Addictive Personality Disorder​​: Causes, Risk Factors and Help

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse issues, the time to seek help is now. This is especially true when an addictive personality is involved, as any issues are likely to become worse over time — and possibly even replaced by addictions to stronger and more dangerous substances or behaviors. Contact a treatment provider today to find out what your treatment options are. As with other diseases and disorders, the likelihood of developing an addiction differs from person to person, and no single factor determines whether a person will become addicted to drugs.

Can the concept of ‘addictive personality’ be harmful?

Alongside this, individuals may become secretive or deceitful, lying about their whereabouts, use of substances, or money spent. This dishonesty is often driven by shame, denial, or the desire to protect and continue the addiction. Low self-esteem causes people to view themselves negatively, criticize their own actions, and feel inferior to others.

Does having an addictive personality mean I’ll develop an addiction?

Similar findings exist when cocaine is self-administered as opposed to experimenter-administered 80. However, Broos et al. 81 did not find that cocaine self-administration increased impulsive choice, perhaps because rats in this study consumed less cocaine than in other studies 80. Many factors can increase your risk for addiction, but there’s no evidence that a specific personality type causes people to develop addictive personality an addiction to something. On the one hand, some people have said that specifying an “addictive personality” may help decrease the chances of someone developing an addiction, by identifying possible early symptoms and prevention and treatment plans. Some people use the terms “addictive personality” and “compulsive personality” interchangeably or in combination to describe people.

Addiction and Signs of Addictive Personality

They had problem drinkers perform a working memory training task (or control task) over the course of 25 days. They found that training working memory improved working memory and reduced alcohol intake for more than 1 month after cessation of training. Interestingly, automatic impulse level was a significant moderator of the indirect effect of working memory training on alcohol use 136.

However, possessing these common characteristics does not guarantee addiction, as personal choices, support systems, and environmental factors also play significant roles. Despite no scientific evidence or support for the theory of an addictive personality, understanding the various things that increase a person’s risk of addiction can make it easier to avoid a substance use disorder. People with PTSD, ADHD, OCD, or other anxiety disorders may have traits that overlap with substance abuse, like impulsivity or neuroticism. However, having a mental health condition doesn’t necessarily “cause” an addiction. While you can’t always control your risk factors, you can take action to develop healthier coping mechanisms, treat co-occurring mental health conditions, and embark on the road to a happier, healthier life. People with addictive personalities don’t always turn to alcohol or drugs as an outlet.

You may notice missed deadlines, frequent absences, or a drop in scholastic and/or work performance. Over time, maintaining the addiction takes absolute priority over everything else, including finances, relationships, and personal obligations. https://www.beingunitedngo.org/2021/05/17/cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome-causes-treatment-and/ Other popular personality theories of addiction include Gray’s reinforcement sensitivity theory, the Model of impulsivity, and the popular Five Factor model (which is the basis of many personality tests).

This insecurity may lead someone to engage in risky behaviors to fit in with peers or to seek external validation through substances or activities. While possessing one or two of these characteristics does not automatically indicate an addictive personality, being aware of these traits can help you monitor your behavior and seek support when needed. Understanding what contributes to an addictive personality, identifying the warning signs, and knowing when to seek help can prevent serious consequences and set the foundation for healthier coping strategies. Furthermore, addiction is a brain disorder that has nothing to do with personality. Someone with a laid-back, easygoing personality has as great a risk of developing an addiction as someone with a high-strung personality.

If you are worried you could develop an addiction, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. In a 2023 study involving over 1 million people of different ethnicities, scientists found specific genes linked to substance abuse, like PDE4B, a gene that regulates dopamine. Scientists also found specific genetic patterns Sober living home related to alcohol, opioids, and marijuana abuse. Dependent personality traits usually include an inability to function independently from the input or presence of others. One with a dependent personality disorder (DPD) may have difficulty making decisions alone, often requiring others to handle their personal affairs. People with this disorder can be overly submissive and have difficulty disagreeing with others.

Benefits of online therapy for addictive personality

Whether you are concerned about your own tendencies or worried about a loved one, we are here to help. Contact Tennessee Behavioral Health today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting wellness. The term “addictive personality” is commonly used to refer to a set of personality traits that may make someone more likely to develop addictive behaviors. It isn’t a formal health diagnosis nor is it backed up by scientific evidence.

What Are the Behaviors of an Addict?

• Both types share similar characteristics, including inability to stop despite consequences, preoccupation with the substance or behavior, and withdrawal symptoms when unable to engage.
• According to statistics from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around 3.3 percent of adults in the United States had a dual diagnosis in 2014.
• Over time, the substance or addictive behavior often becomes the center of a person’s life, causing previously important priorities—like family, friendships, and responsibilities—to take a backseat.

Therapy and counseling can help you work on traits or behaviors that contribute to addiction, like poor coping skills or low self-worth. Animal studies suggest that the “burst” of dopamine from drugs like opiates or stimulants can trigger a learning response that forms habits. Addiction also impacts your decision-making and behavioral control over time, making you more reliant on your learned habits. You continue to abuse drugs or alcohol because your body expects them and has grown to rely on them. A “type one” personality is part of the Enneagram Personality Test that features definitions of nine personality types constructed around an individual’s communication types, motivation styles, fears, and other traits.