The two conditions may co-occur, but it is often difficult to determine which disorder occurred first. In contrast, vulnerable narcissism, or covert narcissism, was a risk factor for future alcohol-related problems. Compared to grandiose narcissists, people in this group were more likely to acknowledge that they had a problem. Although the cause of narcissistic personality disorder isn’t known, some researchers think that overprotective or neglectful parenting may have an impact on children who are born with a tendency to develop the disorder.

Research suggests that narcissism is not caused by alcohol, but rather by other factors that occur during the early developmental period. For instance, research has shown that genetic predispositions can place a person at risk of NPD. Childhood rejection or experiences like child abuse and neglect are also linked to NPD [2]. If someone you love needs treatment for alcohol use disorder, there are also new, online options that can make the process easier. In addition to expert medical support, Ria Health’s program includes virtual coaching sessions to help people unlearn self-destructive patterns connected to alcohol. Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder centers around talk therapy, also called psychotherapy.

Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissism is a personality disorder that may cause individuals to display grandiose and self-involved behaviors. Alcoholism is an addiction where people cannot control their alcohol use. Narcissism and alcoholism may both share similar characteristics and can occur at the same time.

• Narcissistic personality disorder and alcoholism are co-occurring disorders.
• Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, so it’s important to seek medical help.
• A careful evaluation of the different aspects of a person’s life and an understanding of the person’s childhood development can assist in the evaluation and diagnosis of NPD.

As a result, those with consistent narcissistic traits are at risk of ruining their familial, romantic, and professional relationships. If you’re suspecting the person in your life is a narcissist, there are some common signs of narcissism you should pay attention to. However, many signs can overlap between alcoholism and Narcissism, and it’s important to know if it actually is both, or just one that is causing the severity of the other’s symptoms. You can call us 24/7 at American Addiction Institute of Mind and Medicine to discuss options and how to help your loved one.

How to treat Narcissism and Alcoholism

Grandiose narcissism was a significant predictor of alcohol use and a positive problem evaluation while vulnerable narcissism was a significant predictor of alcohol-related problems, problem recognition, and problem expectancy. If you think you have either or both conditions, it’s best to talk with a mental health professional for a diagnosis. In order to receive covert narcissism and alcoholism a diagnosis of NPD, someone needs to display the above symptoms over several years. As a result of self-centeredness and denial, alcoholics can behave in manipulative ways. Like narcissists, they may threaten harm to themselves or others if they don’t get what they want. They may pretend to be nice for a short while to get other people to leave them alone.

• Not every person suffering from this mental health disorder will display all of these traits.
• Although the cause of narcissistic personality disorder isn’t known, some researchers think that overprotective or neglectful parenting may have an impact on children who are born with a tendency to develop the disorder.
• Substance use and addiction might be more related to stimulation seeking and impulsivity.

Research also supports the idea that people with narcissism are more likely to develop impulsive and abusive behaviors when using alcohol, drugs, sex, or even social media, leading to an increased risk of addiction. In addition to problem recognition, important factors that might maintain or change drinking behavior are expectancies and evaluations of problems. People who display addictive behaviors in addition to narcissistic traits may require a substance abuse treatment program that is equipped to treat co-occurring disorders. As detailed above, it is necessary to discuss the diagnosis with the patient as soon as possible. It is equally important to discuss the process of arriving at this conclusion, including clinical information gathered and observed behaviors.

Overlapping causes and risk factors

Discussion of other comorbid disorders, including mood and substance use disorders, if present, needs to be addressed. Often family members also require education about personality disorders, their behaviors, and complications. 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.

Denial can develop into overconfidence, a superiority complex, and contempt for those who suggest that an individual’s drinking has gotten out of hand. As a result, those who drink regularly will be less likely to identify and react to unhealthy changes in their physical and mental well-being. Their ego will prevent them from acknowledging the concerns of others, leaving them exposed to addiction. Establishing causality is always difficult when it comes to mental health. For those seeking addiction treatment for themselves or a loved one, our calls are confidential and are available for 24/7 help.

Medical Professionals

Personality disorders like NPD are those in which a person has a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning, and behaving. Substance abuse disorders like AUD are characterized by mental and physical addiction. Alcohol use disorder is a type of substance abuse disorder where a person cannot control or stop their alcohol use.