The Narcissist Alcoholic: Understanding the Vicious Cycle and How To Find Help

You have a loved one who has been dealing with alcoholic tendencies and behaviors for years but also seems to have self-centered personality traits that have impacted their life.

Is it their life choices that affect their behavior, their personality that drives their life choices, or are the two somehow intertwined?

Narcissism and alcoholism are disorders that are separately difficult — but combined may be profoundly challenging. Not only can the significant issues affect the individual but also monumentally affect interpersonal relationships.

Read further to understand both narcissism and alcoholism and the potential correlations between the two disorders.

Table of Contents

• What Is Narcissism?
• Are Alcoholics Narcissists?
• The Relationship Between Narcissism and Alcoholism
• Commonly Asked Questions About Narcissistic Alcoholics
• How Do I Respond to an Alcoholic Narcissist?
• Dove Recovery: Luxury Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Programs in Columbus, OH

Narcissism is a personality disorder in which the individual generally has an inflated sense of self-importance, and a deep desire for admiration and excessive attention.

The term has been derived from Greek mythology from the word “narcissus”.

Narcissus was an individual who was extremely self-focused and possessed great pride in his reflection. In the early 20th century, the term was adopted to describe a psychological condition and continues to be utilized in the present day.

Signs and Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Although every individual is unique, those with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) present with generalized signs and symptoms typical of the disorder.

There are two primary categories of the disorder — grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Manifestations or behaviors in each subcategory may include:

• Grandiose narcissism
  
  • Exaggerated sense of self-importance or self-esteem
  • Sense of superiority
  • Attention craving
  • Charismatic and assertive personality
  • May exploit others for personal gain
  • Displays little empathy for others
  • Angry or aggressively reactive if challenged
• Vulnerable narcissism
  
  • Hypersensitive to criticism or insecurity
  • Withdrawal from social interactions or groups
  • Frequent feelings of inadequacy or shame
  • Display of passive-aggressive behaviors or tendencies
  • Chronic depression
  • Shy or reserved personality

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease characterized by the inability to control alcohol consumption despite potential negative consequences.

Alcoholism involves both physical dependence on alcohol and psychological compulsion to drink. The effects of alcoholism are wide-ranging and can impact every aspect of the individual’s life and can also further impact the relationships with their friends and family.

While some behaviors of an alcoholic may appear to be narcissistic, that doesn’t mean the disorder exists. However, due to the dependence on the substance, alcoholics may develop narcissistic tendencies as alcohol controls much of their life.

The relationship between narcissism and alcoholism presents unique and complex challenges, and when these disorders coexist — expect the challenges to multiply.

Narcissistic individuals often use alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with underlying insecurities, anxiety, or depression. Alcohol may temporarily boost their confidence and help them escape from feelings of inadequacy, but utilizing alcohol in this way can create vicious cycles where drinking exacerbates narcissistic tendencies.

Understanding the dynamics between these conditions is vital for recognizing the struggles faced by individuals and their loved ones. With the right support, treatment, and commitment to recovery, it is possible to break free from the cycle of narcissism and alcoholism and build healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Alcohol addiction rehab programs at Dove Recovery focus on personalized care to meet the needs of each client. Our treatment programs provide a comprehensive, compassionate approach with medical stabilization and emotional support.

How Do Narcissism and Alcoholism Differ?

Narcissistic personality disorder and alcoholism frequently coexist, but there are some differences.

Personality disorders are characterized by dysfunctional thought processes, behaviors, and overall functioning.

Adversely, alcoholism is driven by the addictive nature of the substance — the individual has mental and physical needs related to chronic alcohol consumption and not a personality disorder per se.

Narcissistic tendencies may be displayed as “over-the-top” personality symptoms, such as:

• Achievement-focused behaviors
• Lacking empathy for others
• Feeling unique or different from others
• Overly emotional or unpredictable behaviors
• Selfishness
• Grandiose gestures or thought processes

Alcoholics’ behavior and tendencies are often linked to the mental and physical grip of the substance in their lives, including:

• Inability to control their drinking
• Using alcohol in unsafe situations, such as before driving
• Physical cravings for alcohol
• Withdrawal symptoms in the absence of regular consumption
• Failing to meet social or work responsibilities and obligations

How Are Narcissism and Alcoholism Similar?

While alcoholism is not a personality disorder like narcissism, it is, however, often tied to mental health concerns.

For example, an individual may turn to alcohol as an escape or self-medication for their persistent anxiety and depression, but this may quickly develop into a destructive cycle of behavior.

Left unchecked, both narcissism and alcoholism can be detrimental to mental and physical health — along with negatively affecting social circles and family connections.

Do Narcissists Tend To Become Alcoholics? 

Clinical observations and studies have positively linked narcissistic personality disorder to an increased potential for alcoholism.

Someone with narcissistic behaviors may begin drinking heavily for increased attention, for example. Additionally, alcohol may blur reality for them and they will see themselves as superior to others — possibly smarter, stronger, or invincible.

An alcoholic narcissist may view drinking as an added layer of defense against failures or criticism, or self-medication and escape from reality.

Can Alcohol Make Someone Narcissistic?

Alcohol will not necessarily create narcissistic behaviors or thought processes, but it can create social feedback that could evolve into more grandiose behaviors from the consumption of alcohol.

For example, studies note that in environments such as college campuses when individuals consume alcohol, they often lose inhibitions that may lead to outlandish or grandiose behavior. When those behaviors are encouraged to continue by friends, the potential for the pattern to repeat becomes stronger and may eventually develop into a narcissistic tendency.

The existence of both narcissism and alcoholism can have devastating effects on relationships. Loved ones often find themselves caught in a cycle of manipulation, emotional abuse, and instability.

If you find yourself in a relationship with someone who is an alcoholic narcissist, it is important to establish guidelines for your own safety and mental health.

Consider the following:

• Set clear boundaries of what behaviors or actions you will or will not accept.
• Adhere to your convictions.
• Take time for self-care and relaxation.
• Set realistic expectations.
• Seek your own support or counseling.

Recovery from the intertwined challenges of narcissism and alcoholism is possible but requires a multifaceted approach. It involves addressing both the personality disorder and the addiction simultaneously.

At Dove Recovery, we also understand that everyone has different goals for their recovery journey. Our experienced counselors work closely with each patient to create their customized plan.

Each plan may include the following:

• Individual Counseling sessions
• Group Therapy
• Family Therapy
• 12-Step Recovery program
• Holistic Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing

Contact Dove Recovery today if you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction — we are here to help.