What Is an Addictive Personality?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPurported Addictive Personality TraitsThe Myth of the Addictive PersonalityImpactRisk FactorsAddictive BehaviorsTips for Avoiding Risky Behaviors

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Purported Addictive Personality Traits

The Myth of the Addictive Personality

Impact

Risk Factors

Addictive Behaviors

Tips for Avoiding Risky Behaviors

An addictive personality is a hypothetical set of personality traits that may make a person more susceptible to addiction. While the term is quite popular, the concept itself is controversial and there is a lack of consistent evidence supporting the existence of an addictive personality. Many experts dispute the concept and suggest that it promotes stigma.

At a Glance

While definitions of the term vary, the term addictive personality is usually used to suggest that people with certain clusters of personality traits are more likely to develop addictions. The term also suggests that people with this personality type engage in repetitive pleasurable actions and choose them over other important activities.

People who engage in these behaviors supposedly have a higher risk of developing addictions to food, sex, gambling, shopping, alcohol, and other substances.

While there is no clear consensus about what these traits are, they often include traits such as:

Some personality traits have been linked to different types ofaddictive behaviors. However, it is important to remember that addiction is a complex brain disorder that is the result of a variety of factors.

Genetic factors can play a large part in determining susceptibility to addiction, but other variables including family history, upbringing, environment, socioeconomic status, and drug availability also play a role in a person’s risk of addiction.

Critics emphasize that the label itself is harmful and should be avoided.

The concept of the addictive personality comes down to the idea that some people develop addictions due to flaws in their personality or character. It suggests that some people are simply more likely to develop addictions due to these supposed characteristics and traits.

Research on Addictive Personalities

While current views dispute the concept of addictive personalities, some research indicates that certain traits may increase the likelihood of a person developing addiction.

However, researchers note that this does not mean people have “addictive personalities.” Not everyone who exhibits these characteristics develops addiction, and not everyone who develops an addiction has these traits. Addiction is complex and multifaceted, with many factors interacting to play a role.

Research has shown, for example, that people experiencing addiction are more likely to report anxiety, depression, alienation, and social discomfort.Another study found that people with addictions tend to have dysfunctional beliefs and poor stress-coping methods.

Why the Addictive Personality Concept Is Harmful

Critics of the term addictive personality suggest that the concept of an addictive personality is a harmful myth that contributes to mental health stigma.

The problem is that it takes a very complex, multifaceted issue and reduces it down to a simplistic explanation. Critics of the idea of the addictive personality also suggest that it:

RecapCritics maintain that the idea of an addictive personality is harmful because it may cause people to underestimate their risk, contribute to stereotypes, and make people feel less empowered when dealing with addictions.

Recap

Critics maintain that the idea of an addictive personality is harmful because it may cause people to underestimate their risk, contribute to stereotypes, and make people feel less empowered when dealing with addictions.

Known Risk Factors for Addiction

While research has not supported the existence of an addictive personality, researchers do know that there are a number of non-personality-related factors that do increase the risk of developing an addiction. Some of these include:

Other factors, including parental substance use, impulsivity, social isolation, and spending time with substance-using peers can also increase your risk for developing an addiction.

Addiction is complex and can affect anyone. While some personality characteristics are sometimes associated with certain types of addiction,a combination of genetic, individual, and environmental factors plays the most crucial role in the onset of addiction.

Signs of AddictionSigns that someone might have an addictionto a substance or behavior include:Needing to increase the substance or behavior to have the same effectsUsing the substance or activity to deal with difficult emotionsSpending excess time and money on the substance or activityExperiencing negative consequences as a resultContinuing to use a substance or engage in activity in risky situationsExperiencingsymptoms of withdrawalwhen the substance or behavior is stopped

Signs of Addiction

Signs that someone might have an addictionto a substance or behavior include:Needing to increase the substance or behavior to have the same effectsUsing the substance or activity to deal with difficult emotionsSpending excess time and money on the substance or activityExperiencing negative consequences as a resultContinuing to use a substance or engage in activity in risky situationsExperiencingsymptoms of withdrawalwhen the substance or behavior is stopped

Signs that someone might have an addictionto a substance or behavior include:

Addictive Behaviors vs. Addictive Personality Traits

Rather than focusing on personality traits when considering addiction risk, it may be more beneficial to observe and examine behaviors. If you tend to have a higher risk for developing addiction due to some of the factors above, engaging in certain habits or behaviors may be more problematic for you.

Comfort Eating

Comfort eating is a common way to make yourself feel better when you are disappointed, stressed, or overwhelmed. While comfort eating is not harmful in moderation, if it becomes a habit, it can contribute to obesity,food addiction, andbinge eating.

Using Alcohol to Socialize

Socializing is one of the top reasonsheavy drinkersgive to explain their overindulgence in alcohol. A beer or a glass of wine can seem like a quick and easy way to lower inhibitions and have a laugh with friends. But all too easily, alcohol can become the only way to get along with people, leaving you feeling bored or anxious in situations where everyone is sober.

Staying Hyperconnected

Checking your email or Facebook account every hour or more, never letting your cell phone out of reach, surfing the internet every time you have a spare moment: While these activities might seem normal these days, they can lead to problems withinternet addiction.

Using the internet forsex,gamblingorshoppingcan lead to more complex addictions.

Using Sex to Replace Intimacy

It might seem contradictory to suggest that sex could replace intimacy. But people who areaddicted to sextell a different story: Constantly seeking sexual arousal and gratification can actually distance you from your partners, as you lose yourself in the sensations of the sexual experience, rather than being aware of the feelings of the other person.

Buying Things to Feel Better

Self-Medicating With Drugs

Pain, trauma, and difficulty sleeping are some of the psychological problems that people commonly try to treat with drugs. It doesn’t help that every one of these problems has at least one medication that claims to cure the problem. But at best, medications provide temporary relief. If you depend on them, you will very likely becomeaddicted to the medication.

Using Marijuana to Relax

Tense? Anxious? You may have found that a joint can help you relax at the end of a stressful day. The problem is thatweedhas a rebound effect that increases anxiety after it wears off. It can also interfere with your motivation in life or trigger serious psychological problems.

RecapSome habits or lifestyle choices may increase your risk for addiction, particularly when combined with other risk factors. Being aware of these behaviors and looking for healthier ways to cope may be more helpful than considering personality traits.

Some habits or lifestyle choices may increase your risk for addiction, particularly when combined with other risk factors. Being aware of these behaviors and looking for healthier ways to cope may be more helpful than considering personality traits.

If you are concerned about your risk for addiction based on your behaviors or habits, there are things you can do to help you manage the problematic behavior.

Don’t wait to get a handle on your addictive behaviors. It’s a myth that you have to hit rock-bottom before you can put your addiction behind you. You may have a personality that craves living large, but it doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Talk to a doctor about getting the help you need, and start living life the way you really want to.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

How to Overcome an Addiction

14 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Drug Abuse.The science of drug use and addiction: The basics.Department of Social Sciences & Economics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (USA), Roberts DL.The addictive personality: Myth or cornerstone of prevention and treatment? In:Psychological Applications and Trends.2019:328-331. doi:10.36315/2019inpact085American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).Definition of addiction.Amodeo M.The addictive personality.Subst Use Misuse.2015;50(8-9):1031-6. doi:10.3109/10826084.2015.1007646Rømer Thomsen K, Callesen MB, Hesse M, et al.Impulsivity traits and addiction-related behaviors in youth.Journal of Behavioral Addictions. 2018;7(2):317-330. doi:10.1556/2006.7.2018.22Favennec M, Bronsard G, Guillou M, Le Reste JY, Planche P.Addictive behaviours in young people—an international comparative study of the construction of an addictive personality(France, switzerland, quebec).Psychology. 2021;12(07):1153-1170. doi:10.4236/psych.2021.127071Yiğitoğlu GT, Keskin G.Relationship between dysfunctional beliefs and stress coping methods in drug-addicted patients: A sample of Turkey.Indian J Psychiatry. 2019;61(5):508-519. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_285_17Ducci F, Goldman D.The genetic basis of addictive disorders.Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2012;35(2):495-519. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2012.03.010Ducci F, Goldman D.The genetic basis of addictive disorders.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2012;35(2):495-519. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2012.03.010National Institutes on Drug Abuse.Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report. Bethesda (MD).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.High-risk substance use among youth.Zilberman N, Yadid G, Efrati Y, Neumark Y, Rassovsky Y.Personality profiles of substance and behavioral addictions.Addict Behav. 2018;82:174-181. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.03.007American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Bloomfield MA, Morgan CJ, Egerton A, Kapur S, Curran HV, Howes OD.Dopaminergic function in cannabis users and its relationship to cannabis-induced psychotic symptoms.Biol Psychiatry.2014;75(6):470-8. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.05.027

14 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Drug Abuse.The science of drug use and addiction: The basics.Department of Social Sciences & Economics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (USA), Roberts DL.The addictive personality: Myth or cornerstone of prevention and treatment? In:Psychological Applications and Trends.2019:328-331. doi:10.36315/2019inpact085American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).Definition of addiction.Amodeo M.The addictive personality.Subst Use Misuse.2015;50(8-9):1031-6. doi:10.3109/10826084.2015.1007646Rømer Thomsen K, Callesen MB, Hesse M, et al.Impulsivity traits and addiction-related behaviors in youth.Journal of Behavioral Addictions. 2018;7(2):317-330. doi:10.1556/2006.7.2018.22Favennec M, Bronsard G, Guillou M, Le Reste JY, Planche P.Addictive behaviours in young people—an international comparative study of the construction of an addictive personality(France, switzerland, quebec).Psychology. 2021;12(07):1153-1170. doi:10.4236/psych.2021.127071Yiğitoğlu GT, Keskin G.Relationship between dysfunctional beliefs and stress coping methods in drug-addicted patients: A sample of Turkey.Indian J Psychiatry. 2019;61(5):508-519. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_285_17Ducci F, Goldman D.The genetic basis of addictive disorders.Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2012;35(2):495-519. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2012.03.010Ducci F, Goldman D.The genetic basis of addictive disorders.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2012;35(2):495-519. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2012.03.010National Institutes on Drug Abuse.Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report. Bethesda (MD).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.High-risk substance use among youth.Zilberman N, Yadid G, Efrati Y, Neumark Y, Rassovsky Y.Personality profiles of substance and behavioral addictions.Addict Behav. 2018;82:174-181. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.03.007American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Bloomfield MA, Morgan CJ, Egerton A, Kapur S, Curran HV, Howes OD.Dopaminergic function in cannabis users and its relationship to cannabis-induced psychotic symptoms.Biol Psychiatry.2014;75(6):470-8. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.05.027

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institute on Drug Abuse.The science of drug use and addiction: The basics.Department of Social Sciences & Economics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (USA), Roberts DL.The addictive personality: Myth or cornerstone of prevention and treatment? In:Psychological Applications and Trends.2019:328-331. doi:10.36315/2019inpact085American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).Definition of addiction.Amodeo M.The addictive personality.Subst Use Misuse.2015;50(8-9):1031-6. doi:10.3109/10826084.2015.1007646Rømer Thomsen K, Callesen MB, Hesse M, et al.Impulsivity traits and addiction-related behaviors in youth.Journal of Behavioral Addictions. 2018;7(2):317-330. doi:10.1556/2006.7.2018.22Favennec M, Bronsard G, Guillou M, Le Reste JY, Planche P.Addictive behaviours in young people—an international comparative study of the construction of an addictive personality(France, switzerland, quebec).Psychology. 2021;12(07):1153-1170. doi:10.4236/psych.2021.127071Yiğitoğlu GT, Keskin G.Relationship between dysfunctional beliefs and stress coping methods in drug-addicted patients: A sample of Turkey.Indian J Psychiatry. 2019;61(5):508-519. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_285_17Ducci F, Goldman D.The genetic basis of addictive disorders.Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2012;35(2):495-519. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2012.03.010Ducci F, Goldman D.The genetic basis of addictive disorders.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2012;35(2):495-519. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2012.03.010National Institutes on Drug Abuse.Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report. Bethesda (MD).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.High-risk substance use among youth.Zilberman N, Yadid G, Efrati Y, Neumark Y, Rassovsky Y.Personality profiles of substance and behavioral addictions.Addict Behav. 2018;82:174-181. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.03.007American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Bloomfield MA, Morgan CJ, Egerton A, Kapur S, Curran HV, Howes OD.Dopaminergic function in cannabis users and its relationship to cannabis-induced psychotic symptoms.Biol Psychiatry.2014;75(6):470-8. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.05.027

National Institute on Drug Abuse.The science of drug use and addiction: The basics.

Department of Social Sciences & Economics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (USA), Roberts DL.The addictive personality: Myth or cornerstone of prevention and treatment? In:Psychological Applications and Trends.2019:328-331. doi:10.36315/2019inpact085

American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).Definition of addiction.

Amodeo M.The addictive personality.Subst Use Misuse.2015;50(8-9):1031-6. doi:10.3109/10826084.2015.1007646

Rømer Thomsen K, Callesen MB, Hesse M, et al.Impulsivity traits and addiction-related behaviors in youth.Journal of Behavioral Addictions. 2018;7(2):317-330. doi:10.1556/2006.7.2018.22

Favennec M, Bronsard G, Guillou M, Le Reste JY, Planche P.Addictive behaviours in young people—an international comparative study of the construction of an addictive personality(France, switzerland, quebec).Psychology. 2021;12(07):1153-1170. doi:10.4236/psych.2021.127071

Yiğitoğlu GT, Keskin G.Relationship between dysfunctional beliefs and stress coping methods in drug-addicted patients: A sample of Turkey.Indian J Psychiatry. 2019;61(5):508-519. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_285_17

Ducci F, Goldman D.The genetic basis of addictive disorders.Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2012;35(2):495-519. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2012.03.010

Ducci F, Goldman D.The genetic basis of addictive disorders.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2012;35(2):495-519. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2012.03.010

National Institutes on Drug Abuse.Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report. Bethesda (MD).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.High-risk substance use among youth.

Zilberman N, Yadid G, Efrati Y, Neumark Y, Rassovsky Y.Personality profiles of substance and behavioral addictions.Addict Behav. 2018;82:174-181. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.03.007

American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.

Bloomfield MA, Morgan CJ, Egerton A, Kapur S, Curran HV, Howes OD.Dopaminergic function in cannabis users and its relationship to cannabis-induced psychotic symptoms.Biol Psychiatry.2014;75(6):470-8. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.05.027

Kendra Cherry, MSEd

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