An addictive personality is not a specific diagnosis but can indicate you share common traits with others dealing with addiction. Although you may be more susceptible to developing an addiction because of your personality, this doesn’t mean you can’t overcome an addiction to substances. Personalities are complicated. Genetics can play a role in substance abuse, and certain personality types are more likely to abuse substances. At Tides Edge Detox, we work with people struggling to break free from an addiction to substances and are ready to go through drug and alcohol detox. Many factors can lead to an addiction, and it starts with exposure to the substance.
Addictions Often Go Together
An addictive personality is a set of characteristics that contribute to an increased risk for addiction. These traits include impulsivity, sensation-seeking, low self-esteem, stress and anxiety sensitivity, external locus of control, and social alienation. While not all people with these personality traits will suffer an addiction problem, individuals with these traits are more likely to develop addictive behaviors than those without these characteristics.
If you are concerned that you have an addictive personality, you may discover that you have more than one addiction. It is common for a person who is addicted to a substance, also to manifest other addictions requiring dual diagnosis treatment. A person with an addictive personality might:
- Love the excitement and take more risks than the average person
- Make poor decisions quickly and not consider the long-term impact
- Have no ability to quit the addictive behavior alone
- Gamble, drink alcohol, abuse substances, and engage in risky behaviors
An addictive personality often craves excitement and will continually try to reach the same highs that occurred the first time they tried a substance.
There is some debate among researchers about whether these personality traits actually contribute to addiction or are instead a consequence of having an addiction. Some studies suggest that individuals with addictive personalities often have substance use problems in childhood and adolescence, which may indicate a genetic predisposition to developing addictions. Others argue that while risky behavior, impulsivity, and stress are common in youth, these behaviors may not necessarily lead to addiction later in life.
People Without an Addictive Personality
For those who don’t have a personality prone to addiction, it is easier to drink socially or use drugs recreationally. It is hard for someone struggling with addiction to understand how someone else can have a few drinks and then stop. Unfortunately, a person without a family history of addiction or a personality conducive to addiction can still become addicted. If your body becomes dependent, you’ve developed an addiction regardless of other factors. Anyone can become addicted to substances. Thus, it is important to recognize the signs of addiction no matter what type of personality you have.
If you or a loved one has started abusing drugs or alcohol, find help through specialized detox programs like alcohol detox in Jacksonville, FL.
Learning Strategies to Avoid an Addiction Relapse
If you are a person that loves a rush from abusing substances, you must learn productive ways to manage your addictive personality and cravings. You can get the excitement you want, without turning to substances to do so. Preventing a relapse means something different to everyone. How you respond to stress, and how you deal with cravings has a direct impact on your ability to stay sober. Relapse prevention strategies can include:
- Trying a new activity that excites and inspires you
- Meeting with friends to build up your support team
- Building an exercise routine that challenges you
- Learning how to meditate, take yoga or mindfulness
Focus on learning new ways to stay sober, and preventing a relapse becomes easier. As you gain confidence in your abilities, you will discover opportunities to fill your cravings for excitement in healthier ways. Even if you can identify that you have an addictive personality, you can move on from addictions that are hazardous to your health and find other ways to find excitement in your life. Recovery is possible, but you have to focus on the things that are good for you.
Break Free From Addiction Now
There is no truly definitive answer yet about whether addictive personalities actually contribute to the development of addiction. More research is needed to determine whether these behaviors are a cause or a consequence of substance use problems. However, if you have any of the abovementioned personality traits and are worried about your risk for addiction, it may be helpful to seek professional help to address these concerns. Addiction treatment can help you manage addictive behaviors and prevent future substance use problems.
Addiction does not have to control your life any longer. Take back your life when you are struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Contact Tides Edge Detox today at 866.723.3127 and begin your journey of sobriety. You can heal from an addiction to substances when you decide to reach out for help.
