Unveiling the Covert Narcissist Alcoholic: Signs to Watch For

The difference between these two types of narcissism is in the expressions of their underlying feelings. The overt narcissist may be thought of as the extroverted narcissist or the one who outwardly and directly displays narcissistic behaviors, like bullying, demands, and manipulation. The covert is the introverted “closet narcissist” or the shy, hypersensitive, and socially isolated narcissist. Covert narcissist traits may reflect a different subtype or more subtle presentation of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). The traits remain consistent, though, with the overt grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy in NPD that’s described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

Recognizing Covert Narcissist Traits

• You could start by engaging with a mental healthcare provider or treatment center that specializes in dual diagnoses.
• Both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism are strong predictors of alcohol-related problems, according to a 2018 study of 345 college students.
• Along with emotionally or physically neglecting their loved ones, they sometimes commit physical abuse.
• Just as with an overt narcissist, you will likely find yourself doing most of the heavy emotional lifting in a relationship with a covert narcissist.

Covert narcissists, characterized by a subtle yet pervasive sense of superiority and a fragile self-esteem, may turn to alcohol as a means to bolster their grandiose self-image and cope with underlying emotional turmoil. This reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism can exacerbate their narcissistic tendencies, leading to a detrimental cycle of reinforcement. I turned to Craig Malkin, a therapist and author of Rethinking Narcissism (and a Psychology Today blogger), for answers to the question of how to deal with someone who has addiction and narcissism issues. “When someone has narcissistic personality disorder and a substance abuse problem,” he said, “it’s not enough for them to beat their drug addiction; they also have to beat their addiction to feeling special.” Narcissism and drug addiction often go hand-in-hand since individuals with narcissistic personalities need to find a way to escape their overwhelming emotional anxiety and pain. An addicted narcissist may have unique challenges in getting treatment, such as feelings of entitlement in addiction recovery, and so understanding the relationship between addiction and narcissism is important.

Is passive aggression a type of covert abuse?

• They react strongly to any perceived criticism that confirms their negative sense of self.
• On the other hand, narcissistic traits might manifest as a lack of empathy, grandiosity, and a constant need for admiration.
• Although experts believe that genetic factors can make people up to 50% more inclined toward alcohol use disorder, addiction has many possible causes.
• First described as a distinct psychological condition in the early 20th century, narcissism has since been extensively studied and categorized, most notably as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) in the DSM-5.
• An individual may be an alcoholic narcissist, someone who has NPD and then develops alcohol addiction and dependence.

In addition to looking for the red flags of a narcissist, it is also important to be able to recognize the more subtle behaviors of a covert narcissist. Being aware of these traits can help empower you, helping you to recognize and better navigate potentially unhealthy relationships and interactions. It might be more accurate to suggest that the extroverted (overt) narcissist would be a lot easier to see coming than the introverted (covert) narcissist. covert narcissism and alcoholism In relationships, covert narcissists cause hurt due to a sense of a lack of partnership or reciprocity in the relationship. One study found that people with narcissistic personality disorder are more likely to have grown up with parents who were highly focused on status and achievements. Because they were often made to feel superior to other children, the belief that they are special and more valuable than others may persist into adulthood.

• Although covert narcissists avoid the spotlight and prefer passive-aggressive means of controlling others, this is not necessarily because they are introverted as is often stated.
• Alternatively, you can access support symptoms for each condition separately.
• The narcissist relies on admiration and attention from other people, which can be real or imagined, for their well-being.
• Since one of the hallmark traits of narcissistic personality disorder is lack of empathy, the covert narcissist is not going to be emotionally responsive to their partner in a healthy way.
• People with covert narcissism, in particular, may seem to have empathy for others.
• It is also recommended to utilize family or couples counseling to heal relationships as well.

Can Alcohol Make Someone Narcissistic?

Some mental health conditions are likely to occur together, and when they do, they’re called co-occurring disorders. Alcohol use disorder and narcissism are common co-occurring disorders, and in some cases, the symptoms of the two conditions may present similarly [1]. If someone you know shows signs of covert narcissism that are creating distress or affecting areas of your life, encourage them to talk to their healthcare provider. https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/what-is-the-life-expectancy-of-an-alcoholic/ A doctor or therapist can recommend treatments that can help address these symptoms and improve their ability to cope. Because covert narcissists lack empathy, have a strong sense of entitlement, and exploit others, boundaries are something that gets in the way of their goals. The more you can practice setting boundaries with a narcissist, the more consistently you are conveying to them that their tactics are not working.

Impact on Relationships

Seeking Support and Recovery

Symptoms and Signs