For Alcoholics Anonymous each regression model, gender, social desirability, and alcohol use (in the models where it wasn’t the outcome) were entered at Step 1. Though age was collected, it was not controlled for due to the sample being so homogenous. At Step 2 the types of narcissism, vulnerable and grandiose, were simultaneously entered into the model. An overall mean score of narcissism was calculated for the two subscales (i.e., grandiose and vulnerable narcissism). Internal consistency in the current study was alpha of .84 for the grandiose narcissism subscale and .79 for the vulnerable narcissism subscale.

• Generally, people grow out of overt narcissistic behaviors when they reach puberty.
• However, there is some evidence that having narcissistic personality disorder can make you more vulnerable to alcohol abuse.
• Internal consistency in the current study was alpha of .84 for the grandiose narcissism subscale and .79 for the vulnerable narcissism subscale.

The Ripple Effect: Impact on Relationships

However, not everyone with narcissism has an addiction and vice versa. A 2014 study looking at infidelity also found that people with narcissism were more likely to be unfaithful during a relationship. A 2015 study of college sexual assaults revealed that perpetrators scored highly on a narcissistic personality scale after completing a questionnaire. Both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism are strong predictors of alcohol-related problems, according to a 2018 study of 345 college http://niedson.com/2021/12/06/2-drinks-dermatologists-say-women-over-40-should/ students. Many narcissists are active addicts and this is something that is usually fairly easy to spot. A key feature in this issue is a difficulty in sitting with uneasy emotions such as anxiety, neutrality, boredom or shame – this can fuel addiction.

Where to Find a Support System

• The more behaviors they pathologize, the more behaviors they medicalize, the more they claim to find new diseases and new disorders, the more money there is from insurance companies.
• It found that narcissism was a predictor of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems.
• If you observe these traits in your partner, consider evaluating the relationship’s health.
• One thing you need to understand about the covert narcissist is because he is collapsed, because he had essentially failed to become a narcissist.
• For instance, a narcissist might alternate between belittling loved ones and playing the victim to elicit sympathy.

Breaking free from the toxic cycle of narcissism and alcoholism is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Asana Recovery, we provide specialized treatment programs tailored to individuals struggling with addiction and co-occurring personality disorders. Our evidence-based therapies, including trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and family counseling, offer the support and tools you need to regain control of your life.

Call Design for Recovery to Begin Your Healing Journey!

But substance abusers can decide to stop the consumption covert narcissism and alcoholism of alcohol or drugs. I have witnessed over 25 years, I have witnessed covert narcissists when they undergo this transformation under the influence of alcohol. So, many covert narcissists drink on a regular basis and they are problem drinkers or binge drinkers.