In the world of addiction and recovery, you’re likely to hear the term “addictive personality disorder” fairly often. Professionals sometimes use this disorder explain how someone develops a drug or alcohol addiction, but people often misunderstand it. Take a closer look at what it means to have an addictive personality and how that could impact addiction as well as the recovery process.
Defining Addictive Personality Disorder
An addictive personality doesn’t necessarily mean that a person struggles with a drug or alcohol addiction. In fact, it’s possible to have an addictive personality but to never develop an addiction. An addictive personality simply means that a person doesn’t cope normally with stress. As a result, a person with an addictive personality turns to less-healthy behaviors to handle stress.
Often, these behaviors are self-destructive or harmful in nature. While every individual is different, people with an addictive personality might be hypersensitive to stress and have trouble dealing with everyday emotions and feelings.
Traits Associated With an Addictive Personality
Often, it’s difficult to recognize an addictive personality until an addiction forms. This may be especially true among teens and young adults. One way to prevent an addiction is to be alert and aware of addictive personalities.
Some of the traits of a person with an addictive personality typically include:
- Impulsivity
- The desire to seek out new sensations and experiences
- Neuroticism
- High levels of aggression
- Narcissism or self-centered attitude
- High-strung or Type A personalities
Awareness is Critical for Those With an Addictive Personality
Not all people with an addictive personality will go on to struggle with a drug or alcohol addiction. However, it’s critical for people with addictive personalities to learn how to handle stress in a healthy way. Otherwise, addictions to shopping, gambling or other self-destructive behaviors are likely.
Anyone that identifies with the signs of an addictive personality should consider how they handle stress. New coping mechanisms can be a great way to avoid harmful behaviors in the future.
Rehab and Recovery For Those With an Addictive Personality
In addiction treatment, addictive personality disorder requires a particular method of recovery. It is not just enough to break the chemical dependence on drugs or alcohol. Even then, people with an addictive personality will continue to handle their stress inappropriately. They’ll continue on with their addictive behaviors unless they seek out proper therapy.
Patients with an addictive personality need to focus strongly on relapse prevention. More specifically, they often need to create custom coping mechanisms for when rehab is over. The best treatment programs explore personalized means of handling stress. Some of the most popular options might include:
- Physical exercise
- Spending time outdoors
- Meeting with friends or family members
- Attending group therapy or a local support group
- Engaging in hobbies like art, collecting or music
While an addictive personality disorder doesn’t define you, it can play a role in defining your treatment. At Pinnacle Peak Recovery in Scottsdale, Arizona, rehab programs can help you manage stress in healthy ways. Call 866-377-4761 to take a step forward for your health.