What is an Addictive Personality?
Have you ever heard of an “addictive personality”?
Having an addictive personality means someone might be more likely to develop addictions due to certain traits and behaviors. For example, they might have a hard time dealing with stress or emotions, or they might seek out new thrills and stimulation more than others. This can lead them to turn to substances like drugs or alcohol to cope or find that rush they’re looking for. It doesn’t mean they’re destined to struggle with addiction, but it can put them at a higher risk.
At Serenity Light Recovery, we know that addiction is complex and that having an addictive personality is just one piece of the puzzle. That’s why our approach looks at the whole person, helping to address not just the addiction itself but also the underlying issues that can drive it. Below, we’ll talk about some addictive personality traits so you can have a better understanding of what it means, and whether you’re impacted.
What Traits Does An Addictive Personality Have?
There is the perception that those people who struggle with substance use disorder are social outcasts who have a criminal streak. However, this image is far from being accurate. Ask the thousands of families who have seen their loved ones struggle in spite of having access to money, support, and tons of other resources.
That being said, there are some traits that can make it more likely for a person to become addicted. This doesn’t mean that everyone who possesses these traits has an addictive personality though. It simply indicates that you should be aware of them. After all, information and knowledge are the key elements in helping those you love.
Relatives who have an addiction
There is a strong genetic correlation with addiction. While having a close relative with an addiction doesn’t mean that developing an addiction is inevitable, it is something that you should be aware of. By having a close family member who is struggling with an addiction, you might also have an addictive personality as well.
Presence of mental health disorders
Many people who struggle with alcohol and/or drug addiction also have a mental health disorder. Having mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could mean that you try different coping skills to deal with it.
Mental health disorders are frequently untreated for a variety of reasons. This could be something as simple as not having access to the treatment needed or as complex as being unable to overcome the social stigma of the disorder. Regardless of why that particular mental health disorder is untreated, many people turn to drugs and/or alcohol to try to stave off its effects.
Risk-Taking Behavior
Being an adventurous risk-taker can lead to fun and exciting times. In fact, it’s safe to say that many explorers have this type of personality. That same spark is often alongside having little impulse control.
This combination can result in a person who feeds on living life on the edge. In order to continue that euphoric feeling, they might turn to drugs and/or alcohol. Some studies have shown a link between dopamine levels and the brain’s reaction to it as reasons for this correlation.
Difficult social relationships
There is research to suggest that those people who have risk-taking behaviors and who also develop addiction are often males. Females, on the other hand, who are cautious and have a challenging time with social relationships might also suffer from anxiety and/or depression. This can lead them to turn to addictive substances in an effort to cope with these stresses. Substance abuse can help those who have difficult social relationships dull the pain, loneliness, depression, disconnection, and anxiety these interactions might cause. Over time, these addictive behaviors can lead to tolerance, which means the amount of substances needed to achieve the same “high” grows.
Get Addiction Help from Serenity Light Recovery Today
As mentioned previously, just because you, or a loved one, have some above signs of an addictive personality, doesn’t mean that you’re going to develop an addiction. However, if you are concerned about your behavior, Serenity Light Recovery is here to help.
We offer a supportive and compassionate staff who can be reached at (281) 431-6700. Contact us for guidance and assistance as you take that first step toward recovery and your brand-new life.
Start today. Find serenity in the Chaos.
FAQs About Addictive Personalities
What is an addictive personality?
An addictive personality refers to certain personality traits that may make someone more prone to addictive behaviors. People with these traits might struggle with impulsivity, seek high levels of stimulation, or have difficulty managing stress. While having an addictive personality doesn’t guarantee someone will develop an addiction, it can increase their risk for issues like alcohol addiction or substance use disorders.
Is an addictive personality the same as a personality disorder?
No, an addictive personality is not the same as a personality disorder. A personality disorder is a recognized mental health condition characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate from cultural expectations. An addictive personality involves traits that can lead to addictive behaviors, but it is not classified as a formal mental health disorder.
What are some common traits of an addictive personality?
Common traits of an addictive personality can include impulsivity, a high need for excitement, difficulty managing stress, and a tendency to engage in compulsive behaviors. People with these traits may be more likely to develop addictions to substances like alcohol or drugs, or engage in other addictive behaviors such as gambling or overeating.
Can having an addictive personality lead to drug abuse?
Yes, having an addictive personality can increase the likelihood of drug abuse. Individuals with addictive tendencies may turn to addictive substances to cope with stress, emotions, or the need for stimulation. This can lead to a pattern of substance use that may develop into a substance use disorder over time.
How is addictive personality disorder different from other disorders?
Addictive personality disorder is not an officially recognized mental health diagnosis like other personality disorders. Instead, it refers to a set of traits and behaviors that can predispose someone to addictive behavior. Unlike specific personality disorders, which have defined criteria, addictive personality disorder is more of a descriptive term used to explain why some individuals may be more prone to developing addiction.
Can addictive personalities only lead to substance use issues?
No, addictive personalities can lead to various compulsive behaviors, not just substance use issues. People with addictive tendencies may also struggle with behaviors such as gambling, shopping, eating, or even exercise when these activities become compulsive and interfere with their daily lives.
Are people with addictive personalities more likely to develop an addiction?
People with certain personality traits that are associated with addictive personalities may be at a higher risk of developing an addiction. However, it’s important to note that many factors, including genetics, environment, and mental health, play a role in whether someone will develop an addiction. Having an addictive personality does not mean addiction is inevitable.
How can someone with an addictive personality avoid developing an addiction?
Individuals with addictive tendencies can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of developing addiction. This can include learning healthy coping strategies for stress, seeking support from friends, family, or professionals, and avoiding situations where they might be tempted to engage in addictive behaviors. Recognizing the signs of addictive behavior early on can also help in taking preventive measures.
As our CEO, Heather’s main calling is to stay true to the vision of the organization, which is saving lives and striving to redefine statistics by raising the standard of care with evolving treatment methods. Heather studied psychology at LSU and both the main and Clear Lake campuses of the University of Houston, and she is a certified IASIS provider and CPI instructor. She’s been helping people in recovery since 2011. Heather’s motto to live by is “I am not what I’ve done; I am what I’ve overcome.”
