Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissism: Associations with Alcohol Use, Alcohol Problems and Problem Recognition PMC

For AUD, group approaches such as AA and other twelve-step addiction programs are common. Alcohol use disorder is a type of substance abuse disorder where a person cannot control or stop their alcohol use. When it comes to alcoholism, an individual is more at risk if they are exposed to drinking at a young age. Whether consuming it themselves or seeing family and friends drinking as though it is normal, these factors increase their risk of consuming it too much.

They insist that their drinking is normal and may even be proud of it, especially if it makes them seem special. Interestingly, in social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder—which are highly comorbid with alcohol use disorder (52, 53)—interpersonal coping is also a frequently encountered motive for initial drinking. This highlights further parallels between social anxiety and vulnerable narcissism, which display substantial conceptual and empirical overlaps (54). Recent evidence suggests that socially anxious individuals who develop problematic or addictive drinking patterns may belong to a highly impulsive subtype of social anxiety disorder (55, 56). Future research on narcissism and addiction could integrate these findings to elucidate more fine-grained predictors of problematic or addictive substance use in narcissism. A co-occurring disorder is diagnosed when a person has a substance use disorder along with a mental health disorder.

Narcissism and alcohol use disorder

The disorder manifests more frequently among men and among younger people. Researchers have reported associations between NPD and high rates of substance abuse, mood, and anxiety disorders. These may be attributable to characteristics such as impulsivity and the increased experience of shame in people with NPD. Research suggests that narcissism is not caused by alcohol, but rather by other factors that occur during the early developmental period.

The study commented that people who show grandiose traits may have feelings of importance in an environment of drinking where this quality may thrive. Narcissists with low self-esteem may gain acceptance from others or a sense of security through alcohol consumption or use it as a coping mechanism for dealing with distress. Narcissism and alcoholism are different conditions, but they can occur simultaneously and may share some overlapping symptoms.

Take Responsibility for Your Actions

This means that they don’t like to seriously think about their behaviors. They avoid reflecting on their insecurities and lack of self-esteem by drinking. People with this type are much more sensitive, and narcissistic behavior helps protect them from feelings of being inadequate.

Narcissistic personality disorder is just one of several personality disorders that can be dually diagnosed with alcoholism. However, there is some evidence that having narcissistic personality disorder can make you more vulnerable to alcohol abuse. Taken together, there is robust evidence for associations of substance use and addiction with psychopathic traits not only in forensic samples but also in the general population.

Symptoms

NPD and AUD frequently co-exist and can increase the effects of each other. People with a pattern of narcissism often turn to alcohol to reinforce a false sense of grandiosity. People with AUD, also known as alcoholism, can display patterns of narcissism, including self-absorption and an underlying craving for admiration. 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. Tim enjoys writing about addiction and recovery, this topic has personally affected him, fuelling his desire to help others.

• One study found that among individuals who reported alcohol use, 9.1% were diagnosed with NPD at some point during their lives [1].
• In some cases, they take money set aside for household expenses or their children’s education.
• Whether consuming it themselves or seeing family and friends drinking as though it is normal, these factors increase their risk of consuming it too much.
• There is often a genetic factor in the development of mental health conditions.

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. Even if their behaviors hurt others, alcoholics do what they feel they need to continue drinking. Both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism are strong predictors of alcohol-related problems, according to a 2018 study of 345 college students. People with vulnerable narcissism tend to show avoidant, defensive, or hypersensitive behaviors, and they often experience feelings of rage at a perceived lack of esteem or respect.

Am I a Binge Drinker or an Alcoholic?

It is important to note, however, that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) does not distinguish between types of narcissism. The idea of vulnerable versus grandiose narcissism comes from the psychodynamic idea that people with narcissistic traits believe they need to be perfect to be okay. Narcissistic personality disorder affects more males than females, and it often begins in the teens or early adulthood.

A sense of entitlement, disregard for other people, and other aspects of NPD can damage relationships. While a person with NPD may be a high-achiever, the personality disorder can also have a negative impact on performance (due to, for instance, one’s sensitivity to criticism). 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 covert narcissism and alcoholism expert medical support, Ria Health’s program includes virtual coaching sessions to help people unlearn self-destructive patterns connected to alcohol. The narcissist-like behavior of some alcoholics may only be a result of their addiction—it may not be how they really are when sober. And while there are some links between alcoholism and narcissism overall, the connection isn’t as straightforward as some might think.

Whether a person is a covert narcissist, alcoholic with narcissistic personality traits, or a person with a dual diagnosis, finding a treatment program that meets their needs is very important. These behaviors are also seen in people with alcoholism (also known as a severe alcohol use disorder) and drug use or substance use disorders. It is not uncommon for two mental health conditions to co-exist (referred to as a comorbidity). Those who feel superior to those around them are unlikely to offer sufficient care, affection, and interest.

• Enablers are often family members, friends, or partners who feel responsible for the narcissist’s well-being and believe that they must do whatever it takes to make the narcissist happy.
• When you call our helpline, you’ll be connected with a representative who can assist you in finding mental health and addiction treatment resources at any of the Ark Behavioral Health addiction treatment facilities.
• This may mean limiting your exposure to their behavior or seeking support from friends and family.
• These individuals have a lack of concern for the well-being of others or how others may be affected by their actions.
• People who are genetically predisposed to experience unpleasant side effects of drinking are less likely to drink often, making AUD unlikely.