What are the Signs of an Addictive Personality?
What are the signs of an addictive personality? What are the typical traits of an addict? Do these characteristics automatically put a person at risk for developing a substance addiction? Addiction is a complex disease that impacts a person’s brain and behavior. There isn’t a single trait that can lead to the development of an addiction, but some traits are more closely associated with drug and alcohol addiction.
Substance addiction is a compulsive need for the use of a substance and excessively engaging in questionable behaviors regardless of the adverse outcomes. Addiction is distinguished by the person’s inability to control their behaviors and patterns of substance use. It makes it hard to go without it. Users feel intense cravings for it and continue to use despite repeated negative consequences.
Addiction is such a complex disorder. There are some traits most often linked to addiction. But, just because you possess a certain trait, it doesn’t mean you are eventually going to develop an addiction. In fact, there isn’t a single trait that directly leads to addiction.
Studies have found that there are many different personality traits that are linked to or associated with substance addiction. It could be a combination of these traits together that causes addiction or it could be the intensity of these traits that causes addiction. The correlation between personality and addiction is still subjective and difficult to pinpoint. What we do know is that some traits are more common in addicts than others and it can be a risk factor for addiction.
What are common signs of an Addictive Personality?
An addictive personality is a personality trait that makes a person more likely to become addicted to substances. It’s a casual term that describes a person who exhibits behaviors that are more prone to overindulge in behaviors or substance use. This means you can be predisposed to becoming addicted to a substance.
Do you find yourself having trouble putting your phone down? Do you rush into relationships too quickly? Do you find yourself glued to the TV? Are you constantly buying things or shopping around to make yourself feel better? These are often associated with overindulgence. This can stem from hidden anxiety, depression or even poor impulse control. Overindulgence is an example of a common trait found in those who have a substance addiction.
- Comfort or binge eating
- Using alcohol or drugs to help them socialize or relax
- Constant checking on the phone or social media
- Replacing sexual partners for a false sense of intimacy
- Impulse buying and excessive shopping
- Gambling
- Obsessing over things
- Constant risk-taking
- Never feeling satisfied and always wanting more
- Inability to stop using harmful substances despite negative consequences such as losing their job, going through a divorce and failing to provide for their family
- Inability to stop participating in other harmful activities
Traits of an Addict?
Having a personality trait linked to addiction does not mean that someone is destined to eventually have a drug addiction. Not everyone who has traits commonly linked to addiction is an addict. However, these traits are commonly found in those who have developed a substance use disorder. Some specific personality traits can make someone more prone to developing an addiction. They are considered risk factors, but do not guarantee a person will become an addict.
- People who are adventure-seeking and thrill-seekers
- Those who are comfortable with lying and deception
- Those who desire instant gratification
- People who have difficulty accepting responsibility for their own mistakes
- People who have difficulty with self-regulation and self-control
- People who are at ease with risk-taking
- Those with a history of childhood trauma
- People who were exposed to drugs and alcohol as a child
- Those who have a family history of addiction
- People who have mental health issues
- People with high neuroticism who respond to challenges or threats with emotions like anger, sadness and anxiety
- People with obsessive and compulsive behaviors
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Impulsivity is a common trait associated with a person who has a higher susceptibility to addiction. Their spontaneous nature pushes them to take risks, make decisions and go with whatever course of action seems like a good idea in the moment. Impulsivity is common among those who are also diagnosed with ADHD. An estimated 25% of adults in treatment for substance use disorder have also been diagnosed with ADHD.
Nonconformity is another common trait associated with people who have a substance use disorder. These people consider themselves different from others and mainstream society. They can feel like an outsider, which can lead to self-isolation and la ack of perceived support from their community. This often leads to feelings of the desire to turn to drugs and alcohol in order to manage challenging situations and cope with feelings of rejection.
People with anxiety and low tolerance for stress are commonly linked to substance use disorder. Those who have these traits often worry about personal relationships, fitting in and have difficulty managing everyday situations. They often have high levels of anxiety and find it difficult to tolerate stress. Therefore, they turn to substances to help them manage these emotions.
Sensation-seeking characteristics are also common in substance abusers. They have a constant desire to seek out new experiences and dread being placed in situations without much sensory input. They are constantly looking for their next rush or next feeling of reward. People who experience this trait at high rates are often more prone to developing an addiction.
What are some other factors that can help predict Substance Use Disorder?
Some studies show there can be a genetic component to addiction. If you have a family history of substance addiction, you might have a higher chance of developing one. Other studies show that environmental factors also contribute to the development of substance addiction. One common underlying factor in addiction is the feeling of reward. Our brain is wired to seek out pleasure and reward. Personality traits that fuel the feeling of reward and pleasure are most often linked to the development of a substance use disorder.
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Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Are there some personality traits that make a person more prone to developing a substance addiction? There are many different personality traits that are most commonly linked to the development of a substance or alcohol use disorder. However, just because a person possesses these traits, it doesn’t mean they will go on to have an addiction. There are many other risk factors and variables that also contribute to addiction.
Professional behavioral health treatment centers like Hotel California by the Sea provide a comprehensive program to help with substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder. We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based treatment methods such as CBT, DBT and family therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals of sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://stjosephinstitute.com/blog/6-personality-traits-linked-to-addiction
https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/addictive-personality
