What Are The Traits Of An Addictive Personality
While addiction can strike anyone, there are some people who are more predisposed than others to develop an addiction to substances, gambling, the Internet, and other outlets. Some experts believe that these people have what they call an addictive personality. Although there is not one specific type of personality that is more prone to addiction, there are several personality traits that are common among people with addiction.
In this article, we take a look at some of the traits that make up an addictive personality.
Using Alcohol To Socialize
Socializing is one of the top reasons heavy drinkers give to explain their overindulgence in alcohol. A beer or a glass of wine can seem like a quick and easy way to lower inhibitions and have a laugh with friends. But all too easily, alcohol can become the only way to get along with people, leaving you feeling bored or anxious in situations where everyone is sober.
Healthy ways to meet this need: Instead of using alcohol to connect with others, connect through common interests or activities that you enjoy. When everyone around you is drinking, learn how to say no to alcohol and how to host a party without your guests getting drunk.
No Control Over Impulsive Behavior
One of the strongest indications of an individual with an addictive personality is the inability to control their impulsive behavior. While it is normal to try something new in order to spice up a persons life, it can become much worse if it becomes a consistent need, which is not a stable approach to an individuals daily activities.
According to Indiana University, Bloomington, a person with addictive personality will compulsively participate in the activity in a repeated fashion, and will not be able to control how long, when, and how much they will experience a loss of control.
If someone suffers from this characteristic of addictive personality, it would be a good idea to practice these potentially addictive behaviors in moderation to avoid the possibility of addiction. It can also help to keep a rational outlook on the situation in order to remind the individual of the consequences associated with the potential addiction.
This will help him or her to remember to slow down when acting on their impulses.
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The Obsessive Compulsive Trait
Addiction sometimes has to do with a lack of impulse control, but this is not exclusively the inability to resist impulses. In fact, people who are too rigid with managing their impulses may also end up using substances as a manifestation of an obsessive-compulsive behavior pattern. In fact, addiction often becomes a compulsion to use the substance based on a habit that has formed over time rather than a single impulse to try something new.
In this way, people with intense focus and habitual behaviors may be as likely to develop addiction as those who are unable to control impulses. The obsession with using psychoactive drugs is a main symptom of the disorder, and it can exist both separate from and in concert with a lack of impulse control that can also be a hallmark of addiction.
What Causes An Addictive Personality
In addition to the traits listed above, a variety of other traits tend to have a higher prevalence among addicted individuals. For example, people with addiction:
- Might be impulsive. They are sometimes described as erratic or spontaneous.
- Seek out situations that fulfill an emotional need for new or varied experiences.
- Have negative effects. This means they turn to alcohol or other substances to manage negative emotions, such as stress, anger, or sadness.
- Have negative urgency. This means they have a difficult time managing stress in a healthy manner.
- Are neurotic or have a high level of neuroticism. Challenges cause them to express sadness, anger, anxiety, and irritability.
- Are disagreeable. Addicts tend to be selfish, less friendly, and uncooperative.
- Are more aggressive. They tend to act out in violent and hostile manners toward others.
Again, its important to note that anyone with the genetic makeup and experiences that increases the risk of substance use disorder can develop an addiction. The above-listed traits seem to occur more frequently among people with addiction, which led to the misconception of an addictive personality.;
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How The Mighty Have Fallen In Blow Essay
George became one of the largest if not the largest cocaine trafficker in the United States, because of the trafficking of Pablo Escobar`s cocaine, it changed the face of America in the 1970s. Being business partners with Pablo Escobar, George was never in short supply of the cocaine he was trafficking. As I watched the movie and observed George`s addictive behavior, I realized that it started as a child and the first obsession came in the form of money. Georges parents were not wealthy and
Believing Quitting Is Too Hard
If you have an addictive personality, you may feel that quitting everything addictive is just too difficult. You may have bounced from drink to drugs, from drugs to sex, from sex to overeating, from overeating to overexercise. Some people just feel life in moderation is too empty, too boring, too normal. They need excess.
This is denial. Even people with long-term, ingrained addictions can quit. Many of them discover this later in life, after losing friends, family, jobs and everything but their addictions. Once they find that recovery is possible, life opens up again and they grieve the lost years.
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Do Addictive Personality Traits Predict Addiction
Home | News | Do Addictive Personality Traits Predict Addiction?
An addictive personality refers to a combination of addictive traits that, in theory, predispose a person to addiction. However, the concept of the addictive personality is debated.;So what are addictive personality traits and do they really offer insight into future addictions? Learn more about the most frequently reported addictive personality traits and how they relate to actual substance use disorders.
An estimated10-15% of the population is thought to have an addictive personality. However, despite the widespread discussion of addictive personality traits as predictors of substance abuse, there is no such thing as an addictive personality disorder. This means that an addictive personality is not medically recognized as a diagnosable mental illness. However, patterns worth noting do still arise in the personality traits of those who suffer from addiction.;
Contents
What Is An Addictive Personality How To Tell If You Have One
Drug addiction, or substance use disorder , is a complex, chronic condition characterized by compulsive behaviors around intoxicating substances, including prescription drugs, illicit drugs, and alcohol. These behaviors can lead to an escalating physical dependence and tolerance to these substances, so the person using can quickly increase the dosage they use. This increased use changes how the brain manages neurotransmitters, which can eventually change the structures of the brain. Since addiction is a chronic condition, management of the symptoms can take weeks or months, and relapse is considered part of the condition.
Because addiction can lead to compulsions and the risk of relapsing after quitting several times, the concept of an addictive personality arose. It was believed that some people are merely drawn to being addicted to certain drugs while others are not. It was also believed some things might increase the risk for this issue, including genetics, family history, environment, and mental health.
However, many scientists now believe that the idea of an addictive personality is inaccurate. There are no specific personality traits that can predict whether a person will become addicted to substances or not.
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Searching For Harmful Situations To Socialize In
People with an addictive personality tend to look down on those who are calmer than they are. They like very lively people, even if they arent good for them or are just occasional friends.;They get involved in areas where excess prevails whether its food, drink, or anything else. They want to experience constantly intense emotions, but only certain social circles can provide it.
Using Sex To Replace Intimacy
It might seem contradictory to suggest that sex could replace intimacy. After all, isn’t sex the most intimate act between two people? But people who are addicted to sex tell a different story: Constantly seeking sexual arousal and gratification can actually distance you from your partner, as you lose yourself in the sensations of the sexual experience, rather than being aware of the feelings of the other person.
Healthy ways to meet this need: Even if you haven`t really felt addicted to sex, listening to your partner express their feelings may help strengthen your relationship as much as, or even more than, having sex.
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What Are Some Examples Of Addictive Behaviors
The kind of addictive behaviors that a person can display are indicative of the type of addiction they are experiencing. When it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, there exist several different addictive behaviors that a person exhibits, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Making attempts to stop drinking or using but being unsuccessful in doing so
- Being unable to control the amount of alcohol/drugs that they consume
- Continuing to use despite negative consequences that have occurred or can occur as a result of the use
- Using even though they do not want to
When addictive behaviors continue to occur, both the individual and those around him or her suffer in several different ways. From the emotional toll that the addictive behaviors play to the physical and mental stress they put on everyone involved, these behaviors can lead to nothing but a dead end. Thankfully, the disease of addiction and the addictive behaviors that develop because of it can be professionally treated and managed.;
How To Tell If You Have An Addictive Personality
An addictive personality can be challenging to diagnose, especially if disguised as a passion or hobby. However, several indicators point to more than just plain enthusiasm.
Being dependent on something to cope with everyday tasks or bad moods is usually a tell-tale sign of addiction. Binge eating when youre sad, needing alcohol to socialize or relax and excessive phone use to cure boredom are classic examples. Unnecessary risk-taking, especially in the form of gambling, can also develop into a dangerous addiction.
Another sign of an addictive personality is restlessness, and the need for constant stimulation. People who need overstimulation often get their high from activities or substances like sex, food, or shopping. This restlessness is a brewing pot for an addiction to develop.
Genetics also play a role in regards to addictive personalities. People who have parents with depression, bipolar disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder are more likely to develop addictions. Growing up with family members who were addicted to substances can also significantly influence a persons addictive tendencies.
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How To Help Someone With A High Addiction Risk
If you know someone you consider to have an addictive personality or who has a high risk of addiction, you can help them by:
- Approaching them about their substance use or other behavior in a caring manner that is firm and respects your boundaries.
- Expressing concern about their behavior and explaining how their choices are negatively impacting you and others in their lives.
- Presenting facts about how their choices have affected you and how it might be negatively impacting their lives.
- Explaining to them that they have an illness or are at risk of developing an illness if they are not careful and that you understand their actions are not due to a character flaw.
- Engaging other people in their lives who care about them to express concerns similar to yours.
- Offering professional help and agreeing to support them in finding the right treatment options.
- Allowing them to accept responsibility for their behavior.
- Offering hope and sharing with them how life is better when they do not succumb to an addiction.
- Recommending self-help groups as an early intervention strategy. Some people arent ready for formal inpatient or outpatient treatment but benefit from attending 12-step or other self-help meetings.
What Is The Definition Of Addictive Behavior
In American culture, we often say things like, Im addicted to this new show. as a way of expressing that we really enjoy something. But in reality, an addiction is defined differently.;
An addictive behavior is a compulsive action that a person continues to do despite negative physical and social consequences. When it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, a person will continually crave more and more of the drug too.;
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Know The Early Warning Signs Of Dependence
If you havent been diagnosed with an addiction, then its helpful to be aware of the early signs.
If you are using recreational drugs, prescription drugs or alcohol, consider these 10 questions:
- Do you think about or crave drugs or alcohol when youre not using them?
- Is it easy to say no to drugs or alcohol?
- Do substances take priority over other areas of your life?
- Has your use of drugs or alcohol changed over time?
- How do you feel if you cant get hold of drugs or alcohol?
- How do you react if something or someone interferes with your plans to drink or take drugs?
- When youre not using drugs or alcohol, how do you feel mentally and physically?
- Do you ever minimise or deny how much you drink or take drugs?
- Are you ever secretive about using particularly around people who dont drink or take drugs the way you do?
- Do you justify to yourself or others why you need to drink or use drugs?
Processes can also be addictive including eating disorders, problem gambling or gaming, internet and social media addiction, sex and love addiction, porn addiction and compulsive spending. You can ask yourself similar questions about these processes to identify any areas for concern.
The best way to identify signs of dependence or diagnose addiction is to have an addiction assessment at a trustworthy addiction centre.
The Difference Between A Habit And An Addiction
Firstly, its essential to differentiate between habits and addictions.
Most people form habits throughout life from drinking coffee every morning to going to the gym after work to watching Netflix before bed. Perhaps you play poker with friends at the weekend or support a football team. Maybe you follow certain trends on social media, play Candy Crush on the bus or you always buy ice cream at the cinema. Mostly, these kinds of habits are completely harmless.
Addiction is when a habit becomes difficult or impossible to control and it becomes harmful to you and/or other people. When an addictive substance or activity takes over, increasingly people prioritise it over other areas of their life including their mental and physical health, work, education, relationships and finances. Typically, addicts experience a progression of consequences, as their impulses get harder to manage.
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How Does An Addictive Personality Contribute To Rohypnol Addiction
Rohypnol is a sedative drug that is not approved for use in the United States. Its effects are similar to those of other benzodiazepines and include heavy sedation, muscle relaxation and reduction of anxiety. Because it sedates and inhibits a victims recollection of events, it is widely known as the date-rape drug. Its potential for abuse is lower than many other drugs, but a Rohypnol user is still at risk for physical and psychological dependence.
Rohypnol is often used to enhance the effects of more powerful drugs. Someone with an addictive personality disorder may indulge in multiple addictions at once. A Rohypnol addiction may stand alone or may accompany an addiction to alcohol or other substances.
Because it is illegal in the United States except for limited medical usage and because it is not powerful enough to be addictive after just one use, it is unlikely that an individual could develop a Rohypnol addiction without first purposefully using it for its effects repeatedly. An individual with addictive personality traits might use the drug to satiate a need for excitement or pleasure or to cope with stress or grief.
How To Help Someone Who Might Be Dealing With Addiction
Addiction can be hard to talk about. If youre concerned that someone close to you needs help, here are some pointers that can help:
- Get more information about substance misuse and addiction. This can give you a better idea of what theyre going through and the type of help that might be available. For example, will treatment need to start with detoxification under medical supervision?
- Show support. This can be as simple as telling them you care for them and youre worried and want them to get help. If youre able, consider offering to go with them to see a doctor or counselor.
- Stay involved in the treatment process. Ask how theyre doing, or offer to spend time with them if theyre having a tough day. Let them know youre available if they find themselves in a rough spot.
- Avoid judgement. Theres already a lot of stigma around addiction. It can make some people hesitant to reach out for help. Reassure them that their experience with addiction doesnt make you think any less of them.
when someone doesnt want help
Try not to take it personally if your loved one doesnt want help or isnt ready to start treatment. If they dont want it, theres not much you can do to change their mind. This can be hard to accept, especially if youre very close to them.
Consider reaching out to a therapist for support. You can also drop by a Nar-Anon or Al-Anon meeting in your area. These meetings offer a chance to connect with others who have a loved one experiencing addiction.
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