Many people ask the question, “What is an addictive personality?” In fact, the debate over what an “addictive personality” is, or whether an “addictive personality” is a real thing, has been going on for many years. The reality is that many instances point to addictive personalities being real, as well as being really harmful.
Better Understanding Addiction
Addiction affects millions of people both in the U.S. and around the world. These are addictions that include substance addiction and behavioral addictions like gambling or sex addiction.
Addiction should also be understood as a disease rather than some moral failing or “choice.” In fact, addiction has more in common with chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer than it does with a “choice.”
Addiction is also a “family disease.” This is because it affects the entire family and not just the individual who is struggling. This is why many recovery professionals refer to addiction as a tornado that destroys everyone and everything in its path. On the bright side, the family is also one of the first lines of defense in getting their loved ones the help they need. This is because they are often the first ones to spot the signs and symptoms of addiction.
The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Now, it is important to understand that the signs and symptoms of addiction are going to vary somewhat based on the situation and the individual. However, some more universal signs can be looked out for. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Struggling with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness (depression)
- Not being able to stop drinking and using once started
- Loss of appetite
- No longer caring about appearance or personal hygiene
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed
- Committing self-harm or harming others
- Having suicidal ideations
Unfortunately, people often minimize the signs and symptoms of addiction. However, as one can see, these symptoms can be extremely serious. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as signs appear is so crucial. Doing so could mean the difference between experiencing short-term side effects and long-term consequences. This can be life and death.
What Is an Addictive Personality?
When it comes to having an addictive personality, it is important to understand that it is not some type of single overarching personality, but rather a series of personality traits. For example, it has been found that impulsivity is a major personality trait when it comes to having an addictive personality.
According to the peer-reviewed journal, Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports, “Personality features have long been associated with addictions. Recently, impulsive tendencies have been considered important in the psychopathologies of addictions. Impulsivity may contribute to a wide range of psychopathology, including bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, borderline personality disorder, pathological behaviors associated with Parkinson’s disease, and substance addictions.” The good news is there are many ways to recover from an addictive personality.
What Is an Addictive Personality, and How Can I Best Recover?
When it comes to recovering from an addictive personality, it is important to focus on the underlying issues of addiction rather than the addiction itself. One must remember that addiction is much more than simply picking up the drink or the drug. For example, regarding alcohol use disorder (AUD), this is why many people say that “it is more about the thinking than it is the drinking.”
There are many means, methods, and modalities to help one recover from addiction. These methods include “traditional” psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy, and holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation.
The key is to find the right combination of modalities that work best to heal one’s addictive personality. This is also known as the multi-angled approach. Generally, using multiple means of treatment is better than focusing on one sole method.
Whole Mind-Body Healing at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term fixes. This is why we offer individualized and comprehensive treatment plans with a focus on the future.
At The Phoenix Recovery Center, we also focus on whole mind-body healing. This is why we offer multiple means, methods, and modalities. This is embodied in what we call the Phoenix Difference – “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.”
It’s time to celebrate life again. It’s time to recover for good.
Many people discuss whether having an “addictive personality” is a “real thing.” While the debate may still be going on, the reality is that some people are just more prone to addiction. Also, it seems to be the case that those individuals who struggle with one addiction are more prone to acquiring others. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about addiction and how best to recover, please check out our website, or call us today at (801) 438-3185.
