12 Signs You Might Have Narcissistic Victim Syndrome

I also wrote down everything I endured during the relationship as a reminder of why I left. It grounded me and reinforced my decision to prioritize my well-being over their control. It’s a form of manipulation where they twist reality to make you doubt your own memory or judgment. Over time, this erodes your confidence and makes you dependent on their version of reality, which gives them more power in the relationship. A health care provider might ask the following questions to assess a person’s symptoms. Abuse is capable of disguising itself as love, and narcissists can be great attractors of victims.

Why Narcissists Are at Risk of Alcohol Addiction

It’s most commonly emotional and mental abuse, however, it can also be physical, sexual, or financial. They may marry, obtain a good job, and even have a family, but there is little peace behind the façade. To cope narcissism and alcoholism with the crippling self-doubt and self-hatred, many will turn to drugs and/or alcohol. Studies have shown links between narcissistic behavioral patterns and substance abuse issues (Calvert-Conley, 2020). Excessive drinking or drug use can cause a narcissist to spiral into destructive behavior, thus attracting attention and care from others.

Diagnosing alcoholism and NPD

• A common experience of those on the path to recovery from an alcoholic narcissist is the rediscovery of empathy.
• It’s a constant battle to navigate their shifting moods and deflections.
• Another reason narcissists are likely to become alcoholics is their desire to fit in or stand out in social situations.
• They may also defend the narcissist’s actions and make excuses for them, even if they are hurtful or abusive.
• To cope with the crippling self-doubt and self-hatred, many will turn to drugs and/or alcohol.

Many of the symptoms of NPD are thought to be the result of a sensitive or vulnerable ego. While they may not show it outwardly, criticism is especially unbearable for a narcissist. They may dwell on it, or be haunted by it, and end up enraged or retaliating.

• For instance, NPD and AUD both involve psychotherapy, but the formats for each can vary.
• Connecting with people who share similar challenges can lessen feelings of isolation and facilitate progress in overcoming addiction.
• Narcissism and alcoholism may both share similar characteristics and can occur at the same time.

Why do Narcissists Drink Alcohol?

• The coexistence of NPD and alcohol addiction can lead to a range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and distress.
• Rehab programs can be a powerful tool to break the mental hold narcissists have on their victims and sever the dependence on substances.
• They may use alcohol to feel more confident, charming, and socially adept, aligning with their belief in superiority.

Negative and disrupted attachment, neglect and maltreatment, high-conflict divorce, and abuse are examples of traumatic cycles during childhood. People seek to avoid these heartbreak variations but often find themselves deeply enmeshed in a similar adult situation. To cope with the abuse of living with a narcissistic abuser, the victim turns to self-medication through substance abuse. Regardless, a mental health diagnosis never excuses abusive behavior. It’s possible to live with traits of narcissism or any personality disorder without becoming abusive.

As with all personality disorders, NPD is a long-standing condition. In order to receive a diagnosis of NPD, someone needs to display the above symptoms over several years. A 2018 study found that people with personality disorders were more likely to have AUD at some point in their lives.