Narcissism and Addiction: Is There a Connection?

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and addiction are strongly linked, as underlying insecurities and emotional dysregulation in narcissistic individuals often lead to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Both vulnerable and grandiose narcissism can contribute to addictive behaviors, with vulnerable narcissists seeking to self-medicate negative emotions and grandiose narcissists using substances to maintain their inflated self-image. The cycle reinforces itself, and narcissistic traits can create barriers to treatment, making it challenging for individuals to admit problems and seek help.

Is there a link between narcissism and addiction? While addiction and narcissism are two complex situations that seem unrelated, they can be more alike than expected. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and addiction are strongly tied together, as characteristics that lead to addictive behavior create a strong connection. 

How does narcissism lead to addiction? Narcissism often masks underlying insecurities, and addiction frequently aims to serve as a coping mechanism for emotional pain. The behavioral, emotional, and psychological dynamics are apparent in the connection between narcissism and addiction.

What Is Narcissism and NPD? 

Narcissism is generally evident through a pattern of behavior that requires constant attention and validation while expressing little concern or empathy for others.  There are different types of narcissism, but people who fall into this personality category are usually preoccupied with success, power, or beauty, have an elevated sense of self-importance, can be arrogant, have a need to be admired, and can feel entitled or exploit others for their own gain.

Common Traits of Substance Abuse and Narcissism

Specific characteristics are common in both narcissists and those struggling with substance abuse.

• Emotional dysregulation. Narcissistic people can find it hard to manage shame or feelings of emptiness, which can lead to using substances to cope.
• Impulsivity. Both addiction and narcissism often involve impulsive decision-making and risky behavior.
• Low distress tolerance. Avoiding uncomfortable emotions is a shared trait in addictive behavior and narcissism.

Studies have shown that both narcissism and addiction can be affected by genetic and environmental factors. Why do narcissists become addicted? A person who displays narcissistic characteristics is often trying to mask underlying insecurities. Turning to substances to deal with low self-esteem or emotional pain is a common coping mechanism, as vulnerable narcissism and substance use disorder often occur concurrently. While they may seem confident, narcissists frequently have low self-esteem and look for ways to soothe that internal distress rather than confront it. Narcissism can increase the risk of addiction, and treatment for co-occurring narcissism and addiction would address both issues at the same time. 

The Link Between Narcissism and Addiction

The addiction and narcissism link can be a strong one. The risk of addiction is seen primarily in self-medication, emotional avoidance, and the need to control self-esteem. Narcissistic people tend to struggle with regulating emotions, so they turn to substances or other addictive behaviors to manage feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, emptiness, or shame. Risky behavior and poor decision-making are both common traits associated with both narcissism and addiction.

There are several different types of narcissism: The two most common are vulnerable narcissism and grandiose narcissism.

• Vulnerable narcissism: This is characterized by insecurity, hypersensitivity, and a need for approval. This type is more strongly related to addictive behaviors and substance abuse, as it is common to turn to substances to cope with negative emotions. A person may feel the need to self-medicate to deal with anxiety, emotional pain, or depression.

• Grandiose narcissism: Characterized by entitlement, arrogance, dominance, and an inflated sense of self-confidence. A person might turn to substances or addictive behavior to maintain their feelings of superiority or being untouchable. Risky behaviors fuel their sense of invulnerability and a need for stimulation and excitement. Grandiose narcissism and addiction are slightly less likely, but are still very possible.

The Cycle of Reinforcement with Co-occurring Disorders and Narcissism

While narcissists might appear confident, that attitude is usually a mask for low or fragile self-esteem. Using substances can give a temporary boost to your mood and increase your feeling of self-worth, which reinforces the negative relationship with addiction.

Can an addict be a narcissist? Absolutely. However, barriers to treatment include narcissistic traits, which can make it challenging to know how to treat a narcissist with an addiction. They may deny problems, resist help, or try to manipulate therapy and recovery efforts. Besides denial, narcissists may also project their feelings or shift blame, which makes it harder to seek help and to accept it. Narcissistic traits can be inflated by addictive behaviors, causing a person to feel more special or consequential when using substances. A narcissistic personality disorder and substance abuse diagnosis are more common than you would think.

Addiction can be a coping mechanism for a narcissist. They will use substances to avoid confronting their feelings of shame or emptiness, escape negative emotions, or reinforce their false self-image. Substance use can provide a short-term means of escape, but it often leads to even more shame, which deepens the cycle.

Narcissistic Addiction and Its Impact

The impact of narcissism and addiction extends beyond one person and can have adverse effects on interpersonal relationships. Narcissists often manipulate others, and that behavior can alienate people, but also fosters the fragile self-image they become used to. 

Impaired relationships can lead to isolation, which is a key risk factor for addiction. Narcissistic traits like selfishness, irritability, and lack of empathy can increase with substance use, leading a person to even more negative feelings about themselves.

Family members of narcissists can also turn to substances to deal with the negative relationships they suffer from, causing even further strain.

Is addiction a form of narcissism? Not necessarily. Not all people with narcissism struggle with substance abuse, and not all those struggling with addiction are narcissistic. Narcissistic traits can interfere with recovery because the first step in the journey to sobriety is understanding and accepting the need for help. 

Treatment can be a challenge as narcissistic people do not want to admit they have a problem or show any signs of vulnerability. Therapy can help address both addiction and the personality traits seen in narcissism.

If you or someone you know is struggling with narcissism, substance abuse, or both, Mountainsie can help. We offer evidence-based, individualized treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders for all stages of your recovery. To learn where to begin, talk with an admissions specialist today.