It’s not uncommon to hear people refer to others as having an addictive personality. Do you have this? Perhaps you’ve heard others refer to someone having such a personality trait that indicates they are more likely to develop a substance use disorder than others. The truth is, there’s no single trait that is applicable here. At Bayview Recovery, a vital component of the work we do is to help people with drug and alcohol addiction that stems from a range of causes.
What Does an Addictive Personality Imply?
The term addictive personality implies that there is some personality trait or underlying factor that would enable addiction to form faster in some people more so than others. However, most therapists would tell you that there is not just one personality trait that makes you more likely to use than others. There are risk factors for use, and some people may be predisposed to complications to drug or alcohol use. Yet, having a specific personality doesn’t mean you’ll develop an addiction.
Who Is at Risk for Developing an Addiction to Drugs or Alcohol?
While an addictive personality cannot mean just one or two traits, some people are more likely to use drugs and alcohol. These are individuals who have environmental, mental health, or genetic makeup that make it more likely that, if they use a substance, they could become addicted to it. Some examples of this include:
- Family histories of addiction
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Those with mental health disorders
- Apathetic individuals
- Those who are unable to self-regulate
Genetics is a critical component of any addiction. Perhaps your parents or grandparents used drugs or alcohol and formed an addiction. That may mean you have the genetic makeup that makes you more prone to addiction. That doesn’t mean you have to go down that road – abstaining from drug use keeps you safe.
Also important to consider is your mental health. People who have untreated or poorly managed mental health disorders are also more likely to suffer from drug and alcohol addiction. We offer a dual diagnosis treatment plan at Bayview Recovery to help you with conditions like this, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. By controlling your mental health disorders properly, you may never resort to using drugs or alcohol.
If you feel you have an addictive personality and are prone to using substances to cope with life, it is essential to be proactive. Work to understand why this is and find the right tools to help you to avoid addiction. If you already have an addiction, there’s even more help available to you. Our team at Bayview Recovery wants to provide you with the ongoing support you need for recovery.
Comprehensive Treatment Can Help You
Whether you have an addictive personality trait, the use of addictive substances can create chemical dependency. Anyone can develop an addiction. If that happens to you, it is critical to reach out for help from an addiction treatment center.
Our team provides a wide range of treatment options to support you, including partial hospitalization program and intensive outpatient treatment. Our goal is to give you the tools to break your addiction. We fulfill this goal in a unique setting with numerous treatment plans available, including:
With a personalized treatment plan, you can regain your confidence and health. Many times, those who believe they are destined to suffer from drug and alcohol addiction are merely in need of support. Our team can help you, no matter what you are facing today. The key is to realize that any personality trait you have does not limit your ability to heal and recover from substance use disorder.
Find the Answers You Need at Bayview Recovery
Whether or not you have an addictive personality, if you are struggling with drug and alcohol use, you have help available to you. At Bayview Recovery, we work with individuals facing some of the most challenging times of their views. We aim to help restore hope in the future. Learn more about the work we do by calling 855.478.3650 today.
Dr. Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH (Medical Reviewer)
