Young woman at sunset may have addictive personality traits.Someone with an addictive personality is more likely to develop a drug or alcohol addiction. While drugs have addictive qualities, the severity of the resulting addiction also depends on the individual. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of people are unable to stop when they use an addictive substance. It is even easier for these people to develop an addiction than a peer who does not have the same personality type.

What Is an Addictive Personality?

An addictive personality can take a variety of forms. Often, people who feel socially alienated or who have impulsive behavior are more likely to develop an addiction. They may become addicted to alcohol, gambling, drugs or other things. Normally, these addictions are used to handle negative emotions like stress. Over time, the addiction begins to have a negative impact on the individual’s life.

Someone who has an addictive personality may suffer from impulsive behavior. They are likely to value nonconformity and be sensation seeking. This second term means that the individual likes to seek out new things like novel travel destinations, different hobbies or new habits. Unfortunately, sensation seeking can ultimately lead to experimentation with drugs and alcohol.

Compulsive behavior is also known to be one of the major signs of an addictive personality. Basically, the individual feels like they must do something and cannot stop. Social alienation may make an addiction even harder because the individual feels lonely and separate from the rest of society. When all of these factors combine, it becomes easy to develop an addiction.

Someone who has this type of personality could exhibit some of the following signs:

  • Manipulation
  • Sensation seeking
  • Aggression
  • Negative emotions
  • Criminal behavior
  • Neuroticism
  • Lying
  • Blame shifting
  • Impulsive behavior
  • Narcissism

Does Having an Addictive Personality Guarantee an Addiction?

There are many people with addictive personalities who never end up with a drug or alcohol addiction. This type of personality just makes it more likely that someone may develop an addiction later on. Other factors like a history of abuse, a family history of addiction and genetics also play a role in determining someone’s chances of developing an addiction.

Having a strong support network and learning safe ways to manage stress can help prevent an addiction. Individuals who have a sensation-seeking or impulsive personality can manage these traits in a positive way. Hobbies like mountain climbing or hiking can help channel these emotions safely. Once someone has a substance abuse disorder, there are other ways that can help treat the addiction.

How Can an Addiction Be Treated?

There are rehab centers designed to help patients conquer their addiction. These offer treatment options ranging from yoga therapy to cognitive behavioral therapy. The best treatment programs offer dual diagnosis treatment. This allows patients to get help for their addiction and co-occurring disorders at the same time.

Depending on the individual, the treatments programs that may be offered include:

  • Outpatient treatment
  • Inpatient treatment
  • Drug and alcohol detox
  • Partial hospitalization program
  • Residential program
  • Sober living
  • Intensive outpatient program
  • Therapy options

The type of treatment chosen depends on the client’s unique circumstances. Someone who has had a severe addiction for years may need to attend an inpatient program. Meanwhile, a parent who still needs to care for their child may need the flexibility of an outpatient rehab program. An addiction specialist can discuss the different options available to each patient.

An addiction does not have to control your life. With addiction help at rehab and professional treatment, you can overcome your addiction. Call Beaches Recovery today at 8666050532 to begin your journey toward a better life.