When asked to describe an addict, people often list a set of traits. You may
think of all addicts as people who have poor impulse control, a lot of stress,
few long-term goals, poor self-worth, and a lack of social responsibility. This
stereotype has become so pervasive that there is a name for it: the addictive
personality.
Is a certain personality really associated with addiction? Is addiction
something you simply cannot avoid if you're unlucky enough to have been born
with certain traits? The answer is complicated. Keep reading to learn about the
myth of addictive personalities and what experts really do know about the
relationship between personality and addictive tendencies.
Although the term addictive personality is widely used, most modern
researchers disagree with the assertion that there is a single personality that
makes one prone to addiction. Rather, a range of personality traits make
addiction more likely. Some of these traits are complete opposites of one
another, which breaks down the stereotypes associated with addiction.
Keep in mind that some people with these traits will never become an addict,
and some addicts don't display any of these traits. This is not a game of
absolutes but one of relative risk.
Adventurous Personalities
Adventurous people - those who you might see sky diving or climbing
mountains - are more likely to experiment with addictive substances. These
people often seek a release of dopamine in the brain. (Dopamine is a
neutrotransmitter that leads to euphoria.)
Experimentation can lead to addiction as the adventurous person's body
becomes less sensitive to dopamine and needs larger doses to experience the
sought-after rush.
Cautious Personalities
On the opposite end of the spectrum are the quiet, cautious people. They may
turn to addictive substances to manage feelings of anxiety and loneliness,
rather than talk about or seek treatment for these troubles.
Obsessive Personalities
People with obsessive personalities often seek extreme control over their
impulses. They may become overly aware of their obsession with control to the
extent that they seek an escape from it. Addictive substances can provide them
with that escape, but eventually, use of the substance becomes a new impulse.
Plenty of people who are adventurous, cautious, or obsessive never become
addicts. Experts believe this is because the addiction is affected by lifestyle
and circumstances, too. People with these personality traits may only develop
an addiction after major social problems or in certain social groups. If
someone with these traits never falls into the right circumstances, they may
never become an addict.
It's also possible that more people with these traits are addicted - but
only to substances or behaviors that society has deemed less harmful. For
instance, they might be addicted to food, Internet use, exercise, or work.
Although these addictions can certainly cause harm, they do not raise the same
concerns as addiction to alcohol and drugs.
If you are adventurous, cautious, or obsessive, you may wonder if you can
change your personality to treat an addiction. Your personality develops from
childhood, and as you age, it becomes harder to change. Although some people
are able to purposely change their personality in adulthood, doing so appears
to be challenging.
A better way to manage addiction is to seek greater awareness of your own
personality traits and how they affect your actions. Try journaling about your
thoughts and behaviors. Over time, you will start to see a pattern in how your
thoughts influence your behaviors.
Also try mindfulness practices like yoga, which make you more aware of your
own thoughts and emotions, thereby increasing your control over your thoughts
and emotions.
Although modern psychology dismisses the idea of a single, addictive
personality, certain traits may make addiction more likely. If you struggle
with addiction that you believe is related to certain personality traits, you
don't have to fight alone. Contact
Oak Arbor
to learn more about our addiction recovery programs.
