Addictive Personality

Addictive personality refers to someone who has a natural tendency to develop addictions. It is not an official medical diagnosis, and many experts oppose the idea.

It may be tempting to attribute addiction to someone’s personality as a way of understanding why they have it. However, doing this can have downsides.

Viewing addiction as part of someone’s character may lead people to blame them personally for it or believe it is part of who they are. In reality, though, anyone can develop an addiction. Addiction is also treatable. Some traits are more associated with addiction than others. Impulsivity was common among adolescents with addictions. This does not mean they have an addictive personality, but that certain traits may raise the risk of someone trying an addictive substance.

The concept of addictive personalities comes from the idea that some people develop addictions due to their character. According to this model of addiction, some people may find it harder to resist developing addictions than others, and those with addictive personalities are inherently more likely to have an addiction than the rest of the population. However, the concept is controversial, and many addiction experts argue it is harmful.

No major health organization recognizes addictive personality as a medical diagnosis. Instead, most experts view addiction as an illness.

People may worry they are prone to addiction or will develop one in the future. They may have concerns due to anxiety, family history, things they have read online, or previous substance use. However, addiction is not predetermined. The only indicator a person is prone to addiction is their behaviour and how it affects their lives.

A person may have an addiction to a substance or activity if they:

• use it to escape from or numb their emotions
• center much of their free time or identity around the behaviour
• have to steadily increase the behaviour or dosage of a substance in order to achieve the same effect
• are willing to tolerate negative consequences, such as damage to relationships or losing their job, in order to continue the behaviour
• engage in the behaviour even in situations where it could be dangerous, e.g., drinking and driving
• experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop

Addiction comes in many forms. People can have addictions to substances such as alcohol, nicotine, recreational drugs, and prescription drugs. Gambling, shopping, and sex are examples of potential behavioural addictions. However, there are behaviours that people can find difficult to stop that are not the result of addiction. Instead, these behaviors may be compulsions.

Recovery from addiction is possible with support and treatment. People who are concerned about their mental health should speak with a professional for advice.

Thank you for reading.