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Alcoholism And Narcissistic Personality Disorder

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A co-occurring disorder is diagnosed when a person has a substance use disorder along with a mental health disorder. When someone has alcoholism and narcissistic personality disorder, they may be particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of both.

Alcoholism can cause a person to become more self-centered and have an inflated sense of self-importance, which are common traits associated with a narcissistic personality disorder. Over time, drinking can also lead to impulsive behavior, difficulty expressing emotions, and an inability to take responsibility for one’s actions. All of these are also symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder.

Treatment for co-occurring alcoholism and narcissistic personality disorder needs to be tailored to the individual’s needs, as there is no single approach that works for everyone. Treatment may include behavioral therapy, medications, support groups, and in some cases, hospitalization. If you or a loved one are dealing with both alcoholism and narcissistic personality disorder, call Vertava Health at 844.470.0410 today. Our dual-diagnosis rehab program helps people with alcoholism and narcissism overcome their mental health issues and create a healthier lifestyle.

What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and an excessive need for admiration. People with narcissistic personality disorder often view themselves as superior to others, engage in grandiose behavior, have difficulty empathizing with others, and usually have unstable relationships. Other symptoms can include:

  • Taking advantage of others to get what they want
  • Exaggerating their achievements and talents
  • Feeling entitled
  • Being preoccupied with fantasies of power, success, and attractiveness
  • Believing that they are special or unique
  • Jealousy of others or believing that others are jealous of them
  • Unreasonable expectations
  • Exploiting others without guilt or remorse
  • Frequent changes in their moods.

In addition to these symptoms, people with a narcissistic personality disorder may also have difficulty holding down long-term relationships due to their lack of empathy and disturbed interpersonal dynamics. They may be prone to outbursts of anger and have difficulty controlling their emotions.

The Link Between Alcoholism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Alcoholism can exacerbate the symptoms of narcissism and make them more pronounced, leading to impulsive behavior, difficulty expressing emotions, and an inability to take responsibility for one’s actions.

Alcohol use may also increase self-centeredness, which can contribute to the development of a narcissistic personality disorder. Alcohol use and long-term abuse can also lead to changes in the brain that result in impaired judgment, memory loss, and difficulty controlling behavior, which can all be symptoms of narcissism.

Common Signs Of Alcoholism

If you’re concerned about someone’s drinking habits, here are a couple of distinguishable traits you might look for:

  • Craving alcohol
  • Frequent intoxication
  • Neglecting responsibilities in favor of drinking
  • Drinking alone or hiding it from others
  • Difficulty controlling behavior when drinking
  • Developing a tolerance to alcohol and needing more to get the desired effect
  • Experiencing withdrawals when not drinking

Treatment For Co-occurring Alcoholism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Treatment for co-occurring alcoholism and narcissistic personality disorder is essential to help the individual recover from both conditions. Treatment may involve medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, or in some cases, hospitalization. It is important to remember that no two people are the same, so there needs to be a tailored approach to each individual’s needs.

Find Treatment at Vertava Health Today

If you suspect that you or a loved one has alcoholism and narcissism, it is important to seek professional treatment. At Vertava Health, our dual diagnosis rehab program addresses both conditions simultaneously with an individualized approach to recovery that focuses on the unique needs and goals of each person. Contact us at 844.470.0410 today to learn more.