Five Traits of an Addictive Personality
Did you ever notice that some people can use alcohol and drugs moderately while others can’t seem to stop? I am one of the people who can’t seem to stop, and it used to make me angry and frustrated. I have since learned that I have an addictive personality.
What is an addictive personality?
An addictive personality simply means that I was born with a certain set of personality traits that make me more susceptible to addiction. It can be any sort of addiction, not just alcohol or drugs. Some people with these traits find themselves addicted to any number of things, such as:
- Eating
- Smoking
- Shopping
- Gambling
- Sports
- Exercise
- Hobbies
- Pornography
The underlying theme for all of these activities taken to excess is using them to cope with conflict, pressure, or stress of any kind. In my case, my husband passed, and I began using alcohol to numb the pain.
Do you have an addictive personality?
There are several key traits that are indicative of an addictive personality. Just because you have some of these traits does not automatically mean you have an addictive personality, but it may mean you are more prone to developing an addiction.
The following traits are often found among those of us with an addictive personality or the increased potential to develop an addiction:
- Impulsive Behavior – Reacting without thinking about the consequences of your actions is a common behavioral trait among those of us with addictive personalities. While everyone succumbs to temptation once and awhile, those of us with addictive personalities have a real difficulty resisting something we feel we just have to have. Now when that rush of excitement hits me, I try to take a few steps back and look at the situation from a rational perspective. It helps keep me calm and overcome powerful impulses.
- Sensation Seeking – Seeking out new experiences is a positive thing, but if you find yourself constantly chasing the high, the adrenaline rush, of trying something new, it can lead to an addiction. A constant desire for new experiences can lead to experimentation, which often leads to alcohol or drug abuse.
- Nonconformity – While nonconformity can be a good thing, i.e., being less likely to follow others blindly without thinking, it can also lead to addiction. I noticed that I have less desire to make choices valued by society, and as a result, I didn’t see my addiction taking over my life. If I did not live up to other’s expectations, because of my addiction, I just saw it as me being me. Since getting sober, I can see how my addiction negatively affected my work, social, and personal relationships.
- Social Alienation – Sometimes nonconformity comes with a tolerance for deviance. A person who has this trait is more likely to experiment with alcohol and drugs, which can lead to addiction.
- Compulsive Behavior – Engaging in activities that may result in negative consequences is a common theme among addicts. I, personally, liked the thrill of doing something society considers wrong. If you are already engaging in deviant behavior, having a compulsive personality is likely to lead to an addiction.
Just like addiction itself, the first step to controlling an addictive personality is to acknowledge it. Once I acknowledged that it is more difficult for me than others to stop addictive behaviors, I began to understand why. With that understanding and some work, I have learned to control it, and so can you.
Beginnings Treatment Centers provide modern and effective programs for the treatment of substance abuse addiction and alcoholism. Our addiction treatment centers are located in beautiful and sunny Southern California in Orange County, which has one of the strongest and most active recovery communities in the United States. If you or a loved one is currently experiencing a problem with addiction, or if you are concerned and not sure, please Contact Beginnings Treatment Centers Now.
