In summary, whether alcohol is to blame or not, having a person with narcissistic traits in your life can be exhausting and upsetting. Whether or not this person decides to seek treatment, don’t overlook your well-being and your right to a healthy, happy life. They may experience arrogance, manipulation, rejection, and a lack of empathy. Destructive behavior makes it hard for narcissists and alcoholics to maintain relationships. Individuals and families affected by NPD and AUD benefit from attending family therapy and support groups.

While there is room for interpretation, a person with NPD and/or AUD must meet a minimum standard before a diagnosis can be delivered with confidence. Even though NPD isn’t a personal choice, you don’t have to tolerate narcissistic abuse. Someone with covert narcissism will still present signs of grandiosity and have low empathy, but probably act in a more subtle way than someone with overt narcissism.

As Someone Living With NPD and AUD

Alcohol addiction affects an alcoholic’s behavior and the way they treat people, as well. People who spend time around alcoholics or narcissists will also feel the destructive effects of their actions. Alcoholics are not always narcissists, and narcissists aren’t always alcoholics.

What Is the Difference Between Communal and Covert Narcissist?

Never disregard professional legal, medical, or mental health advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen in this content. Additionally, for specific legal issues, always consult with an attorney licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction. As narcissists, daughters may disrespect, belittle, and manipulate their mothers. They often seek attention, validation, and control, disregarding their mothers’ feelings and needs. Empathy and support for the mother are lacking, with blame often shifted for personal failures.

Psychotherapy, medications, and support systems play crucial roles in addressing both the alcohol use disorder and narcissistic personality traits. This article discusses the similarities and differences between people with narcissistic personality disorder and those with alcohol use disorder. One of the most common effects of narcissistic abuse may be feeling lonely or having a sense of worthlessness. But you’re not at fault for any abusive behavior your loved one has engaged in. And you deserve to be in relationships that support, comfort, and care for you. When dealing with covert narcissistic abuse, or any form of abuse, a safety plan can help protect you if a harmful situation escalates.

There is much research to suggest a strong link between narcissism and problematic sexual behavior, notably infidelity and sexual assault. The same factors that drive the problematic use of alcohol and drugs can also drive sex addiction. These include fluctuating or low self-esteem, the devaluing of others, and a sense of invulnerability. Both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism are strong predictors of alcohol-related problems, according to a 2018 study of 345 college students. This article looks at the links between narcissism and addiction and explains why people with narcissism may be more likely than other people to engage in addictive behaviors. If someone you know has alcoholic narcissist symptoms, don’t neglect your own needs.

Narcissistic Traits and Behaviors

The association remained intact even when researchers accounted for general psychological distress as a trigger for coping responses like alcohol use. Healthcare professionals and psychologists may use a set of criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to diagnose narcissism or AUD. To treat dual diagnosis, people will receive treatment options for both NPD and AUD. Individuals can discuss how NPD and AUD can affect the other with their doctor. With AUD, a person’s behavior may change depending on whether they are sober or not. An individual with NPD will display a consistent pattern of narcissistic behavior.

Rather, they lack the brash confidence of overt narcissists and fear being exposed and humiliated if they draw public attention to themselves. Often this is because they have been conditioned not to compete with a domineering overt narcissist parent. Being in a relationship with a covert narcissist can feel frustrating and overwhelming.

1. According to BioScience Trends, “Alcoholism is a global socially significant problem and still remains one of the leading causes of disability and premature death.
2. Being close with an alcoholic narcissist can be emotionally draining, and it’s crucial to take care of yourself.
3. Therapy is one of the most effective forms of treatment for clients with NPD and co-occurring AUD.

If you know someone who regularly uses alcohol, it’s possible that narcissism might be one of the influencing factors. Research supports the link between some narcissistic traits and alcohol use. Risk factors for NPD include having difficult relationships with parents or caregivers during a person’s developmental covert narcissism and alcoholism years that may include excessive praise or criticism. A 2019 study looked at the link between narcissism and alcohol consumption in a questionnaire of 345 college students. Both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism were predictors of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. Covert narcissistic manipulation often distorts children’s memories and views, making it challenging for the child to differentiate between reality and manipulation.

Being close with an alcoholic narcissist can be emotionally draining, and it’s crucial to take care of yourself. If someone you know exhibits destructive, selfish behavior—and can’t be held accountable for it due to their drinking—it can be hard to decipher if you’re dealing with an alcoholic or a narcissist. A narcissist exhibits destructive behavior due to a lack of empathy and authentic emotions.

Individuals who are experiencing these symptoms would benefit from considering a treatment program for alcohol abuse. If the person does not want to enter treatment or change, there may not be hope for healing. The best thing to do at that point is to seek out individual therapy for yourself and work on setting firmer boundaries.