Alcoholism & Narcissism

Narcissism is a personality disorder and alcoholism is a substance use disorder but the two share similar qualities.

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Many narcissists and those with a Cluster B personality disorder also have an addiction to substances. These individuals have difficulties coping with reality and will often turn to drugs and alcohol to escape their feelings.

I was married to an active alcoholic for fifteen years before I met my abuser. His addiction is what ultimately killed him one month before his 50th birthday. I can tell you his drinking caused a lot of pain and suffering in our family but I cannot tell you he was a narcissist. Alcohol abuse is not synonymous with narcissism.

I do know that alcoholics display narcissistic traits while they are drunk. They show no empathy for others and will always put their needs above the needs or concerns of everyone else.

This, however, doesn’t necessarily mean they have a narcissistic personality disorder.

Alcohol will cause a person to behave with extreme arrogance, self-importance, and feelings of superiority that aren’t otherwise present when sober.

It is easy to say a person is a narcissist when they are monopolizing all conversations and exaggerating their stories to gain…