narcissists and alcoholics share several characteristics. Therefore, simultaneous treatment of alcoholism and narcissistic personality disorder is essential. However, when people with alcoholism and narcissistic personality disorder start drinking again, they may hide or deny it. At Middle Tennessee Detox, we offer medically supervised detoxification and compassionate care tailored to the complexities of co-occurring disorders like narcissistic personality disorder and substance abuse. Treating only one (alcoholism or narcissistic personality disorder) increases the chances of relapse.
Are Narcissists More Likely to Develop Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
That doesn’t convert narcissism into alcoholism, but it can aggravate interpersonal problems and treatment engagement when both are present. However, NPD is a personality disorder (enduring patterns), while AUD is a substance‑related medical condition characterized by impaired control over drinking and related harms. The overlap of alcoholism and narcissism requires integrated treatment to improve outcomes. When alcoholism and narcissism overlap, integrated care (one coordinated plan for both conditions) reduces mixed messages, medication conflicts, and drop‑off.
What Is an “Alcoholic Narcissist”?
- Without treatment, people with NPD have trouble maintaining positive relationships and are vulnerable to misusing drugs and alcohol to cope with difficult emotions.
- Grandiosity – an exaggerated sense of self-worth – and self-centeredness are not just defining traits of narcissism; they also play a significant role in shaping patterns of alcohol use.
- Narcissistic individuals may be more prone to using alcohol as a tool to enhance their self-image or avoid vulnerability.
- Research supports the link between some narcissistic traits and alcohol use.
They often hurt people because they don’t have the ability or want to understand other people’s emotions. Alcoholics may cry over the costs of their addiction. They avoid their inner feelings and thoughts by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Similarly, alcoholics avoid reflecting on their insecurities and lack of self-esteem by drinking. Additionally, many alcoholics will lie about how many drinks they had or when they had their last drink. They will also deny when they had a drink or that their drinking has unhealthy consequences.
- Setting and enforcing clear boundaries is essential to safeguarding your mental health and preventing the enabling of destructive patterns.
- Get started with virtual intensive treatment now.
- When confronted, a covert narcissist may initially deny or deflect responsibility, gaslight the accuser, or play the victim to manipulate the situation.
- If you know someone who regularly uses alcohol, it’s possible that narcissism might be one of the influencing factors.
- Extreme sensitivity to criticism, even when it’s constructive
NPD diagnosis
You might also engage in lifestyle changes and self-care strategies in order to make progress. People with NPD tend to have difficulty receiving criticism from others, and as such, they might find it difficult to commit to psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. People with AUD or NPD might resist getting treatment or looking for help.
Personality disorders like NPD are lifelong, but you can learn ways to cope with them, build self-awareness, manage symptoms, and have healthier relationships. Additionally, Lyter says there’s an increased risk of domestic violence in people with alcohol use disorder. Research shows narcissists are less likely to believe they would have a problem with substance abuse in the first place and less likely to admit they have a problem –– leading to treatment delays.
More likely to engage in risky behavior
Both NPD and AUD are mental health conditions listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). 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. Al-Anon is a group for people who struggle with someone in their life with AUD. They are also places where people share tips on how to deal with both conditions. There are support groups for emotional and social support.
Narcissism and alcohol abuse both have great impacts on mental health. Some people may also refer to it as alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction. Alcoholism, technically known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a form of substance use disorder. Learning about the symptoms of each mental health disorder is important to understand how NPD and AUD intersect. Virtual intensive therapy for serious mental health conditions.
Understanding Covert Narcissism and Alcoholism
The narcissistic personality disorder and addiction. Pathological narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder. It’s not selfish to protect your own mental health; in fact, it’s essential for creating a stable environment that supports recovery. One startling statistic reveals that 70% of individuals with narcissistic personality disorder also struggle with substance abuse.
Additionally, if your mental health care team thinks it’s the right fit for you, psychiatric medication may be prescribed. Many people colloquially throw around the term “narcissism” or call someone a “narcissist,” but NPD is a mental health diagnosis requiring specific criteria. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) have profound impacts on relationships, behaviors, and overall well-being. The same principle applies to the treatment of covert narcissism and addiction. The hidden nature of covert narcissism and its relationship with addiction means that many people suffer in silence, unaware that help is available. While different from covert narcissism, it underscores the need for comprehensive mental health services that can address multiple, interrelated issues.
For NPD, it may involve individual or group counseling using cognitive behavioral therapy, schema-focused therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. For instance, NPD and AUD both involve psychotherapy, but the formats for each can vary. With that said, there are challenges to delivering appropriate care for the dual diagnosis. In such cases, a person might start to question the diagnosis and abandon treatment altogether even if another condition, such as NPD, actually exists.
Beyond the Labels: Embracing Complexity
In fact, some narcissistic people might not drink at all. It’s possible to be narcissistic and misuse alcohol. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, Nova Recovery Center provides compassionate care and lasting support every step of the way. Nova Recovery Center is a trusted drug and alcohol rehab facility offering personalized treatment programs across the United States.
A combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), schema therapy, and addiction counseling is often effective. Contact Middle Tennessee Detox today to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help guide the path to recovery. While self-awareness is a covert narcissism and alcoholism powerful first step, professional support is often essential to unravel deep-seated behavioral patterns and initiate true, lasting recovery. Individuals with narcissistic tendencies may consume alcohol not merely for recreation, but as a tool to elevate their image, assert dominance, or suppress insecurities.
People can misuse alcohol without having AUD or being addicted to alcohol. Someone who’s narcissistic might be self-absorbed and have an inflated sense of self-importance. It’s possible to be somewhat narcissistic without meeting the diagnostic criteria for NPD. Before we go further, it’s important to understand the terminology used in this article. Narcissism and alcohol use can share some signs and symptoms. With a focus on long-term recovery, our evidence-based services include medical detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, and sober living.
A wife coping with an alcoholic husband may benefit from counseling, support groups, and learning to detach with love. An alcoholic narcissist often shows traits like denial, blaming others, inflated self-image, and little empathy for how their drinking affects loved ones. Family involvement and peer support are integrated into treatment, so clients can strengthen relationships and learn accountability in a safe, structured environment. Nova Recovery Center provides compassionate, evidence-based treatment for individuals struggling with the complex challenges of being an alcoholic narcissist.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical term for alcoholism. Many people use the terms “alcohol use disorder” and “alcohol misuse” interchangeably, but they refer to two different things. Similarly, many people who misuse alcohol might display very few signs of narcissism. Not everybody with narcissistic traits or NPD misuses alcohol. These overlapping traits can make it hard to distinguish alcohol misuse from narcissism.
Are Martyr Covert Narcissists More Likely to Have Alcoholism or Substance Abuse Issues?
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. It’s important to take care of yourself to be able to help or take care of other people. Diagnosing and treating co-occurring disorders can be difficult.
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Regardless, it’s always a good idea to look for mental health help if you’re experiencing something that causes you distress. If you think you’re misusing alcohol, or if you think you have NPD, reach out to a mental health professional. If you think you have either or both conditions, it’s best to talk with a mental health professional for a diagnosis.