Why Narcissists Drink Alcohol

Although alcohol misuse and AUD can cause someone to display narcissist-like behavior, this behavior might change when they’re sober or in recovery. The behavior might also only appear when their misuse began. You should start by exploring peer support groups like Al-Anon that help families and loved ones living with people with AUD. You can also find narcissist abuse support groups, both online or in-person, through organizations like Help Within Reach. There are numerous other online support groups and chat rooms dedicated to loved ones living with alcoholism and NPD. Alcohol abuse disorder is characterized by periods of sobriety and relapse.

When dealing with a narcissistic alcoholic, this sense of right can be elevated and can cause anger and even violence. Sarkis encourages people who have been discarded by narcissists to focus on themselves. This, she says, in an important step in healing your own heartbreak. Cole says narcissists also initiate breakups when their partners become “too difficult to manipulate or control.”

Narcissism vs. narcissistic personality disorder

Narcissists gratify themselves despite the costs to those around them. Alcoholics not in recovery continue drinking even when it hurts loved ones. We do not receive any compensation or commission for referrals to other treatment facilities. There are cases of individuals who are addicted narcissists. For many of these individuals, alcohol leads to significant disruptions in their everyday life. It was estimated as recently as 2017, that approximately one in every eight adults in the United States meets the criteria for an alcohol use disorder.

The relationship between alcoholism and NPD is complex and not fully understood, but research suggests that there may be a connection between the two. If you have a loved one or are personally struggling with Narcissism and alcoholism, contact our team today to speak with one of our kind and experienced intake specialists. American Addiction Institute of Mind and Medicine is located in Orange County, CA. Our highly experienced staff of mental health and addiction experts has experience with all personality disorders and different types of substance use disorders.

Symptoms: How Does Alcohol Make You Feel?

They will do anything to avoid scrutinizing their inner selves, even if it means drinking so much that it hurts their lives. Research suggests that narcissists suffer more stress than non-narcissists, are alcoholics narcissists possibly because they’re actually more insecure. For instance, they tend to demonstrate a lack of empathy and are prone to anger, irritability, and impulsivity outbursts.

A grandiose narcissist may drink to show off and gain admiration from their peers, while a vulnerable narcissist may use alcohol as a coping mechanism to overcome their insecurities. Grandiose narcissists have an inflated sense of self, an unshakeable belief in their own superiority, and a lack of empathy for those around them. We talk loudly, interrupt https://ecosoberhouse.com/ people, and generally behave as if no one else’s feelings matter. When we drink, our inhibitions fall away, and we start to believe we are the most attractive, funniest, and cleverest person in the room. Narcissists are full of entitlement and lack empathy for others, so they may do whatever they want to others with no regard to their feelings.

Is It Narcissism or Alcoholism?

A mental health professional can talk through the symptoms of a narcissistic personality disorder and rule out other behavioral disorders. They may ask the person to fill out a questionnaire about their behaviors. People with narcissism and those with an addiction share similar character traits. These include a lack of empathy and a willingness to put themselves at risk in the pursuit of feeling superior.