Some research suggests narcissistic traits may increase in prevalence in individualistic societies. Support groups specifically for narcissistic personality disorder can provide a space for individuals to work on self-awareness and interpersonal skills. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches skills to manage emotions and improve interpersonal relationships. This can be particularly helpful for those struggling with narcissistic traits and alcohol abuse. The narcissistic alcoholic might blame others for their drinking or use their addiction as an excuse for poor behavior. People with narcissistic traits often have trouble maintaining healthy relationships.
What Makes Narcissism and Alcoholism Different?
- Family and friends of individuals with co-occurring AUD and NPD may feel overwhelmed or unable to help.
- They will fabricate stories of victimization or exaggerate minor issues to gain validation and emotional support while using their drunken state to excuse their behavior.
With both conditions, the benefits of therapy depend on your willingness to work on yourself. It’s possible for people with AUD to successfully stop using alcohol when they have the right support and treatment. In both NPD and AUD, childhood trauma — including abuse and neglect — may be a risk factor.
Where to find support if you’re experiencing NPD or AUD
345 college students Alcohol Use Disorder (28% male, 72% female) from a Midwestern university were recruited from undergraduate psychology courses from April 2015 to October 2016. 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. Read more about living with a person who has AUD and managing a relationship with someone who has NPD.
Take the First Step Towards a Healthier Life
If you have NPD and AUD, finding support can be challenging because they are two separate disorders with two separate treatment approaches. The outlook is even better in people with mental illness who misuse narcissism and alcoholism alcohol and other substances. Even so, with a combination of therapy, support, and persistence, around a third of people with AUD will maintain sobriety for at least a year and sometimes for decades. Medications like Campral, Topamax, and Revia have greatly improved AUD recovery rates.
Healthcare professionals and psychologists may use a set of criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to diagnose narcissism or AUD. 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.
With the right strategies, adequate resources, and strong support systems, the challenging journey toward recovery for an alcoholic narcissist is indeed achievable. Alternatively, outpatient rehab suits individuals who need to maintain daily responsibilities while receiving treatment. It allows patients to attend therapy sessions and receive medical care without residing in a facility. This option offers flexibility and the opportunity to apply new coping strategies in real-world settings.
Ways to Deal with an Alcoholic Narcissist
People with NPD have a higher rate of relationship failures, legal issues, and difficulty making healthy social connections in their personal and professional lives. Sometimes, self-destructive tendencies cause people with NPD to make impulsive life-changing decisions, including cheating on a spouse or failing to follow proper workplace procedures. AUD increases risk-taking and self-destructive behaviors by lowering inhibitions and increasing symptoms of both conditions. Following detox, individuals can choose between inpatient and outpatient rehab options. Inpatient rehab provides comprehensive, 24/7 care in https://ecosoberhouse.com/ a residential setting, which is particularly beneficial for those with co-occurring disorders like narcissistic personality disorder. For more information on the genetic factors of narcissism, you can read our article on is narcissism genetic.
Alcohol can affect men’s and women’s health differently
Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder. Living with an alcoholic narcissist can be an emotional rollercoaster, and maintaining your equilibrium can be challenging in the face of their ever-changing emotions and demands. Avoid enabling the alcoholic narcissist’s destructive behaviors by refusing to make excuses for their actions. Alcohol tends to bring out the narcissist in everyone, even if they show very few narcissistic traits when sober. How narcissists behave when they drink depends on the individual and who they’re with.