Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and Alcoholism
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and alcoholism are two distinct conditions that can have a profound impact on a person’s life. While each condition presents unique challenges, when they occur together, they can exacerbate each other’s negative effects, creating a more complex and difficult situation for the individual affected. In this blog, we will explore the relationship between narcissistic personality traits and functional alcoholism, and the available treatment options.
Understanding Narcissistic Personality Traits
Narcissistic personality traits are characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Individuals with NPD often exhibit a sense of entitlement, a desire for attention and admiration, and a tendency to exploit others for personal gain.
People with NPD may also exhibit other symptoms, such as feelings of envy, a belief that they are special and unique, and a lack of empathy for others. They may have trouble forming meaningful relationships, struggle with authority figures, and be prone to mood swings and emotional dysregulation.
It is important to note that not all people with narcissistic personality traits have NPD. While some individuals may exhibit certain narcissistic traits, they do not meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder.
Understanding Functional Alcoholism
Functional alcoholism is a type of alcoholism in which an individual is able to maintain a high level of functioning despite their alcohol consumption. Individuals with functional alcoholism may appear to be successful in their careers, have stable relationships, and lead a relatively normal life. However, this does not mean that their alcohol consumption is not causing problems.
Functional alcoholism can lead to a range of negative consequences, such as impaired judgment, health problems, relationship issues, and legal troubles. It can also mask underlying emotional or psychological problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Having Both Narcissistic Personality Traits and Functional Alcoholism
While NPD and functional alcoholism are distinct conditions, they can occur together, creating a more complex and challenging situation for the individual affected. Narcissistic individuals may use alcohol as a means of coping with their feelings of entitlement, low self-esteem, and lack of empathy.
Alcohol may also help them to feel more confident, outgoing, and in control, which can further reinforce their grandiosity and sense of superiority. Additionally, individuals with NPD may be more prone to engaging in risky behaviors, including excessive drinking, due to their lack of concern for their own safety or the safety of others.
50% Functional Alcoholics have Narcissism as a personality disorder. Functional Alcoholism and Narcissism share many characteristics that may cause trouble personal, social and work lives. The combination of NPD and functional alcoholism can have a range of negative effects on the individual’s life, including relationship problems, legal issues, health problems, and impaired functioning. It may also lead to increased emotional dysregulation, mood swings, and aggressive behavior.
Similarities Traits of Narcissism and Functional Alcoholism include:
Denial
Lack of self-examination
Refusal to take responsibility
Entitlement
Self-destructiveness
Behavior is at others’ expense
Behavior can switch rapidly
Superficial relationships
Manipulation of others
Self-absorption
Shame
Treatment Options
The treatment of a person with both NPD and functional alcoholism can be challenging, as both conditions require different approaches. In general, treatment should focus on addressing both conditions simultaneously, as treating one without the other may be less effective.
Individuals with NPD may benefit from psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These approaches can help them to develop more realistic and adaptive ways of thinking about themselves and others, improve their interpersonal skills, and reduce their tendency to engage in maladaptive coping behaviors. For functional alcoholism, treatment typically involves a combination of behavioral therapies and medication. Behavioral therapies, such as motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and contingency management, can help individuals to identify triggers for their alcohol use, develop coping skills, and make lifestyle changes that support sobriety.
There is promising news for those people who need assistance in cutting back on drinking. The National Institutes of Health is researching drugs to help with alcohol use disorder. There have been very positive results for drugs that eliminate cravings for a drink (8). But it will be interesting to see how Functional Alcoholics respond to these trends. Medications, such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, can also be helpful in reducing alcohol.
So will Functional Alcoholics take medication to eliminate cravings? This remains to be seen. A person with NPD and Functional Alcoholism presents a unique challenge. of convincing and accountability.
References
1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
2. Campbell, W. K., & Miller, J. D. (2011). The Handbook of Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Theoretical Approaches, Empirical Findings, and Treatments. John Wiley & Sons.
3. Miller, J. D., & Campbell, W. K. (2010). The case for using research on trait narcissism as a building block for understanding narcissistic personality disorder. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 1(3), 180–191. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018163
4. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2021). Alcohol Use Disorder. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-use-disorders
5. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/evidence-based-approaches-to-drug-addiction-treatment/behavioral-therapies
6. www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/nih-researching-drugs-to-reduce-alcohol-cravings-159367749745
7. www.therecoveryvillage.com/alcohol-abuse/narcissism-and-alcohol/
