Understanding an Addictive Personality Alcoholics and drug addicts, or people involved in any sort of addiction, may have what is called an “addictive personality.” It means they exhibit certain patterns of thinking and ways of behaving that are common to most people who abuse a substance in order to cope with life. It does not mean that every alcoholic and every addict will have each addictive personality trait. Rather, it means that they have many emotional similarities that have led to their problem.
In fact, denial – the No. 1 symptom of alcoholism and drug addiction – often leads people to look for differences instead of similarities. They can always find someone who drank more, got in more fights, had more driving under the influence tickets, and so on. They don’t want to look at their connections to the addictive personality.
“If one is good, two is better” One characteristic of the addictive personality is rationalization. This leads to excessive indulgence in pleasure-seeking and eventual inability to stop destructive behavior.
If a glass of wine enhances the atmosphere of a romantic dinner, then a whole bottle would make it even better. If one cold beer tastes great on a hot summer day, then a six-pack will provide even more comfort. If a drink after work with colleagues provides stress relief after a difficult week, then partying until the wee hours of morning will make all worries disappear. If taking one sleeping pill will lead to a relaxed state of mind, then two will assure a trip into blissful rest. This pattern eventually may lead to
addiction.
Lack of impulse control Sometimes alcoholics or drug addicts will “swear off” drinking or using for a period of time. They think they have the problem beat. They may think that will power alone will solve the problem. Eventually, however, they will give in to temptation if they do not have therapeutic help or a support group of others with the same problem.
Their minds lie to them, telling them, “It will be different this time.” They think they will be able to control their drinking or using. When they find relief from tensions that have built up, they succumb to the allure of alcohol or drugs, and the destructive cycle starts again.
Lying becomes common One of the most disastrous traits of an addictive personality is the penchant for lying. They lie to themselves and to others. They try to cover up the extent of their drinking or using. They blame others for damaged relationships. They want to escape the consequences of their behavior. This problem affects both the addict and the addict’s loved ones.
These addictive personality traits can predispose someone to alcoholism, drug addiction or any number of other uncontrolled excessive behaviors. With awareness and treatment, they can be changed.