In order to get a diagnosis of AUD, you have to fit certain diagnostic criteria as set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). If you choose to speak with a friend or family member, be clear about what you need and expect from them, including confidentiality. By educating yourself, you can also educate them about what AUD and NPD are about.

• Historically, narcissism has been deemed excessive selfishness or self-admiration.
• Grandiose narcissism was also a significant predictor of a positive alcohol problem evaluation, over and above alcohol use, social desirability and vulnerable narcissism.
• It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to both conditions.
• Research has shown that there is an overlap between alcohol use disorder and personality disorders, including NPD.

Future Directions in Treatment and Research

Their actions can create significant strain on personal connections and lead to emotional turmoil for those close to them. Narcissism and alcoholism often co-occur, creating complex challenges for individuals affected by both conditions. These disorders can amplify each other’s effects and complicate treatment approaches. It is important to note that people with an addiction do not always show signs of a narcissistic personality disorder and that people with narcissism do not always develop an addiction.

Manipulation and Control in Relationships

• Research indicates that individuals with narcissistic tendencies are more likely to develop alcohol-related problems and engage in excessive drinking behaviors.
• Being close with an alcoholic narcissist can be emotionally draining, and it’s crucial to take care of yourself.
• Chronic alcohol misuse changes neurotransmitters in the brain and affects how the body responds to alcohol.
• The team will exchange daily information and adjust the schedule as we go.
• The findings of this study have potential implications for future treatment and research.

By addressing these underlying factors, individuals with co-occurring narcissism and alcoholism can receive comprehensive care. Devaluing others is a key component of the vulnerable narcissist character. Drinking beyond one’s limits (IC), and thereby missing important events (i.e., graduations, birthdays, sporting competitions) can destroy trust and intimacy with others (Wolin, Bennett, Noonan, & Teitelbaum, 1980). Our novel finding in the current study narcissism and alcoholism is that devaluing others was found to be the strongest facet of narcissism directly predicting IC.

Understanding Alcoholism

They may exploit others without guilt or shame, believing they are superior and entitled to special treatment. Our approach centers on treating people with the same kindness and respect that we value for ourselves. We understand mental health challenges firsthand and support your pursuit of well-being with compassion.

Alcohol & Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Is There a Connection?

• Internal consistency in the current study was alpha of .84 for the grandiose narcissism subscale and .79 for the vulnerable narcissism subscale.
• You can connect with a mental health professional using the Healthline FindCare tool.
• Impaired control over drinking (IC) reflects consuming alcohol beyond predetermined limits.
• The best thing to do at that point is to seek out individual therapy for yourself and work on setting firmer boundaries.
• We understand mental health challenges firsthand and support your pursuit of well-being with compassion.

Living with or supporting a narcissistic alcoholic requires specific strategies. These approaches focus on self-care, boundary-setting, and building a strong support network. Group therapy sessions offer opportunities for narcissistic individuals to receive feedback and practice empathy. They may become easily irritated when their demands are not met or when faced with criticism. Alcohol can amplify these angry outbursts, leading to verbal or even physical abuse.

• It may lead to increased grandiosity, impaired judgment, and an inflated sense of self-importance.
• Narcissism is a personality disorder that may cause individuals to display grandiose and self-involved behaviors.
• Participants were told of the nature of the study and provided informed consent by agreeing to take the online survey.
• Both conditions can significantly impact a person’s relationships, well-being, and overall quality of life.
• This may be because of the social benefits they bring (e.g., holding one’s liquor might be seen as a good quality and doing risky things while intoxicated could be seen as “cool” in some circles).

What to Do If Someone You Know Has Both Alcoholic & Narcissistic Traits

Loved ones may feel emotionally neglected and constantly on edge, fearing the next angry episode. NPD is characterized by a persistent pattern of grandiosity and need for admiration, while AUD involves a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to significant impairment. The combination of NPD and AUD often results in more severe relationship problems and social dysfunction than either disorder alone.

Support from loved ones can help people with NPD or AUD change their behavior and work toward recovery. You can take steps to prevent relapse, such as recognizing your triggers and joining a support group. If you do relapse, try to seek help again — it’s still possible to make a full recovery. Therapy, a strong support system, and self-care strategies can help you make a full recovery. People who are genetically predisposed to experience unpleasant side effects of drinking are less likely to drink often, making AUD unlikely.