Narcissism is a personality trait that, when severe and persistent, can be diagnosed as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), and it shares several common traits with addiction. Generally, there are two types of narcissism, and both might lead to tendencies that can encourage addictive behaviours. Narcissism may leave people prone to problematic substance use, including alcohol use disorder, and other forms of addiction like sex addiction or social media addiction.
In this article, you can understand the link between addiction and narcissism. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with either, you should not hesitate to seek professional help.
Basics About Narcissism
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition marked by a pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others [1]. When you have narcissistic personality disorder, you might have an inflated or grandiose sense of self-importance or worth and experience feelings of entitlement. Even though narcissism can present in different ways, it broadly falls into two groups: grandiose and vulnerable narcissism.
When you have vulnerable narcissism, you might show avoidant, defensive or hypersensitive behaviours and might often experience feelings of rage at a perceived lack of respect.
How Is Narcissism Linked with Addiction?
Research links grandiose narcissism, and with weaker evidence vulnerable narcissism, to substance use [2]. Fluctuating or low self-esteem may lead some people to use alcohol, drugs or other addictive behaviours as a way of seeking the validation that is so important to people with narcissistic traits. When an individual seeks out alcohol or substances to manage overwhelming feelings, it creates a pattern of dependent behaviour that is harmful. In short, there is a connection between addiction and narcissism.
The similarity between drug addiction and narcissism is that the individual depends on something external to fill the emptiness inside.
The Difference Between a Drug Addict and a Narcissist
Narcissism and drug addiction are generally accepted parallel trades between people who abuse those drugs. There is an inability to see the consequences of actions known as invulnerability. They also lack empathy or feelings of superiority. They might also face problems with fluctuating or low self-esteem.
A narcissist relies on constant attention and admiration from other people, whether real or imagined, for their sense of well-being [3]. They might create situations that showcase their accomplishments so that people end up congratulating them or even envying them, and they act in ways that draw attention to themselves. This is much like the way a person with addiction works to keep their drug use constant and secure. They put a lot of effort and time into creating situations and keeping up appearances to fill the emptiness. Above all, the attention and admiration they require are likely to increase over time, just as a person with addiction may need higher doses over time. These individuals may experience anxiety and depression when they are not receiving enough attention and admiration.
What Happens if a Narcissist Uses Drugs?
When addiction and a mental health condition coexist, the person is said to have a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. In such cases, it is usually better to treat both conditions at the same time rather than separately [4]. A standard inpatient dual diagnosis programme includes several elements of an addiction treatment programme, but it begins with a thorough intake evaluation, which is needed before creating a customised treatment plan that addresses both issues together. People with a dual diagnosis should look for a treatment programme that specialises in co-occurring disorders.
Tips to Help a Person With Narcissism and Drug Addiction
If you find your loved one dealing with narcissistic personality disorder and addiction, encourage them to seek help at a rehabilitation centre in Bangalore like Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre. This is important because they may be unlikely to admit they have a problem with addiction, as accepting help can feel like admitting that they need others. Therefore, look for a supportive way to offer them a helping hand. The cycles of narcissistic personality disorder and addiction are quite similar: the cycle of addiction generally includes cravings, growing tolerance and withdrawal, while people with narcissistic traits may crave feelings of superiority and constantly seek new triumphs and admiration.
Narcissism and drug addiction often go hand in hand, as people with narcissistic traits may use substances to escape overwhelming emotions and anxiety. If you are struggling with this or know someone who is, reach out to Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre. With the right support, recovery is possible.
