Addictions and Personality Disorders - 9 Signs That it is More Than Just Addiction Present
Addictions are a difficult burden to bear, for the afflicted individual as well as loved ones of the addict.
For the partner of an alcoholic or other type of addict, there may be a great deal of confusion over why their partner is doing what he or she is doing.
Certainly, there may be many contributing factors to addiction.
One factor that could be present is the presence of an underlying personality disorder, like narcissism or sociopath/psychopathy, that is driving the addict to use substances compulsively.
Keeping in mind that some of the signs of these disorders can look like more typical behavior of addicts, and that a personality disorder can only be diagnosed by a qualified mental health provider, here are 9 signs that there could be more than simply an addiction present: 1.
There is a lack of guilt or remorse as a true emotional response.
In other words, your partner may lack conscience.
2.
There is a lack of empathy and ability to place him or herself in the shoes of anyone else.
This can lead to selfish and callous behavior.
3.
Your partner consistently displays irresponsibility, being unlikely to hold down a steady job or pay bills on time, or honor marital commitments.
4.
Your partner tends to get bored and engage in risky behaviors without regard for the safety of self or others.
5.
Your partner tends to manipulate, con, and lie his or her way to achieving a personal agenda.
Some individuals lead a parasitic life, sponging off others and exploiting them for what they can get.
6.
Your partner may exhibit a sense of superiority and grandiose sense worth, feeling entitled to preferential treatment, expecting to associate with special people or institutions, and showing a haughty attitude toward others.
7.
There may be a lack of impulse control.
Your partner may be driven to use drugs and alcohol, or engage in sex, compulsively.
8.
Your partner may think in ideals of love, power, and beauty.
You may be idealized and raised up on a pedestal, then devalued and treated as worthless, with little in between.
9.
Your partner may ignore social norms and have a tendency toward criminal behavior, including violence.
For the partner of an alcoholic or other type of addict, there may be a great deal of confusion over why their partner is doing what he or she is doing.
Certainly, there may be many contributing factors to addiction.
One factor that could be present is the presence of an underlying personality disorder, like narcissism or sociopath/psychopathy, that is driving the addict to use substances compulsively.
Keeping in mind that some of the signs of these disorders can look like more typical behavior of addicts, and that a personality disorder can only be diagnosed by a qualified mental health provider, here are 9 signs that there could be more than simply an addiction present: 1.
There is a lack of guilt or remorse as a true emotional response.
In other words, your partner may lack conscience.
2.
There is a lack of empathy and ability to place him or herself in the shoes of anyone else.
This can lead to selfish and callous behavior.
3.
Your partner consistently displays irresponsibility, being unlikely to hold down a steady job or pay bills on time, or honor marital commitments.
4.
Your partner tends to get bored and engage in risky behaviors without regard for the safety of self or others.
5.
Your partner tends to manipulate, con, and lie his or her way to achieving a personal agenda.
Some individuals lead a parasitic life, sponging off others and exploiting them for what they can get.
6.
Your partner may exhibit a sense of superiority and grandiose sense worth, feeling entitled to preferential treatment, expecting to associate with special people or institutions, and showing a haughty attitude toward others.
7.
There may be a lack of impulse control.
Your partner may be driven to use drugs and alcohol, or engage in sex, compulsively.
8.
Your partner may think in ideals of love, power, and beauty.
You may be idealized and raised up on a pedestal, then devalued and treated as worthless, with little in between.
9.
Your partner may ignore social norms and have a tendency toward criminal behavior, including violence.
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