We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. We’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain. This could be because you’re still preoccupied with thoughts of what happened to you. Or, it could be that your sense of self-worth is so damaged, it’s difficult for you to believe that anything good can happen in your life anymore. You may begin to feel like you are not good enough or that you did something to cause the abuse in the first place. This can lead to shame and embarrassment, which may often stop you from reaching out for help.
In 2016, a survey revealed that 21 million Americans, or one in seven, suffer from a substance abuse disorder, and only 10% seek treatment (Hafner). People who think that they may have an addiction or a personality disorder should consult a doctor or mental health professional for advice and treatment. It’s possible to have a narcissistic covert narcissism and alcoholism personality disorder (NPD) as well as an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Mental health plays a significant role in all forms of substance abuse. Among alcoholics, 37% have at least one serious mental health disorder, such as bipolar disorder. The terms “genetic” and “hereditary” are largely interchangeable when discussing alcohol addiction.
Alcohol Dependence or Physical Dependence
Oftentimes this can happen because the partner asked for compromise or understanding that the narcissist was not willing to provide. If they can’t go to work, don’t see family, or can’t leave the home or access a phone, they are kept vulnerable to the abuser and the abuser’s version of reality. Isolation is a common tactic of abusers, who use it to ensure their sense of control isn’t threatened or disrupted by outside influences. It’s not uncommon for abusers to become violent if you break the “rules” of isolation they’ve imposed.
It may feel like there must be something inherently wrong with you if someone who was supposed to love you unconditionally used their power against you in such cruel ways. You might struggle with low self-esteem and believe that the narcissistic abuser would have treated you better if only you had done things differently. After experiencing narcissistic abuse, you may feel the need to be on guard 24/7.
Threats and Verbal Abuse
After experiencing narcissistic abuse, you might feel like you don’t even know yourself anymore. You could start questioning your self-worth, have trust issues with other people (especially those closest to you), and constantly find yourself doubting or second-guessing yourself. But this hatred towards them only creates more stress and anxiety, which perpetuates mental health problems. Remember that mental health illness, including NPD, is not an excuse for abuse, and many abusers do not have a mental illness.
It is also recommended to utilize family or couples counseling to heal relationships as well. People who are experiencing problems with alcohol, drugs, or sex should contact a doctor or mental health professional. A doctor can offer help and treatment to those dealing with addiction, which may involve suggesting lifestyle changes or rehabilitation clinics.
Dual Diagnosis: Alcoholism And NPD
The treatment of NPD and AUD should ideally be delivered simultaneously, especially if there is severe addiction or depression. With that said, there are https://ecosoberhouse.com/ challenges to delivering appropriate care for the dual diagnosis. One example is being referred to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) on the presumption of AUD.
As the relationship moves forward, the abuser may track your whereabouts, look at your social media, or otherwise violate your sense of privacy. It’s important to remember that, even in the absence of narcissistic abuse, social isolation can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Although experts believe that genetic factors can make people up to 50% more inclined toward alcohol use disorder, addiction has many possible causes. These include environmental factors, social factors, and emotional factors. This study concluded that people with grandiose narcissism are more able to evaluate and recognize their problems with alcohol than people with vulnerable narcissism. People in the latter group are less able to recognize that they have a problem and are, therefore, less likely to be ready to change their behaviors.
Sujeet Kumar 
