How To Deal With A Narcissistic Alcoholic?

Being in a relationship with an alcoholic narcissist can be a challenging and emotionally draining experience. The combination of alcoholism and narcissism can create toxic dynamics that significantly impact narcissism and alcoholism both the individual and those around them. In this section, we will explore the toxic dynamics involved in relationships with alcoholic narcissists and the development of codependency and enabling behavior.

From Curiosity to Dependence: The 4 Stages of Alcohol Misuse

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. In relationships with alcoholic narcissists, a pattern of codependency often emerges. Codependency refers to a dysfunctional relationship dynamic where one person enables the destructive behavior of the other.

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• Your therapist can help you feel heard and understood and provide a safe space for you to explore your feelings and experiences.
• It is also recommended to utilize family or couples counseling to heal relationships as well.
• Dr. Jenni Jacobsen, PhD is a medical reviewer, licensed social worker, and behavioral health consultant, holding a PhD in clinical psychology.
• When two conditions like narcissism and alcoholism occur together, sometimes people believe that one disorder causes the other, but co-occurring disorders are more complex than that.
• Someone who’s narcissistic might be self-absorbed and have an inflated sense of self-importance.
• Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a recognized mental health condition, while alcoholism is classified as a substance use disorder.

When drunk, they have an easier time seeing themselves as smarter and more powerful than everyone else. Someone can be narcissistic or have a formal diagnosis of NPD without ever becoming alcoholic. However, research and clinical observations show that narcissists are susceptible to developing a drinking problem.

Do narcissists become addicted to people?

The National Institute of Mental Health asserts that 22.6% of people suffering from a personality disorder may also have substance misuse problems. Alcoholism and narcissism are two distinct psychological conditions that can significantly impact individuals and their relationships. While they are separate disorders, there can be instances where they coexist, leading to complex challenges for those affected. When it comes to understanding narcissism and alcoholism, it’s essential to recognize that while they are two separate conditions, they can often be intertwined. The concept of Machiavellianism was derived from Niccolò Machiavelli’s writings by the social psychologists Richard Christie and Florence Geis (57).

• Moreover, each mental health condition must be independently diagnosed.
• A counselor, therapist, or other mental healthcare professional can help you develop practical tips to cope with your emotions and the relationship.
• Narcissistic individuals often have a sense entitlement, resulting in indifference for others and an inability to accept responsibility for their actions.
• Therapy can also help people with NPD to process unresolved childhood trauma and develop skills for managing their symptoms [1].
• In addition, people with NPD have a higher risk of being diagnosed with more severe mental health disorders, including schizophrenia.

An individual may be an alcoholic narcissist, someone who has NPD and then develops alcohol addiction and dependence. But their alcoholic personality leads them to act in ways that are similar to a narcissist. Furthermore, alcoholism can contribute to a cycle of self-destructive behavior that reinforces narcissistic tendencies. The individual may engage in reckless behaviors, neglecting responsibilities and relationships in pursuit of their own desires. This self-centered behavior can strain relationships and perpetuate a sense of entitlement and selfishness. Although experts believe that genetic factors can make people up to 50% more inclined toward alcohol use disorder, addiction has many possible causes.

Treatment options for narcissistic alcoholics

Just as narcissism doesn’t necessarily cause alcohol use disorder, alcoholism doesn’t necessarily cause NPD. The two conditions may co-occur, but it is often difficult to determine which disorder occurred first. Lastly, vulnerable narcissism was a significant predictor of problem expectations. Though it is against our prediction, it isn’t completely surprising that vulnerable narcissists expect to experience problems.

Develop Coping Strategies

What’s the outlook for a person with alcohol use disorder?