Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)andalcohol use disorder (AUD)are closely linked.
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.
urbazon/ Getty Images
This article discusses the similarities and differences between people with narcissistic personality disorder and those with alcohol use disorder.
It also discusses ways that they are diagnosed and treated.
There are two types: grandiose narcissists who have high self-esteem and vulnerable narcissists who have low self-esteem.
Alcohol use disorderis a key in ofsubstance use disorderwhere a person cannot control or stop their alcohol use.
The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Both conditions frequently co-occur.
Both AUD and NPD have distinctive symptoms and features that occur independently of each other.
The occurrence of two such conditions is called a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders.
A dual diagnosis of NPD and AUD is not uncommon.
NPD and AUD overlap in a number of key ways and can reinforce each other.
Exhibiting narcissistic behaviors when drunk, for example, doesnt inherently mean that a person has NPD.
All personality and substance use disorders are diagnosed based on a strict set of criteria described in the DSM-5.
Moreover, each mental health condition must be independently diagnosed.
One example is being referred to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) on the presumption of AUD.
For instance, NPD and AUD both involve psychotherapy, but the formats for each can vary.
This is especially true if medications are prescribed.
AUD and NPD are no exception.
AUD Prognosis
Alcohol use disorder is characterized by periods of sobriety and relapse.
Medications like Campral, Topamax, and Revia have greatly improved AUD recovery rates.
The outlook is even better in people with mental illness who misuse alcohol and other substances.
With that said, not every mental health issue is easily resolved.
NPD is a case in point.
NPD Prognosis
Narcissistic personality disorder can be one of the more challenging mental health conditions to treat.
Even with therapy, progress can be slow in changing the core behaviors.
Patience and support are therefore needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.
The same applies if you are living with someone who has AUD, NPD, or both.
You could start by engaging with a mental healthcare provider or treatment center that specializes in dual diagnoses.
This ensures that care is coordinated under a central provider.
Alternatively, you’ve got the option to access support symptoms for each condition separately.
But don’t just limit yourself to support groups.
Reach out to loved ones you trust who can walk with you through the recovery journal.
They’re often the best people to practice disclosure with.
Allow them to ask as many questions as they need.
you could take them with you to your next appointment to talk with your healthcare provider.
Without support, the stress can affect your own mental health and well-being.
You could start by exploringpeer support groupslikeAl-Anonthat help families and loved ones living with people with AUD.
There are numerous other online support groups and chat rooms dedicated to loved ones living with alcoholism and NPD.
If you are being physically or emotionally abused, know that help is available.
They can also help you build a safety plan if you decide that it’s time to leave.
If youre in immediate danger, find a safe location and call 911.
NPD increases the risk of alcohol misuse as a means to escape difficult emotions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drinking when you have been diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder can be additionally dangerous.
People with NPD may misuse alcohol in an attempt to cope with the impact of their disorder.
Newton-Howes G, Foulds J.Personality disorder and alcohol use disorder: an overview.Psychopathology.
In:2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; 2020.
