How to Help a Narcissistic Alcoholic

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Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is one of many possible diagnosed mental disorders in which people have an inflated ego and sense of their own importance, a need for excessive attention, and commonly, a lack of empathy for everyone else. When you are in a relationship with a narcissist, this can be extremely difficult and draining. The situation elevates and can become much worse when dealing with a narcissistic alcohol or drug addict. Narcissism frequently has other symptoms such as depression, bipolar disorder (BPD), anxiety, and drug or alcohol abuse disorder. It can feel impossible to escape this situation, especially if you care for that person. We hope this article helps you understand how to help a narcissistic alcoholic or addict. You can call American Addiction Institute 24/7 for expert alcoholism treatment and substance use disorder help. We are here for you.

Narcissism and Alcoholism is a dangerous combination

NPD and alcohol abuse

Narcissists are convinced that they are 100% in the right and need to preserve that at any cost. When alcohol gets involved, particularly long-term alcohol abuse and alcoholism, this can escalate into dangerous situations. In the book, The Narcissist You Know, Joseph Burgo includes the “Addicted Narcissist” as Extreme Narcissism. He also says, “addictive and narcissistic personalities have many features in common, that includes a “pronounced lack of empathy for the people around them.”

When dealing with a narcissistic alcoholic, this sense of right can be elevated and can cause anger and even violence.

Signs of Narcissism in Someone

If you’re suspecting the person in your life is a narcissist, there are some common signs of narcissism you should pay attention to. However, many signs can overlap between alcoholism and Narcissism, and it’s important to know if it actually is both, or just one that is causing the severity of the other’s symptoms. You can call us 24/7 at American Addiction Institute of Mind and Medicine to discuss options and how to help your loved one.

Most common signs:

  • A highly inflated sense of self purpose
  • Living in a false reality that supports their inflated sense of self
  • Needs to have constant praise and recognition
  • An overwhelming sense of entitlement
  • Demeans or belittles you for not being up to their standards
  • Frequently exploits others time, efforts, and/or energy for their own objectives
narcissistic alcoholic

How to treat Narcissism and Alcoholism

Narcissism is partially a self learned-behavior and can also partially be a genetic trait. The good news is that Narcissistic Personality Disorder and alcoholism can be treated. However, there are essential things that you need to know before getting help from a treatment center for your loved one. Many Narcissists do not want or refuse help because they are entirely convinced that they are in the right. In order to fully help your loved one, it may take an interventionist to convince them to go to treatment.

The treatment center that you choose needs to understand your loved one’s  mental and physical health history in order to outline a custom treatment plan for dealing with NPD alongside alcoholism. You need to find a treatment center that is fully capable and has experience with dual diagnosis treatment. Call us at American Addiction Institute to learn more about our experienced and highly credentialed staff ready to help.

Levels of Alcohol Treatment

Alcohol Detox

Residential Treatment

Outpatient Treatment

Sober Living

While there are many options for treating alcoholism, there is no one-size-fits all solution. You may find that you need a more structured environment to fully treatment alcoholism or, because of responsibilities you have, you need more freedom. You can choose a solution yourself or work with our experienced and caring staff for a recommendation that best suits your treatment needs.

How to Find an Effective Alcohol Rehab for Narcissists

If you have a loved one or are personally struggling with Narcissism and alcoholism, contact our team today to speak with one of our kind and experienced intake specialists. American Addiction Institute of Mind and Medicine is located in Orange County, CA. Our highly experienced staff of mental health and addiction experts has experience with all personality disorders and different types of substance use disorders. Help is one short phone call away.

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