Tag: Alcohol

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How Much Alcohol Is Too Much? Signs You Are Drinking Too Much 

Recognizing the signs of excessive alcohol consumption is crucial because it can significantly impact your health, relationships, and overall well-being. This article will explore ways to identify how your drinking habits affect your life. Then, discover how early intervention and support can help you address alcohol-related issues and lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Understanding Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Exceeding the recommended level of alcohol consumption, commonly referred to as binge drinking, can be dangerous and potentially lead to hazardous health effects. The amount of alcohol that is considered to be excessive drinking can vary from person to person, based on factors such as gender, age, and overall health.

To help you understand where your alcohol consumption falls, drinking can be split into these categories: 

  • Moderate Drinking: This typically refers to up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men1. 
  • Binge Drinking: Binge drinking is characterized by consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period, leading to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher. For men, binge drinking usually occurs after consuming five or more drinks within two hours, while for women, it is after four or more drinks in the same timeframe.
  • Heavy Drinking: Heavy drinking is often defined as consuming more than the moderate drinking guidelines.
Alcohol Consumption Chart

Physical Signs of Drinking Too Much

Your body will likely indicate if you’re drinking too much alcohol. You may have:

  • A higher tolerance
    • Due to consistent alcohol consumption over a long period of time, you might need to drink more to feel the same effects you used to.
  • Frequent hangovers
  • Dehydration 
  • Health problems
    • Alcohol can damage your whole body. You might develop liver disease, a weakened immune system, and cardiovascular problems.

Consistently drinking heavy amounts of alcohol can take a toll on your body. There isn’t an amount of alcohol that doctors can deem “safe,” so you could be slowly hurting your mind and body.

Physical Health Consequences

Heavy drinking could cause liver damage, cirrhosis, and other alcohol-related diseases. You also have an increased risk of cardiovascular problems and compromised immune function, making you more likely to have worse illness symptoms.

Alcohol causes poor sleep quality2 by disrupting your rapid eye movement (REM) cycle. This impacts your mood because getting proper rest is necessary for energy and productivity. 

Dehydration from drinking also negatively affects your mood3 because hydration is a crucial component of energy and mood. Without proper hydration, you may have heightened fatigue and anxiety. While alcohol may temporarily relax, its long-term effects on sleep, energy levels, and overall health outweigh the relief.

Drinking’s Impact on Mental Health

Studies found a significant link between excessive alcohol consumption and co-occurring mental health disorders4. The relationship between alcohol and mental health is complex and bidirectional, meaning alcohol abuse can contribute to the development of mental health disorders, and pre-existing mental health issues can lead to the use of alcohol as a form of self-medication.

While alcohol causes an initial feeling of euphoria or relaxation5, it is a depressant, meaning it can ultimately lead to adverse changes in mood. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant6 that can lead to chemical imbalances in your brain, contributing to anxiety, depression, and mood swings. And cortisol, the stress hormone, releases after drinking7, making you even more anxious. 

Even with all of these negative effects, you may continue your drinking habits because it can act as self-medication. Alcohol temporarily diminishes some depression and anxiety symptoms; however, using alcohol as your coping mechanism for uncomfortable feelings will cause harm in the long run. 

Behavioral Indicators of Heavy Drinking

On a surface level, it might be easier to spot physical signs of heavy drinking; however, alcohol’s impact runs deeper. It can affect your whole personality and daily behaviors. You might be more secretive about how much you drink. You could also neglect your responsibilities, like being too hungover to work. And you may be more irritable with friends and family.

The behavioral and psychological signs have an interdependent connection. The mental changes from alcohol can start the onset of negative habits. And over time, your behavioral changes can spur psychological repercussions. Soon, it’ll be hard to distinguish between cause and effect. 

Social Implications of Excessive Drinking

Relationships

Alcohol affects you and your relationships. Excessive drinking can lead to conflicts, arguments, and breakdowns in relationships with family members, friends, and significant others. You might even start isolating yourself from your loved ones because they want you to cut back on drinking, causing further conflict. 

Professional Life

Spending more time drinking may make you less efficient at work. Your thoughts might be consumed by when you’ll get your next drink, interfering with healthy daily habits. And your hangovers could make it hard to be productive.

Risk-Taking Behaviors

The consumption of alcohol impairs the decision-making abilities of the frontal lobe in the brain8, resulting in risky behaviors such as drunk driving, having unprotected sex, and sustaining injuries. These not only put oneself at risk, but also those around them. For instance, one may face a DUI charge and other potential criminal convictions.

Signs of Alcohol Dependency and Addiction

If this article resonates with you, see if your behaviors align with alcohol dependency. Some signs of addiction include:

  • Alcohol cravings
  • Being unable to stop drinking until you’re drunk
  • Developing a high tolerance
  • Experiencing physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when attempting to cut down or stop drinking 
  • Withdrawing from friends and family, becoming secretive about drinking habits
  • Using alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems
  • Continued drinking despite negative consequences

Assessing Your Alcohol Consumption

Assessing your alcohol consumption is essential in understanding whether your drinking habits are within safe and healthy limits.

You can start a drinking diary to record all the alcoholic beverages you consume for at least 1 month. Write about the type of drink and the volume (in milliliters or ounces) of each beverage. This can serve as a visual representation of your alcohol consumption, so you can easily evaluate if it’s at a healthy limit.

You can compare your drinks to standard drink sizes to better gauge how much you’re drinking. A standard drink size in the United States is 12 ounces for a beer, 5 ounces for wine, and 1.5 ounces for distilled spirits. For example, if you drank on Friday and had 3 beers and 1 glass of wine, you’d write down 4 drinks. 

Drinking Diary

Talking to a Provider About Heavy Drinking

For reliable advice and support regarding alcohol-related matters, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional. They are able to offer valuable insights, precise evaluations, and the necessary aid to address any difficulties in an effective manner.

To begin addressing your drinking habits, start by speaking to your primary care physician. Be honest and open with them, and tell them about your concerns. Describe the amount of alcohol you consume in a week, what type of drinks you have, and the activities you typically do while drinking. Additionally, explain how your drinking has affected your relationships with family and friends. Furthermore, you could ask them to refer you to a specialist if needed, who can offer further help and advice.

Once your doctor has a good understanding of your situation, they can guide you towards the right treatment. Develop a strategy to cut down or stop your excessive drinking. This could include setting specific goals, finding alternative activities to replace drinking, and identifying triggers that lead to excessive drinking.

Steps Towards Change and Seeking Help

Acknowledging the need for change and setting treatment goals are crucial steps to progress toward a healthy lifestyle. It takes courage and determination to confront your issue and make these positive changes. You and your trusted circle of friends and family can explore treatment options to determine the best fit for your individual needs.

Detox

Many people begin their journey by going through the detox process, so you can safely rid your body of alcohol. You’ll have medical professionals there to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible. This can help you feel more focused and prepared to take on therapy. 

Residential Programs

Residential rehab may benefit you if you need a more intensive, distraction-free environment to focus on therapies and working through your alcohol dependency. You’ll get to the root cause of your drinking habits and develop new strategies to cope with uncomfortable feelings and situations. 

You might participate in evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Your loved ones can engage in family therapy, so you can find common ground and work towards healthier relationships. 

PHP/IOP

Your care team may recommend an outpatient program if your drinking habits need less intensive care.  Outpatient treatment has varying levels of care, with partial hospitalization (PHP) providing a more intensive level of care and outpatient (OP) providing the least intensive. You’ll participate in the program for a few hours a day on certain days of the week, allowing you to go to work or attend school simultaneously. You’ll learn new coping mechanisms to manage your triggers. And your support network will grow as you heal with others in therapy.

Support Groups

Joining support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery9 provides a sense of community, understanding, and accountability in your recovery. They offer a safe space to share experiences, learn from others, and receive ongoing support.

Freeing Yourself from Alcohol

If you feel like you can’t drink at a healthy pace and use alcohol to cope with uncomfortable feelings, it might be time to seek treatment. You can discover, and sustain, a healthy and balanced lifestyle that prioritizes your well-being. Embrace a life without alcohol. Begin your search by browsing our list of treatment centers for alcohol addiction. 

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23 Essential Facts About Alcohol Addiction

It can be hard to trust what you hear about alcohol addiction. And when you’re planning for recovery, you need to know exactly what you’re facing. These alcohol facts can help you make important decisions about treatment. 

1. Alcohol Addiction Is a Chronic Disease

Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease1 with serious, long-term health effects. This condition is also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcoholism. AUD is highly treatable and can go into long-term remission.

2. Alcohol Use Disorder Can Affect Anyone

Anyone can develop AUD, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and so on. Because alcohol is socially acceptable in most parts of the world, it can be hard to tell when your drinking gets out of hand. 

3. Alcohol Addiction Affects Nearly 30 Million People

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) tracks alcohol facts and statistics in the U.S. According to their most recent data, 28.6 million adults had alcohol use disorder2 in 2021. That’s 11.3% of everyone in the country aged 18 or older. 

4. Your Genetics, Environment, and Other Factors Can Lead to Alcohol Addiction

Many factors can make you vulnerable to alcohol addiction.3 For example, alcohol addiction tends to run in families. On the surface, that implies AUD is genetic. But this could also be an environmental issue, because childhood trauma increases your risk of addiction. Studies show that mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression can also play a role. 

5. Long-Term Alcohol Abuse Has Serious Health Impacts

Over time, excessive drinking can cause severe physical health problems:4

  • Stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Liver problems
  • Weakened immune system
  • Pancreatitis
  • Cancer

Alcohol abuse also increases your risk of developing mental health problems.5

6. Alcohol Addiction Gets Worse Over Time

For most people, alcohol use disorder is progressive.6 In other words, it gets worse over time. Without proper treatment, your alcohol addiction will likely get more severe. 

7. Alcohol Withdrawal Can Be Physically Dangerous

When you first quit drinking, you may develop some or all of the following alcohol withdrawal symptoms:7

  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep problems
  • Headache
  • Digestive issues
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Delirium tremens

Without proper treatment, withdrawing from alcohol can be fatal. When you first enter recovery for AUD, it’s extremely important to get the medical care you need.

8. There Are Many Treatments for Alcohol Addiction

There are countless ways to heal from addiction. Rehab for alcohol addiction can include a combination of medical treatments, talk therapy, support groups, and other activities. Different programs offer various types of therapy. Some even develop individualized care plans for each client.

9. Alcohol Addiction Often Co-Occurs With Other Mental Health Disorders

Alcohol addiction commonly co-occurs with other mental health issues. People with AUD have higher rates of depression,8 anxiety, PTSD, and other substance use disorders. If you’re healing from multiple conditions at once, you will likely need specialized treatment.

10. Alcohol Use Disorder Has a High Relapse Rate

Relapse is a common part of alcohol addiction recovery. In one study, at least 60% of people with AUD relapsed9 within the first year of recovery. Certain risk factors — like clinical depression — make relapse more likely. On the other hand, having a strong support network reduces your risk of relapse.10 That could include a therapist, support groups, family, and trusted friends. Building out your support system is an essential part of healing. You can start this process during rehab by making a specific plan for aftercare.

11. Alcohol Addiction Affects Relationships

Alcohol abuse can profoundly affect your closest relationships, in every stage of addiction and recovery. While untreated AUD can severely impact whole families,11 treatment has the opposite effect. Experts say it’s impossible to separate alcohol addiction from family dynamics. That’s why many rehabs offer family therapy as a central part of treatment.

12. Alcohol Addiction Can Impact Cognitive Function

Drinking alcohol, and especially alcohol abuse, can interfere with brain function.12 Specifically, it interferes with memory, motor function, and judgment. These effects are worse for teenagers and for people with chronic, long-term addiction. 

13. Early Intervention Can Make a Huge Difference

Early intervention and treatment for alcohol addiction can significantly improve the chances of successful recovery.

14. Social Support Can Help You Recover

Social support is essential during recovery13 from alcohol addiction. A wealth of data shows that people with stronger relationships recover more quickly and completely. Your support network could include family, friends, colleagues, your care team, and members of a support group. Given the high success rate of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), it might be a good place to start building your community.

15. Alcohol Addiction Is a Diagnosable Medical Condition

Despite the stigma surrounding addiction, healthcare professionals agree that AUD is a serious medical issue. The American Psychiatric Association (APA), for example, explains that people with alcohol addiction “have lost reliable control of their alcohol use.14 It doesn’t matter what kind of alcohol someone drinks or even how much: Alcohol-dependent people are often unable to stop drinking once they start.” If you have a diagnosis of AUD, you’ll probably need professional treatment to recover. 

16. Excessive Drinking Can Weaken Your Immune System

Heavy drinking can interfere with immune function.15 As a result, chronic alcohol abuse increases your risk of pneumonia, respiratory problems, liver disease, and certain types of cancer. People with AUD have a higher rate of complications after surgery and may heal from injuries more slowly.

17. Alcohol Addiction Harms Marginalized Communities

Anyone can abuse alcohol. However, some data shows that AUD disproportionally affects marginalized communities. For example, having less education and lower socioeconomic status greatly increases your risk of alcohol addiction.16 This is true regardless of genetics or family history. Other studies report that race also plays a role in AUD,17 and that Black communities are at greater risk. 

18. Binge Drinking May Increase Your Risk of Addiction

Recent studies show a link between binge drinking and alcohol addiction.18 We still need more information about how they relate. It could be true that binge drinking raises your risk of developing an addiction in the future. On the other hand, some say that binge drinking itself is a sign of addiction. If that’s the case, the act itself wouldn’t increase your risk of AUD. But either way, it can still qualify as alcohol abuse. If you binge drink regularly, you might consider getting treatment for alcohol addiction.

19. Relapse Is Not Failure

Relapse is a common part of recovery from alcohol addiction. It is not a sign of failure. When you think of AUD as a disease, it’s easier to make sense of this pattern. The National Institute of Health (NIH) compares addiction to other chronic conditions,19 like asthma and high blood pressure: “Relapse is common and similar across these illnesses. Therefore, substance use disorders should be treated like any other chronic illness. Relapse serves as a sign for resumed, modified, or new treatment.”

20. Underage Drinking Can Lead to Alcohol Addiction

Drinking as a teenager20 increases your risk of developing AUD as an adult. One study found that people who drank alcohol before age 15 were 3.5 times more likely to abuse alcohol. Underage drinking can also change or interfere with the way your brain develops. For teenagers with alcohol addiction, family therapy is usually an important part of treatment.

21. Integrated Treatment Can Help

If you have a mental health diagnosis in addition to AUD, it’s called dual diagnosis. Recovering from co-occurring disorders can be complex. Studies show that it’s most effective to treat mental health issues and addiction21 at the same time. By integrating different types of therapy, you can address the root cause of both issues simultaneously. Many residential rehabs use this holistic approach to treatment.

22. Chronic Alcohol Abuse Can Cause Brain Damage

Long-term alcohol addiction can lead to brain damage.22 This can occur in several different ways:

  • Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: This condition is a rare type of dementia. It affects people who drink so heavily, for such a long time, that they develop severe vitamin B-1 deficiencies. Symptoms include confusion, memory issues, poor judgment, hallucinations, and cognitive decline.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Alcohol increases your risk of TBI, either due to accidents or aggressive behavior. Up to 81% of people with TBIs are intoxicated when they first sustain their injuries.
  • Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD):23 While ARBD mimics dementia, it has some key differences. For one thing, it usually doesn’t worse over time. This condition usually affects people in their 40s or 50s. With proper treatment, many patients can completely recover.

23. Different People Need Different Types of Treatment

There are many factors to consider when you’re planning recovery. For example, do you need to detox from alcohol before starting rehab? While you’re in treatment, will you need ongoing medical care? Are you interested in attending a faith-based program that follows the 12 Steps? There’s no right or wrong way to approach treatment, but it’s important to find a center that can meet your unique needs. 

Compare rehabs that treat alcohol addiction to find the right program for you.

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What Is Wellbriety?

Wellbriety is just what it sounds like — wellness and sobriety. The Wellbriety Movement supports Indigenous people in the process of addiction recovery. This holistic approach supports clients’ physical, mental, and spiritual healing.

Origins of the Wellbriety Movement

Don Coyhis, Mohican nation, founded the Wellbriety Movement in 1988.1 He began by teaching people the spiritual methods that helped him heal from alcohol addiction. Over time, these practices would help his daughter heal from meth addiction and grow into a nationwide movement empowering Indigenous communities.

How Is Wellbriety Different From Traditional Programs?

Wellbriety stands out from other recovery programs in several ways. This approach to recovery is open to Indigenous people nationwide. You can also learn from the movement’s published resources. 

These teachings are available through White Bison, a nonprofit organization Don Coyhis founded in the 1980s. Based in Colorado Springs, White Bison offers free in-person and online meetings. According to their website, this organization is “dedicated to creating and sustaining a grassroots Wellbriety Movement – providing culturally-based healing to the next seven generations of Indigenous People.” 

Coyhis’ philosophy marries several different traditions. For example, members of the Wellbriety Movement follow the Medicine Wheel 12 Steps.2 This framework combines Indigenous spiritual beliefs with the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.

White Bison and the Wellbriety Movement address an urgent need. While drug and alcohol addiction, trauma, and mental health issues can affect anyone, they’re especially prevalent in Indigenous communities. The Red Road, another nonprofit supporting Native communities, notes the scope of this problem: “Despite only representing 2% of the U.S. population, Native Americans have the highest rates of alcohol,3 marijuana, cocaine, and hallucinogen use disorders and the second highest methamphetamine abuse rates.”

Cultural Values

Wellbriety encourages people to heal from addictions by committing to shared cultural values. Many of White Bison’s principles4 direct communities to support each other. For example, they believe that “healing will take place through the application of cultural and spiritual knowledge.” This and other principles inform their holistic approach. In recovery, members come into alignment with themselves, their communities, and the natural world. 

Spiritual Focus

Spirituality is central to the Wellbriety Movement. Members believe in a Supreme Being and follow the teachings of community leaders. Many Wellbriety practices honor the Sacred Hoop, which holds great spiritual significance. In 1995, Indigenous Elders met in a sweat lodge and formed it out of a sapling. Since that time, the Sacred Hoop has traveled more than 200,000 miles around the U.S., connecting White Bison leaders with Indigenous communities.

Physical and Mental Health

Wellbriety encompasses both physical and mental health. Certain activities address both these goals at the same time. For instance, several studies show that drumming has powerful physical and emotional benefits.5 Partly for that reason, Wellbriety meetings often include drum circles.6 This practice also has spiritual meaning.

Wellbriety and the 4 Laws of Change 

Among other principles, the Wellbriety Movement follows 4 laws of change.7 Coyhis received these laws from an Elder in the 1980s. Today, they are pillars of White Bison’s work. 

1. Change Is From Within

This law, Coyhis explains, “means that we must have an internal desire to make changes in our lives.” Only the person with an addiction can commit to recovery. That commitment can’t come from a loved one, or even from your whole community. But when you cultivate an inner desire to heal, you can accomplish remarkable things.

2. In Order for Development To Occur It Must Be Preceded by a Vision

Members of the Wellbriety Movement begin by imagining what their lives would be like without substance abuse. As Coyhis puts it, “What would our lives, our community, or our nation look like if it were working in a good way?” This question invites people to start dreaming about a better future. Once you have a clear vision of your best possible life, you can start bringing it into reality. 

3. A Great Learning Must Take Place

This law frames the healing process as a communal effort. Coyhis says that recovery “must include the individual, the family, the community, and the nation acting as an integrated whole.” In most addiction treatment programs, holistic recovery combines the different aspects of the self. Wellbriety takes this a step further, seeking to integrate personal wellness with communal growth. 

4. You Must Create a Healing Forest

When it comes to addiction and mental health recovery, your environment is essential. Members of the Wellbriety Movement understand this through the metaphor of the healing forest:8

Imagine a forest of damaged, dying trees. The sickness is in the air, the soil, and the water supply. It’s all around them. You notice one tree that seems especially unwell. You dig it up, move it, and plant it in rich soil. You give it water and sunlight and plant food, and it starts to thrive. When it’s ready, you bring it back to the original forest and replant it. Does that one tree heal the rest of the forest? No, of course not. Back in an unsupportive environment, it just gets sick again. 

The forest is a metaphor for the way addiction, poverty, and intergenerational trauma affect Indigenous communities. White Bison teaches that while one person going to rehab or attending therapy can help, it’s not enough. Entire groups of people have to commit to recovering together, supporting each other throughout a complex healing process.

Find Additional Resources and Support for Addiction Recovery

White Bison supports Indigenous communities9 around the country. The nonprofit also trains and certifies residential centers in Indigenous treatment methods. If the Wellbriety Movement resonates with you, look for a rehab that offers this approach to recovery.

Start your healing journey in a rehab that honors your culture.

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How Long Does Alcohol Poisoning Last? Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment

When you drink more than your body can handle, you might start wondering, “How long does alcohol poisoning last?” The short answer is, it’s different for everyone. But a few factors can make it easier or harder to get through alcohol poisoning. Learn what to expect, and how to know when you need medical attention. 

What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning is another term for alcohol overdose.1 At first, it can look or feel like a person is just drunk and relaxed. But the signs of overdose can sneak up on you, with very serious consequences. 

When someone has too much to drink, they may start slurring their words or vomiting. Often, alcohol poisoning makes you lose consciousness. If you see someone develop these symptoms while drinking, they may need medical attention. 

Alcohol overdose occurs when a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) gets too high. While your BAC is related to the amount you drink, it’s not identical. Your height, weight, alcohol tolerance, and hydration levels can all affect how quickly you get drunk. 

If your BAC gets high enough, alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a blood alcohol level of 0.31% carries a “significant risk of death in most drinkers due to suppression of vital life functions.” 

For example, choking is one of the greatest dangers of alcohol poisoning. Overdose can make you lose consciousness and vomit, possibly at the same time. It also inhibits your gag reflex. If you start to vomit in your sleep, you risk asphyxiation. This experience can cause permanent brain damage, and it can be fatal.

Duration of Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms

Several factors can affect how long alcohol stays in your system. According to the California Department of Beverage Control, these aspects of health influence the way your body processes alcohol:2

  • Gender
  • BMI
  • Prescription medications
  • Altitude
  • Energy levels
  • How recently you ate
  • How much you drink
  • Which types of alcohol you drink
  • How quickly you drink

On average, your liver processes the equivalent of 1 standard drink an hour. But that’s just an estimate. And there’s a chance your symptoms will get worse before they get better. That’s because it takes time for alcohol to take effect. If you notice symptoms while you’re still drinking, they may intensify as your body processes the rest of the alcohol you consumed.

Short-Term Effects of Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol is considered a drug because it has an impact on the way your body functions. Specifically, alcohol depresses your central nervous system.3 That means it can slow down breathing and other essential involuntary activities.

Like any other type of drug overdose, alcohol poisoning has dangerous short-term effects:4

  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation
  • Clammy skin
  • Trouble breathing
  • Low heart rate
  • Low body temperature
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Lack of motor control, including the gag reflex
  • Seizures

Alcohol is a diuretic,5 meaning it affects the way your body processes water. Excessive drinking can cause dehydration, which has additional symptoms:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Delerium

Seeking Medical Attention for Alcohol Poisoning

If you or someone near you is showing signs of alcohol overdose, call 911 immediately.

There are many popular misconceptions about alcohol overdose.6 But the NIAAA urges people to trust medical experts instead of trying folk remedies: 

“Do not wait for the person to have all the symptoms, and be aware that a person who has passed out can die. Don’t play doctor—cold showers, hot coffee, and walking do not reverse the effects of alcohol overdose and could actually make things worse.”

When first responders arrive, they’ll probably ask several questions:

  • How much did the person have to drink?
  • How many hours ago did they start drinking?
  • Have they taken any other drugs?
  • Are they taking any medications?
  • Do they have any health issues?

They’ll also perform a quick exam, and probably take the person to the hospital. Treatment for acute alcohol poisoning7 usually includes IV fluids and airway protection to make sure they continue breathing.

Recovery Process and Aftercare

It can take many hours to detox from alcohol. Data shows that every time you have a drink, your blood alcohol levels increase quickly,8 peaking about an hour later. Then your BAC goes back down slowly over the next 4 hours. But that’s true for every drink you have—so if you drink a lot in one night, you could experience several of these peaks in a row. 

This data describes the average person, so your experience may be different. Medical attention may or may not speed up the recovery process. 

After the alcohol clears from your system, you may feel better right away. No matter how you feel, it’s important to follow up with a medical professional a few days later. Arrive for that appointment clear-headed and ready to talk about your health. They may need to share medical information about what happened while you were intoxicated. They might also need to officially evaluate you for signs of alcohol addiction.

Prevention of Alcohol Poisoning

To avoid alcohol poisoning, experts recommend you have no more than 1 drink per hour.9 You can alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, or alcohol and water. 

It’s also important to know your limits. If you’re not feeling well, or you haven’t eaten all day, your alcohol tolerance might be lower than usual. There’s no need to “keep up with” the people around you if they’re drinking more heavily. Your body’s limits might just be different from theirs. 

If and when you do drink, you can take certain actions to minimize risks. For example, you can make a plan for how you’ll get home at the end of the night. Choose a designated driver or budget to take a rideshare. Never drive after you’ve been drinking. And if possible, travel with a friend so you can each make sure the other gets home safely. 

Long-Term Effects and Risks of Alcohol Poisoning

Experts say that repeated alcohol poisoning can “interfere with brain development,”10 especially for teens. While one episode of alcohol overdose may seem like no big deal, this pattern can quickly spiral out of control.

Regular binge drinking increases your risk of alcohol addiction.11 This condition can have very serious effects. For example, excessive drinking can damage your internal organs12 over time. It can also undermine your relationships, career goals, and mental health. 

If you’re concerned about alcohol addiction, it’s never too early to start recovery. Treatment can help you address the root cause of your behavior and not just the symptoms. This approach helps clients find long-term recovery from alcohol abuse.

Drink Smarter, Not Harder

Alcohol poisoning is a type of drug overdose. It has dangerous short-term effects, and can even be life-threatening. Repeated alcohol overdoses can cause addiction, organ damage, and other serious health problems. 

If you think someone has alcohol poisoning, don’t wait to be sure—get help right away. Immediate medical attention could save their life. To learn more about how to drink responsibly, you can check out these free resources: 

Some people can learn to drink safely. Others are at a greater risk of addiction. Your genetics, family history of drinking, and other factors can all play a role. Despite your best efforts, you might still need help recovering from alcohol abuse. 


Connect with a rehab for alcohol addiction to get the support you need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Poisoning 

What is alcohol poisoning and how long does it last?

Alcohol poisoning, also known as alcohol overdose, occurs when someone consumes a dangerous amount of alcohol, leading to severe symptoms. The duration of alcohol poisoning varies, influenced by factors such as the person’s alcohol tolerance, body weight, and hydration levels. It’s a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

What are the short-term effects of alcohol poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning depresses the central nervous system, causing symptoms like vomiting, confusion, low heart rate, and loss of consciousness. It can also lead to dangerous complications such as choking and breathing difficulties. If someone shows these symptoms while drinking, it may indicate alcohol poisoning and means they need prompt medical intervention.

How can alcohol poisoning be prevented?

To prevent alcohol poisoning, experts recommend consuming no more than 1 drink per hour and knowing your limits. Alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can help. If you’re concerned about alcohol addiction, seeking early treatment can help prevent long-term health risks and complications.

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What Is End-Stage Alcoholism?

End-stage alcoholism is the result of many years of alcohol addiction. Without treatment, alcohol abuse and alcoholism can cause severe physical and mental health problems. The longer you spend drinking heavily, the greater your risk of this condition. 

If you’re facing serious health problems because of your drinking, you probably need medical attention. You might also benefit from talk therapy or behavioral treatments to help you recover from addiction. Many of these treatments are available in residential rehab centers.

Diagnosis of End-Stage Alcoholism

Alcohol use disorder, or AUD, is one of the most common mental health issues1 in the U.S. This condition is a chronic, progressive disease. In some cases, it can even be fatal. But that doesn’t always happen right away. Before you can develop late-stage alcoholism, you’ll show much earlier signs of AUD.

Defining Alcohol Addiction

Addiction to alcohol goes beyond regular social drinking. People with AUD continue to drink in spite of alcohol’s negative impact on the rest of their lives. If you’re concerned you might have an alcohol dependency, you can get a diagnosis from an addiction expert. 

The current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), lists 11 specific criteria for alcohol addiction.2 These symptoms apply to the early stages of addiction as well as late-stage alcoholism. They include, but aren’t limited to, the following:

  • Spending excessive time obtaining, using, and then recovering from alcohol
  • Repeated incidents where drinking interferes with your career, schooling, or family life
  • Continuing to drink even though you’re aware of the negative physical, emotional, and social effects of alcohol
  • Failed attempts to reduce or quit drinking
  • Withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop drinking

If you have at least 2 of these symptoms, or others listed in the DSM-5, you may have alcohol addiction. And if you’ve had them for many years, you may be approaching late-stage alcoholism. 

Reaching End-Stage Alcohol Addiction

While “end-stage alcoholism” is not an official diagnosis, it refers to a clear phase of this condition. People in this stage have fit the criteria for AUD for a long time. 

When you have late-stage alcohol addiction, your drinking causes increasingly severe problems. You’ll probably need ongoing medical care for worsening health issues. You might even show new neurological symptoms. 

By definition, end-stage alcoholism is life-threatening. While you can sometimes recover from this phase of addiction, you may require intensive treatment. 

How Long Does End-Stage Alcoholism Last Before Death?

The short answer is—it depends. End-stage alcoholism usually includes at least 1 serious health problem, like liver disease or neurological issues. Each of these conditions has a unique prognosis. Some are even curable. Your care team can give you more specific information about what to expect. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to get treatment, there are a few symptoms you can look for.

What Are the Symptoms of End-Stage Alcoholism?

If drinking has been a big part of your life for a long time, any of these symptoms could indicate late-stage alcoholism:3

  • Yellowing skin (jaundice)
  • Swollen legs or feet
  • Fever
  • Shaking
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Digestive problems
  • Bruising easily
  • Lower alcohol tolerance
  • Dementia4
  • Low blood pressure
  • Poor muscle coordination
  • Tremor
  • Memory issues
  • Heart problems5
  • Trouble breathing

These symptoms could indicate a variety of serious health conditions. Some of them can also affect people who don’t drink. However, drinking can increase your risk of both severe and mild health issues. The CDC explains that alcohol abuse weakens your immune system,5 “increasing the chances of getting sick.”

What Are the Health Effects of End-Stage Alcoholism?

Long-term, chronic alcohol abuse can cause many severe health problems. While some of these issues can be managed or cured, continuing to drink will make them worse. If your alcohol addiction leads to any of these diagnoses, your care plan should include treatment for AUD.

Cirrhosis

The liver is responsible for filtering blood,6 removing toxins like alcohol and drugs. Excessive drinking puts a strain on this organ. Over time, alcohol abuse causes liver disease:7 

  • Stage 1: Fatty Liver Disease is the accumulation of fat in the liver.
  • Stage 2: Hepatitis includes inflammation of the liver cells. This disease is reversible with immediate treatment, including total abstinence from drinking. Without proper care, it can cause liver failure.
  • Stage 3: Cirrhosis is permanent scarring of the liver. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) refer to this condition as “the end-stage of liver disease.”


With cirrhosis, scar tissue takes the place of normal liver cells.8 As a result, the liver can’t function correctly. Cirrhosis causes digestive issues9 and skin problems, and can even affect your mental health.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

It can be hard to recognize Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome10 because it shares symptoms with other mental health issues. It often mimics early-onset dementia. But in fact, this condition is a combination of 2 different diagnoses:

  • Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a severe vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency that damages certain regions of the brain. This condition can cause confusion, low blood pressure, and hypothermia. It can also interfere with vision and muscle control.
  • Korsakoff syndrome also includes a B1 deficiency, but this disease almost always results from AUD. Its primary symptoms are amnesia and confusion. It can also cause tremors and vision problems.

With intensive medical care, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is somewhat treatable. However, experts at the NIH say that “improvement in memory function is slow and, usually, incomplete. Without treatment, these disorders can be disabling and life-threatening.”

Pancreatitis

Alcohol abuse can lead to acute or chronic pancreatitis.11 This is a necro-inflammatory disease, meaning that it irritates and then destroys pancreatic tissue. Data shows that AUD causes up to 25% of all cases of pancreatitis.

This condition causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and the inability to eat. It can also cause jaundice. There are no widely accepted medications for this disease. Instead, treatment involves managing your most severe symptoms. For example, if you’re unable to eat, you might receive nutrients through an IV. 

Acute pancreatitis can resolve with proper care. Continuing to drink, however, can cause repeat attacks. Over time these generally lead to chronic pancreatitis, which is a much more serious condition. 

Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy

Drinking has a complex effect on heart health. Some research shows that alcohol abuse raises your risk of heart problems12 including arrhythmia, heart attack, and congestive heart failure. Other studies report that drinking may protect against some common symptoms of heart disease.13 We need more data to understand the big picture. 

However, the data about alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is clear. This heart condition is always caused by alcohol abuse.14 In acute cases, drinking large amounts of alcohol inflames the heart tissue, which can cause arrhythmia. Chronic ACM can damage multiple major organs. This disease can mimic congestive heart failure, and so be difficult to diagnose. The primary treatment is abstinence from alcohol. 

Cancer

The CDC puts it very simply: “The less alcohol you drink, the lower your risk for cancer.”15 Drinking increases everyone’s risk of mouth, throat, liver, and colon cancer, and women’s risk of breast cancer. Some data suggests it might also increase the risk of prostate, stomach, and pancreatic cancer. 

Quitting alcohol lowers your cancer risk,16 but not immediately. Data shows that it can take years or even decades for your risk to return to what it was before. If you already have cancer, drinking might also interfere with treatment. 

What Are the Treatments for End-Stage Alcoholism?

Late-stage alcoholism looks a little different for everyone. You could have one or many of the diseases that often appear in this phase of AUD. And for every illness, different people have different symptoms. Your exact diagnosis and recovery goals will determine your treatment plan.

It’s important to be realistic about your prognosis. With patience and commitment, some people can fully recover. However, that’s not an option for everyone. Some of these health issues are irreversible. Talk to the experts at your center to learn about your specific options. Whatever conditions you’re facing, addiction recovery is almost certainly an important part of treatment. 

Medical Detox

If you have a physical dependence on alcohol, it’s essential to start recovery with medical detox. Without the right medical care, alcohol withdrawal can be fatal.17

Detox programs can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. You’ll work with a team of doctors, nurses, and therapists during treatment. They may prescribe non-addictive medications to help with the physical and emotional symptoms of withdrawal. Many centers offer 24/7 care to help you navigate this difficult time.

Withdrawal is just the first step of addiction recovery. Most programs require patients to plan for longer-term treatment before they begin detox. Usually, that means signing up for a residential rehab program.

Residential Rehab

To recover from late-stage alcohol addiction, you’ll need a rehab program that offers medical care. Most people in this phase need to heal from both emotional and physical symptoms. In the right treatment center, you can work toward multiple goals at the same time.

Residential treatment usually lasts at least a few weeks to a month, but it can take longer. If you need more structured support after rehab, you’ll have several options for aftercare. For example, you could attend an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or move to a sober living home. 

When drinking is such a large part of your routine, it can take time to build a sober life you love. Initially, rehab might be your response to a medical emergency. But while you’re there, you’ll also get to practice new coping skills. During and after treatment, those skills will help you navigate a more sustainable lifestyle. 

Ongoing Medical Care

If you have a chronic medical condition due to alcohol abuse—like cirrhosis—you may need long-term medical treatment. This could include medications, regular doctor visits, or other medical interventions. 

For many of these conditions, doctors recommend permanent sobriety. Timothy Morgan, MD, explains that “Cessation of alcohol is necessary18 to treat alcoholic liver disease.” And even with total abstinence, you might experience some chronic symptoms. Before you leave rehab, talk to your care team and make a plan for your ongoing treatment.

Support Groups

In any stage of addiction and recovery, social support can help you heal from AUD.19 This is especially important for people with end-stage alcoholism. After many years of alcohol abuse, your addiction can take a toll on your relationships. Treatment might help you reconnect with loved ones or get to know new people. 

Some clients achieve this in family therapy. You can also use the 12-Step approach to addiction recovery. Many rehabs use this framework in all aspects of treatment, including talk therapy and other activities. You can also find free AA Meetings all over the world, and even online. If you find the 12 Steps helpful during treatment, you can keep going to meetings after you leave rehab.

Find Effective Treatment for Alcoholism

End-stage alcohol addiction can impact every part of your life. If you’re dealing with a combination of mental health problems, physical symptoms, and relationship issues, it can be hard to conceive of recovery. That’s where rehab comes in. 


Connect with a rehab for alcoholism to start planning a better future.

Frequently Asked Questions About End-Stage Alcoholism

What are the health effects of end-stage alcoholism?

Prolonged alcohol abuse in end-stage alcoholism can lead to severe health issues, including cirrhosis (liver scarring), Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (brain disorder), pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation), alcoholic cardiomyopathy (heart damage), cancer, and more. Late-stage alcoholism requires comprehensive medical care, detox, rehab, and ongoing support to manage these conditions and recover from addiction.

What are the treatment options for end-stage alcoholism?

Treatment for end-stage alcoholism can involve various approaches. Medical detox, essential for addressing physical dependence, is often the first step. Residential rehab programs provide comprehensive care for physical and emotional symptoms. Ongoing medical attention, including medications and doctor visits, is crucial for chronic conditions. Support groups, such as 12-Step programs, aid in the recovery journey, especially in rebuilding relationships strained by prolonged alcohol abuse. Connecting with a rehab center is essential for effective treatment planning and building a better future.

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Blacking Out Drunk: Understanding the Risks, Causes, and Prevention

“If recreational drugs were tools, alcohol would be a sledgehammer.” – NCBI article

Some hail getting “blackout drunk” as the apex drinking experience: a testament to how wild the party was or how disinhibited they felt. But rather than being a story to tell, getting blackout drunk can put you on a dangerous path—one of crime, danger, and life-changing risks. 

What Does It Mean to Black Out?

Blacking out drunk means you have a “blackout” period in your memory. You won’t remember anything that happened around you or to you when you were “blacked”. You’re still awake when you black out, just not making memories. That’s because alcohol can block the transference of memories into long-term storage.  

Alcohol can cause 2 types of blackouts: partial and complete. If you have a complete blackout period, you won’t remember anything. Your blackout will simply feel like a blank expanse in time. Partial blackouts mean you can remember a few things, like who drove you home and where your purse might be. Physical or emotional cues can also trigger the memories you made in a partial blackout.  

Both types of blackouts keep you from forming and recollecting memories.

How Alcohol Affects The Brain And Memory

Blackouts affect an area of the brain called the hippocampus, where memories form and move into long-term storage. Too much alcohol keeps this transfer from happening. Just 1-2 drinks can start the memory-losing process. 

Alcohol disrupts the communicative chemical activity in your hippocampus. That disruption between neurons prevents the hippocampus from storing events and memories as they happen. Blackouts don’t affect past memories or the ones you make when sober, only the memories made with too much alcohol in your system. 

You may seem alert and able to hold a conversation when blacked out. But any interactions you have won’t stay in your memory for longer than a few minutes. 

Who’s More Susceptible to Blackouts?

The severity of your blackout usually depends on your blood-alcohol level—the higher it is, the more complete your blackout. Because of this, some groups are more susceptible to blacking out, including women, young college students, and binge drinkers. 

With generally smaller bodies, women are more likely to black out than men. Women also have less of an enzyme in their stomach that breaks down alcohol. And, they’re more likely to drink wine or mixed drinks instead of beer, which has comparatively less alcohol. 

College students and other young drinkers also experience blackouts more often. It’s usually because they’re not used to drinking (especially in high amounts), leading to accidental blackouts. Similarly, binge drinkers, or someone who drinks a lot in a short period of time, may rapidly raise their blood-alcohol level and black out more often. 

Recognizing The Signs of Blackout Drinking

You can look for some of these signs of blackout drinking if someone seems blackout drunk. But be aware: you won’t always know if someone’s blackout, yourself included. Though surprising, your friend may seem fine and have most of their motor and cognitive functioning intact. 

What you can look for is problems with their memory. Though everyone shows cognitive impairment when they’re drunk, like seeming spaced out, they’ll usually still have some of their memory intact. If you suspect someone’s blackout drunk, take them home as soon as you can. 

Forgetfulness

Someone who’s blackout drunk may repeat questions, seem confused, or forget the names/faces/information they just learned about. 

To test their memory-storing ability, try asking your friend to name 3 items: fruits, for example. Then, a couple of minutes later, ask what fruits they named. If they’re not blacked, they’ll eventually remember what fruits they named—even if they need time to think or slur their words. 

Retelling Stories

Your friend may repeat the same story because they don’t remember already telling it. They may also tell you the same thing repeatedly throughout the night, like they’ve spotted your mutual friend nearby.

Seeming Confused When Corrected

If you tell your friend they’ve already told you the same thing multiple times, they may seem confused. They may not even believe you. They’ll likely have no idea their memory has started to go—even if they’re concerned about that, their worries will soon fade. 

Motor or Cognitive Impairment

If someone seems drunk, look for stumbling, nonsensical speech, poor coordination, slurred speech, and sleepiness. This could indicate they’re heavily drunk and in a blackout state.

When to Intervene

If your friend, or anyone else, seems blackout drunk, keep a close eye on them. Since they’re mentally and physically impaired, they could easily get into trouble. Make sure they don’t drive, even if they seem “fine”. And make sure they don’t go off alone with anyone—someone could try to take advantage of their impairment.

And ask your friend to stay around you. If they can’t remember to stay by you, you might need to shadow them. 

Step away from the situation if you’re able and they’re willing. This could mean going home if you’re at a bar or going to a safe room and lying down if you’re at a party. Never let them drive—and call a taxi or Uber if you don’t feel safe driving, either.

Risks And Consequences of Blacking Out

Sexual And Physical Violence

Getting blackout drunk puts you at risk of physical and sexual violence. You may unwittingly go along with whatever someone else wants—even if that’s stealing, vandalizing someone’s house, or sleeping with someone you never planned to. 

If you did sleep with someone, you may not remember if you gave consent, if your partner was violent, or if you used protection. And if something terrible did occur, not knowing would prevent you from getting the medical care you need. That applies to both physical and sexual assaults. 

Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1.800.799.7233 or text “START” to 88788
Crisis Hotline: Call or Text 988

Waking Up…Somewhere

After blacking out, you could wake up and not know where you are, how you got there, or how to get home. You might wake up a few blocks from your house or on the other side of your city—blackouts make almost anything possible. 

Acting Out of Character

You could get into trouble in a blackout state. Being impaired mentally and physically, you might bend easily to peer pressure. Or, doing something illegal may suddenly seem fun, like stealing. Then, you could wind up in legal trouble.

Causes And Triggers of Blackout Drinking

Blackouts commonly happen after high-intensity drinking, when you have at least twice as many drinks per hour more than binge drinking (8+ drinks in 2 hours for women, 10+ for men). Binge and high-intensity drinking lead to blackouts because your blood-alcohol level rises too fast. 

Some drugs, like sleep or anti-anxiety medications, can cause blackouts at a lower blood-alcohol level. Keeping aware of your medications can help you prevent getting blackout drunk.

Prevention Strategies for Blackout Drinking

You can prevent blackout drinking by drinking in moderation. Set a limit for yourself, like one drink per hour. Be sure to eat a full meal before drinking and start the night hydrated. And drink slowly—take sips instead of gulps. Avoid chugging, shotgunning, or joining in other drinking games. 

You can also try staggering your alcoholic drinks. For example, having a glass of wine, a big cup of water, then a smaller glass of wine. Plan for how you’re going to get home, too. Either bring a friend who’s not drinking or schedule an Uber in advance. 

Avoid drinking in unfamiliar situations, too. Nerves could cause you to drink multiple drinks much faster than usual. And, only drink what you buy or bring yourself. Never take a drink from a stranger. 

Supporting Others And Seeking Help

One way to help a friend or family member struggling with their drinking is by noticing how much they drink. If they frequently black out, binge drink, or drink whenever they can, you can consider starting a conversation about how they’re feeling and how alcohol fits into their life. 

You can start the conversation early by talking to your kids/teens about blackout drinking and its consequences. But you can emphasize the risks of blackout drinking with someone of any age. You can also pass along tips to avoid blackout drinking, how to quit drinking, and make drinking a safer experience for those you love. 

If your friend or family member reveals they’ve been struggling with drinking, you can share these resources with them:

You can also offer yourself as a resource of support. Though you can’t make anyone get help, you can offer a listening ear and be someone to walk beside as your loved one begins their recovery journey. 
To learn more, you can browse our list of rehabs treating alcohol addiction to see photos, reviews, insurance information, and more.

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Codependency and Addiction: Understand the Relationship and Get Help

Codependency and addiction have a complex relationship. A codependent person may unwittingly enable their loved one to keep using substances without consequences. The codependent person themself may struggle with an addiction to cope with the pain of codependency. 

Addiction often results from codependency, as codependents may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their issues and to fill an emotional void. Codependency can also lead to addiction by enabling an individual to continue substance use even when it harms their health or relationships. Someone with a substance use disorder may also be more likely to form codependent relationships to gain approval and validation.

Addiction and codependency can feed into each other—though one hasn’t yet been found to definitively cause the other. Codependency doesn’t just happen in a relationship with someone with an addiction, either. 

To find help for codependency and addiction, you can attend peer-support groups, therapy, and go to a rehab that focuses on codependency. 

Codependency: What Is It And Where Does it Come From?

Codependency is a type of dysfunctional relationship where one person has a dependent pattern of behavior that’s emotionally destructive to themselves and/or the other person. It’s typically characterized by an excessive emotional, physical, or psychological reliance on another person—to the point of neglecting your own needs. Codependents also tend to be overly controlling of the other person in their relationship.

Codependency isn’t a diagnosis, nor does it have a mutually agreed upon definition. Some psychologists, scientists, and members of the public think the traits of codependency could just be part of the emotional human experience. 

Others argue codependency can be separated from the bulk of human experiences as a unique adaptation to stress, trauma, unstable childhoods, and living with someone with an addiction. And as codependency becomes a more common phenomenon, more people may realize they fit into its broad definition. 

Generally, a codependent person will aim to control another person or situation by losing themself in the other’s desires and perceived needs. They accept unacceptable behavior as a way to maintain some control of the situation or of the other person. But this can make them disappear—hiding away to continually meet others’ needs. 

Where Does Codependency Come From?

Some definitions of codependency suggest it only develops if someone you live with has an addiction. More accurately, the source of codependency may stem from personality, childhood experiences, trauma, and an intermingling of each. Living with someone who has an addiction can certainly cause codependent tendencies. 

And, none of those factors can cause codependency, too. Some people who live with a person with an addiction may never struggle with codependency. Studies have proven an addicted spouse or child isn’t the sole cause of codependency; but for some family members, addiction can be a catalyst. Someone with childhood trauma may never become codependent either, but it’s a common cause since childhood shapes your adult personality.

Childhood Roots of Codependency

Someone who grew up in a dysfunctional or emotionally distant family may resort to codependency to survive—taking on more responsibilities than they should, making others’ emotions their duty to manage, and losing their true self in the instability of those they seek to control. Doing this may offer a sense of safety and security. 

Codependency in childhood usually causes codependency in adulthood. A child of an alcoholic parent, for example, may gravitate toward a spouse with drinking problems because that unstable relationship feels normal, as does forfeiting their sense of self for safety and control. Being in fight-or-flight mode during childhood can cause a codependent to seek that feeling in adulthood. Someone who takes them out of fight-or-flight mode may feel too unfamiliar, and even daunting, to pursue.

Addiction in Both Parties

As defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), “addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences.” Addiction can affect the codependent, the other in their relationship, or both of them. 

A person with substance addiction isn’t the only half of a codependent relationship that can struggle with an addiction. Often, a codependent person will use alcohol, drugs, sex, food, and other substances to manage the pain of codependency. Addressing substance use in both parties can help the relationship heal as a whole.  

The Relationship Between Codependency And Addiction

A spouse, parent, or sibling may become codependent as a way to manage the turmoil of their loved one’s addiction. Someone with an active addiction often has unpredictable emotions, behaviors, and moods. Their codependent will likely appease their every whim to self-manage their unreliability. 

A codependent person also believes they can force their loved one to stop using out of sheer will—or by succumbing to their every need and demand, hoping they can abate the feelings causing them to drink or use drugs. Failing to stop the substance use may drive the codependent to drugs, alcohol, or risky behaviors to cope with that pain.

Someone who’s codependent can enable their loved one’s addiction by accepting the behavior. Codependent people often live in denial—denial of their loved one’s addiction, how they need help, how they both need help—as a way to manage the problem. 

Denying the issue can give it fuel. The person with addiction may knowingly or unknowingly take advantage of that denial to continue using without consequences. So, their addiction may get worse, as would how they treat their codependent partner. The codependent, meanwhile, resorts further and further to their codependent tendencies to find some element of control. And so the cycle continues.

A lack of control and a codependent’s limitless desire for control can perpetuate their codependent behaviors. They may reason that if they just keep trying, they’ll eventually gain control; one day it’ll work and they’ll never drink again. But, as many come to realize, you can’t force someone out of addiction.

Challenges of Breaking The Cycle

The codependent may feel too scared or anxious to stop seeking control through appeasing their spouse/child/parent. They may also fear speaking up about their emotional pain, or even recognizing it at all. 

Someone with an addiction could find it easier to stay addicted if their partner goes along with it or pretends they can’t see it. They might not consider treatment, thinking they’ve “got it handled” and don’t need help. Over time, and without any treatment, their addiction can worsen. 

The codependent often experiences an addictive cycle of emotions. They can go from extreme lows to extreme highs, depending on how their partner treats them. The codependent may crave the next high just as a drug user craves a drug high. 

Treatment And Recovery

Professional treatment can help you find the cause of your codependency traits and develop new ways to manage a lack of control, real and perceived. Each person in a codependent relationship can benefit from treatment.

Treatment for The Codependent

Codependents can benefit from psychoeducation and taking a dive into their childhood. Psychoeducation teaches a codependent the “why” behind their behaviors, including the biochemical reactions that make the cycle so hard to leave. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help a codependent recognize the traits of codependency and examine the emotions behind them. Since most codependents have had a traumatic or dysfunctional childhood, CBT sessions will likely focus on your childhood to find the root belief behind your emotions and behaviors. 

For example, you may believe others’ needs are your responsibility and will feel guilty if you don’t completely satisfy their needs. This ingrained belief may have begun in childhood, perhaps because of an emotionally volatile, mentally unwell, physically unwell, or addicted parent. CBT will help you identify what caused that belief and the guilt related to it, then change your coping tool (codependency).  

You can also benefit from peer support and self-help groups, whether they’re 12-Step-based or not. Support groups can help you find an explanation for your experience and others who share it. Other resources, like books and podcasts, can also help a codependent understand their traits and heal. Here’s a few books you could check out:

Treatment for The Partner

The “partner” in a codependent relationship could be your romantic partner, but it broadly refers to the other person in your codependent relationship. That could be your spouse, child, parent, relative, or close friend. 

The codependent partner may not mean to drive someone to codependency. A codependent’s empathy and conscientiousness might be so highly attuned to negative emotions that healthy expressions of sadness, anger, or other negative emotions could trigger their partner’s codependent traits. 

But in some cases, if not most, the codependent’s partner has similar traits as the dysfunctional or abusive parent(s) the codependent grew up with. They have poor relationships in adulthood because it feels normal. That means a codependent is more likely to fall for a narcissist, an abuser, or someone exploitative. 

When your partner has a personality disorder, an addiction, or dark personality traits, they need professional treatment to heal. Treatment for addiction, for example, can help your partner address the cause of their addiction and identify new coping strategies for difficult emotions. After treatment, you’ll hopefully find your partner much more stable, reciprocative, and safe. In those cases, your codependent traits may fade because you simply don’t need them anymore. 

Once your partner has received proper treatment, you could both attend couples therapy. Here, you’ll address what triggers your codependency traits. Your partner will learn more about how it works for you and how they can help. They may also be able to reassure you that codependency isn’t their intent for you and that they’ll work with you to get well.

You and your family can also attend family therapy to address codependency in your family and how it affects each member. 

Prevention And Self-Care Strategies for Codependency

One way to prevent codependency is to educate yourself on what it is and what causes it. If you do recognize it in yourself, you can seek professional treatment and practice self-care strategies to prevent it from getting worse. Some strategies you can try include:

  • Practice self-acceptance. Each day, try to take stock of the times you blame yourself for someone else’s negative emotions. Then, challenge the blame. Write down the process and your thoughts on it. See if you can make it a daily habit. 
  • Surround yourself with people who make you feel safe. Can you identify people in your life who don’t make you feel responsible for their emotions? People who make you feel safe being yourself? Keep them close as you navigate your codependency.
  • Set aside time just for you. Spend an hour, three hours, or any amount of time however you want—just not on the other person in your codependent relationship. Take a bath, go to the library, or take a walk. Anything that sounds nice to you. 
  • Pursue what brings you joy. Rekindle old hobbies or try something new to give you an extra boost of happiness and confidence in your abilities. 

You can also attend treatment for codependency and addiction at rehab, which provides 24/7 support, intensive treatment, group and 1:1 therapy, and wellness services. 
Explore our list of rehabs treating codependency with pricing information, reviews, photos, and more.

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What Is a “Dry Drunk”?

A “dry drunk” is someone who’s sober but still experiencing some of the emotions and behaviors caused by alcohol use. The term also describes someone who returns to an immature mindset1 after years or decades of impairment—arguably, back to how old they were when they began drinking. Other effects include irritability and impulsiveness. 

The term came about when Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) first began. AA members coined it2 as a non-negotiable stage of alcohol recovery. Later, psychiatrists and addiction specialists added their own twists to the definition, but generally agreed it’s part of recovery as a whole.

Who’s Most at Risk of Dry Drunk Syndrome?

Everyone in alcohol addiction recovery risks dry drunkenness, but it does become more likely for some specific groups.

Someone Who Never Went to Treatment

Not everyone needs professional alcohol addiction treatment, especially if their addiction isn’t severe. Or so it may feel.

Some forms of treatment, like outpatient therapy, address why/how drinking became a coping tool. Without treatment, you lose the chance to identify trauma, mental health conditions, and instill positive coping skills. Treatment can also help you process having an addiction. 

Without treatment, you risk developing dry drunk syndrome.

Someone Who Didn’t Complete Treatment

Anyone that prematurely left addiction treatment likely won’t enjoy the inner healing it can provide. You may not heal the underlying issues of addiction if you don’t finish treatment, resulting in dry drunk syndrome. 

Someone Who Had Poor Treatment

You may have gone to treatment but felt like you didn’t benefit from it. Maybe the facility wasn’t up to par, or you just couldn’t relate to their methods. Factors like that could keep you from fully engaging in treatment and experiencing healing. 

Other Nuances of Dry Drunk Syndrome 

Some symptoms of dry drunk syndrome mimic physical health issues2, like allergies and hypoglycemia. In early AA days, some members wrongly assumed more serious health conditions were simply a phase of their recovery. When those symptoms were medically addressed, they were no longer dry drunk.

So, it’s important to remember the signs and symptoms of dry drunk syndrome. That way, you can differentiate its symptoms from another health condition and get the treatment you need.

What Are The Signs of Dry Drunk Syndrome?

The signs of dry drunk syndrome2 include:

Changes in Mood 

You may feel more down, hopeless, or irritated than normal. You might also feel out of control since you can’t use your old coping tool anymore. Or, your mood could turn aggressive, and you may snap at your friends and family. 

Difficulty Concentrating

Feeling confused, disoriented, or distracted can make it hard to concentrate. Dry drunk syndrome can cause those feelings, affecting your work, school, and daily interpersonal life. 

Isolating

Feeling low, irritable, and ashamed of your feelings could lead to isolation. Or, you may want to deal with those feelings on your own, which could cause you to spend more and more time in isolation. That could mean staying in your room, overstaying at work, or becoming emotionally isolated around others. 

Engaging in Other Addictive Behaviors

You may turn to other substances1 in lieu of alcohol. These include “innocent” replacements, like caffeine, and even narcotics like cocaine. Other popular replacements include vapes and cigarettes, which contain nicotine. Excessively using nicotine or caffeine may seem better than using alcohol, but the underlying cause of addiction remains unaddressed.

Going Back to Old Bars

Despite not drinking anymore, you may feel drawn to the bars you used to go to and the social circles you were in. You may go to reconnect with old friends or another part of yourself. But doing so could tempt you into a relapse.

Habitual Lying

Hiding alcohol use and addiction usually requires lying, which can be a hard habit to break for those with dry drunk syndrome. You may find yourself lying about small or unimportant truths, creating trust issues with you and your loved ones. 

Anger And Resentment

In an attempt to avoid self-blame, rather than absolving it, you may blame others for personal errors. This could present as frequent anger outbursts, constant anger, and having a short fuse. You may also resent others for causing your addiction or contributing to it. Or, you might resent those who have gotten sober and seem perfectly happy.

Exaggerated Self-Importance

You may expect praise and positive attention for getting sober. This could lead to an exaggerated sense of self-importance, as you believe you’re owed praise. Receiving praise could then fuel that belief. Treatment can help you feel proud of your sobriety without the praise of others, which could prevent this symptom of dry drunk syndrome. 

How Is Dry Drunk Syndrome Treated?

To treat dry drunk syndrome, you and your care providers will likely return to your addiction’s root cause.  A therapist, psychologist, or addictions counselor will use various techniques to help you identify the factors that lead to addiction and find a path forward. These techniques include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you identify and address the thoughts and emotions behind your behaviors. For dry drunk syndrome, you’ll go back to what may have caused your addiction and how that unresolved cause still affects your present self. You and your therapist will then begin the healing process to resolve those issues and relieve you from dry drunk syndrome. 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT helps you accept strong emotions, navigate their effects, and learn tools for interpersonal communication. This therapy targets the emotions of dry drunk syndrome and the strong feelings that may have led to substance use in the first place. DBT usually takes place in a group setting with a classroom-like structure. You’ll learn new skills, accept your emotions, and explore ways to better yourself.

Holistic Therapies

Holistic therapies can help you navigate dry drunk syndrome by fostering your mind-body connection. Connecting deeper to yourself can open your eyes to the emotions that drove your addiction and how dry drunk syndrome continues to have those emotional effects. Holistic therapies for dry drunk syndrome include

The 12 Steps

Many of the original Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) members followed the 12 Steps to alleviate dry drunk syndrome. Those same principles still apply today. As the earlier members found relief through surrender and commitment to abstinence, so can you. Many rehabs and outpatient programs use the 12 Steps in treatment. And, you can keep going to AA meetings as long as you want, even after you leave treatment. You’re always welcome there.

Find A Support Group

12-Step groups exist worldwide. To find one near you, you can use AA’s meeting finder. You can also attend a rehab with a 12-Step focus.
To see 12-Step rehabs, you can browse our list of centers to see reviews, photos, insurance information, and more.

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How to Help Someone Who Has Relapsed on Drugs or Alcohol

Relapse involves drinking alcohol or using drugs again after abstinence or successful recovery. Like other chronic diseases, addiction relapse is always possible. Relapse can happen at any time in the recovery process, including early stages or even after long periods of sobriety.

When relapse does happen, your loved one will need all the support you can provide. If you know someone who has relapsed, there are ways you can help. Your help can make a big difference in their life. Browse rehabs specializing in chronic relapse to give you an idea of how to help your loved one continue their recovery journey.

Understanding Relapse

In addiction recovery, relapse can often be part of the overall process rather than a failure. Addiction is a chronic condition1, and relapse does not mean that your loved one’s recovery is impossible. Instead, relapse provides an opportunity for learning and growth. 

This journey can help them identify triggers and areas that need attention in their recovery. Be aware of these common things that trigger relapse:

  • Environmental cues: Specific locations, objects, smells, or even certain people associated with their previous substance use can be powerful triggers.
  • Co-occurring disorders: People with addiction often have underlying mental health conditions2 such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. If these co-occurring disorders are not properly addressed and treated, they can significantly increase the risk of relapse.
  • Stress: High levels of stress can weaken their ability to cope and make them more vulnerable to relapse.
  • Unhealthy coping mechanisms: If they haven’t developed healthy and effective coping mechanisms to deal with stress, manage emotions, or solve problems, your loved one might resort to their addictive behaviors as a way to cope with stressors.

Recognizing Signs of Relapse

Signs of addiction relapse can manifest in various ways, depending on the individual and their specific addiction. Here are some common signs to be aware of, so you can hopefully address this issue early on:

  • Behavior changes: They may become secretive, defensive, or dishonest. They may also isolate themselves, withdraw from social activities, or show a lack of interest in things they used to enjoy.
  • Mood swings: Emotional instability, mood swings, and irritability are common signs of relapse. They might also be anxious, depressed, or angry.
  • Justification: If they’re on the verge of relapse, they may begin to rationalize their drinking or drug use again. 
  • Reconnecting with old using friends: Reconnecting with old friends who are still drinking or doing drugs is a red flag.
  • Loss of interest in recovery: A noticeable loss of interest or commitment to recovery can be an indicator of relapse. They might stop attending therapy or support group meetings or disregard their relapse prevention plan.

Communicating with Your Loved One About Their Relapse

Sometimes, it just takes the right person to help someone kick start their recovery. So when you’re helping your loved one through their relapse, work on showing empathy. Active listening without judgment can help them feel supported. Having a reliable ally can make a huge impact.

When having these conversations, timing is everything. First, make sure the person you are talking to is not under the influence of any substances during these conversations. Next, have conversations with this person in a calm and safe atmosphere. This will allow them to feel more relaxed and comfortable discussing their thoughts and feelings.

Blaming or criticizing them for their relapse can create defensiveness and hinder open communication. Instead, emphasize your support and understanding. Let them know that relapse doesn’t define their worth or undo the progress they’ve made so far.

Providing Emotional Support

Relapse can bring feelings of shame and guilt. Emotional support provides a safe space for your loved one to express their emotions and experiences without judgment. Feeling understood can help them recognize that they are not alone in their struggles. Sometimes, people just need to be heard without receiving immediate advice or solutions.

Creating a supportive and non-enabling environment for someone in addiction recovery is crucial for their well-being. After educating yourself on addiction and the recovery process, you can create a caring home for your loved one to come back to. You can also support them by adopting a healthy lifestyle that complements their recovery. Encourage regular exercise, nutritious eating, and adequate sleep. Offer to participate in activities together that provide alternative outlets for stress and anxiety.

Be mindful of enabling behaviors that inadvertently support their addiction. This can include providing financial support for their unhealthy lifestyle, making excuses for their behavior, or covering up the consequences of their actions. Instead, focus on supporting their recovery and encouraging self-sufficiency. And celebrate milestones because recognizing their progress reinforces their commitment and boosts their self-esteem.

Assisting with Treatment and Recovery

While relapse can be common, it’s still a tricky situation that requires immediate attention. After you talk to your loved one, and they agree to get treatment, you can help them find the best treatment for their needs. 

Whether this is their first relapse or not, residential rehab may be in the cards for them. Here, your loved one can separate from triggers and distractions in their day-to-day life and focus on recovery. They’ll likely participate in a variety of evidence-based therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This will help them change any unhealthy thought patterns or behaviors that might’ve contributed to their relapse. And many rehab centers will offer holistic therapies and activities, like yoga, to help them connect their mind and body. 

Ongoing care will be important for your loved one. Outpatient treatment can help them transition back home while still providing some structure. They’ll continue building vital coping skills for stress and negative feelings, without using substances. And outpatient programs allow them to go to school or work. This is a great option for those who cannot fully give up those commitments.

Reconnecting with support networks, such as support groups or 12-Step programs like AA or NA, can be a helpful piece of their journey, too. You can even offer to help them find these groups or attend them, too, if they feel comfortable with that. Being part of a supportive community can provide valuable insights, encouragement, and accountability during the recovery process. And they can lean on others for support who have been in similar circumstances.

Setting Boundaries

Boundaries can help maintain a healthy relationship dynamic and prevent enabling behaviors. For example, you can express that you won’t participate in activities or situations that enable their addiction, but you’ll support their recovery efforts. You can encourage their recovery efforts by helping them find appropriate treatment, celebrating milestones, and staying consistent with your support. Boundaries help create a healthy and balanced dynamic while providing a framework for sustainable progress.

Not only is setting boundaries during their recovery important for your loved one, but this is also essential for you. Supporting someone in addiction recovery can be emotionally demanding. Take care of yourself by setting healthy boundaries, seeking support from others, and practicing self-care. Your own well-being is crucial to being an effective support system.

Dealing with Relapse Triggers

Identifying addiction relapse triggers is an important step in relapse prevention. You can find these by:

  • Paying attention to your loved one’s emotional cues (like mood swings)
  • Recognizing high-risk situations (their stressors)
  • Reflecting on their past relapses (what triggered them in the past?)

Developing healthy coping strategies can ease the impact of their triggers. For a while, drinking alcohol or using drugs was your loved one’s coping strategy, even though it was an unhealthy one. Finding positive ways to deal with stress can prevent a trigger from greatly affecting them.

Prevention is much easier than dealing with the after effects of relapse. You can help your loved one create a relapse prevention plan to maintain long-term recovery. This might include being aware of triggers, developing healthy coping mechanisms, building a support network, and making lifestyle changes.

Encouraging Continued Recovery

Your loved one will deal with uncomfortable feelings and situations for the rest of their life, just like all of us do. Creating sustainable habits to manage discomfort is key during their journey.

Motivation to continue their recovery comes from not only within, but also from others around them. Sometimes, they’ll need a “pick me up” from you or someone else, and that’s okay. The support network your loved one will build requires effort and reciprocity. Nurturing these relationships involves active listening, offering encouragement, and celebrating each other’s successes.
Recovery is a journey, and with the right support and treatment, your loved one can continue moving forward toward sustainable sobriety. Recovery is, in fact, possible. Explore centers that specialize in treating chronic relapse to open up new doors for you and your loved one.

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The Connection Between Narcissism And Addiction

Narcissism can lead to addiction as a way to self-regulate and cope with shame or others’ apparent lack of admiration. Having a narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) doesn’t mean you’ll automatically become addicted to something. But it can make it more likely.

If substance use has started affecting your life, you and your care team might decide on a rehab for narcissism and addiction.

What Is Narcissism?

The DSM-51 defines narcissistic personality disorder as a “pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy.” If someone with NPD doesn’t feel admired, they might turn to substances to cope with that pain. Here’s how narcissistic traits2 might look in someone with narcissistic personality disorder. 

  • They exaggerate their work or educational accomplishments. They may say they got a raise or a new job title but never did, or say they got into a prestigious college when they didn’t.
  • They often monologue and seem annoyed or disinterested when you try to speak. 
  • They believe they are highly special and should only associate with other people and places like them.
  • They expect others to perform favors and respond to their beck and call. If you don’t, they’ll likely get upset.
  • They don’t empathize with you and can’t seem to ever see things from your perspective.
  • They’re inappropriately arrogant or haughty.
  • They might seem jealous of your happiness and success, or assume you’re jealous of them.
  • You feel like they exploit or take advantage of you.

The behaviors of your friend, coworker, loved one, or partner with narcissism may seem strangely out of place or inappropriate. They might lie for no reason other than to gain perceived admiration. They may also belittle, manipulate, or abuse others to maintain their sense of entitlement and control. 

Types of Narcissism

The 3 subtypes of narcissism are: 

  • Grandiose narcissism3, which presents as overconfidence, arrogance, entitlement, and dominance in interpersonal relationships.
  • Vulnerable narcissism3, which presents as hypersensitivity, a tendency to avoid all conflict, extreme defensiveness, and a hidden desire for admiration.
  • Pathological narcissism4, which presents when vulnerable and grandiose narcissism co-occur (or happen at the same time).

Someone with any type of narcissism will need the admiration of others. If they don’t feel admired, they might turn to substances to cope with that pain. They may also use substances to regulate the intense emotions of NPD. 

The Impact of Narcissism on Interpersonal Relationships

Narcissism can strain or break relationships. Someone with narcissism will likely struggle to emphasize with others and reciprocate in relationships, which can damage the relationship. Some relationships, romantic or otherwise, eventually end for these reasons. 

But it’s not always easy to recognize narcissism in your friend, romantic partner, or coworker. People with NPD often radiate charisma and confidence at first. This can make them an attractive friend, partner, or boss. But that thin veil often lifts quickly.

In some situations, someone with NPD may emotionally, physically, or sexually abuse others in their life. This heavily impacts their ability to both make and keep healthy relationships. 

The Link Between Narcissism And Addiction

Understanding Addiction

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines addiction5 as “a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by continued use despite negative consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain.” Someone with an addiction may use a substance, like drugs or alcohol, or have a behavior addiction like gambling, shopping, and sex. 

Addiction can happen to anyone, but some risk factors can make it more likely. These include trauma, chronic pain, genetic susceptibility (parents or other relatives with addiction), and brain injuries, among others.  

Co-Occurring Narcissism And Addiction

Co-occurring narcissism and addiction presents a unique, but manageable, challenge. If you have both, you might be more aggressive and violent2. And since NPD instills a strong sense of superiority, you might not feel like anything could be wrong. The idea might even feel enraging. But addiction isn’t something you’re doing “wrong.” It’s just something you need help managing.

Both narcissism and addiction have compulsivity2 in common. Someone with narcissism will also repeat their actions despite negative consequences, like losing friends. Addiction, as defined, has that same aspect.

Why Do They Co-occur?

Research suggests general functional impairment, not narcissism itself, can cause addiction4. But the effects of narcissism can cause a higher likelihood to drink, or use drugs, or gamble. And the more likely you are to use substances, the more likely addiction becomes.

For example, you may drink or use drugs to lift your self-esteem, which you need to keep high due to your NPD. Doing so often enough can lead to addiction. Alcohol and drugs can also enhance your perception of boring people—people who don’t offer adequate admiration or who aren’t on your level of specialness. Altered mental states can mask shame too, whether it’s shame from not being admired or guilt for needing admiration.

Social media addiction, gambling, excessive spending, and excessive working have similar effects as substance use. That’s because they provide admiration4 (through posting on social media or getting a big win), lift unstable self-esteem, and can cover the shame of not feeling admired. 

The Impact of Addiction on Interpersonal Relationships

Addiction can cause someone to lie, steal, and become untrustworthy. It can strain relationships even without these issues present—watching a loved one suffer never feels okay. And trying to force someone to get help may feel like a losing battle. It’s frustrating for both sides. 

The effects of addiction could also cause you to lose your job, home, and finances. The prices of drugs and alcohol might mean your finances take a hit first, which could also cause strain in your home life, especially if you’re your family’s primary earner. As your addiction worsens, your job performance may as well, resulting in job loss. 

Addiction and narcissism don’t have all the same symptoms and causes, but they do connect in some ways.

Psychological Mechanisms of Addiction And Narcissism

Addiction can fill a narcissistic need for high self-esteem and self-worth. Drinking, using drugs, and shopping, for example, all release dopamine, which makes you feel good and reinforces repetition6. A narcissist’s need to feel good about themselves may drive their addictive behaviors. Or, they may use substances to even-out their emotional states. 

Some drugs, and alcohol especially, depress your central nervous system. This may feel nice if you feel out of control or like your emotions (good and bad) are too intense. 

In either case, you may use substances to cope with the negative effects of narcissism. Even for someone without narcissism, addiction presents a tempting “solution” to low self-esteem and self-confidence. So if you have a highly unstable sense of self-esteem, substance use can feel like an easy way to manage your confidence level. 

Social Factors 

Certain social factors contribute to addiction and narcissism. Growing up with inadequate or excessive praise can lead to narcissism2 in adults. Traits like aggression, poor tolerance of distress, and emotional dysregulation can also lead to narcissism. Childhood trauma or inherited genetics can cause these traits.

Growing up with addicted parents can make you more likely to have an addiction7, through both genetics and mimicry. Similarly, having a narcissistic parent can make you more likely to have NPD8. That’s because a narcissistic parent may overvalue their child, who then assumes they’re more important than everyone else, and that everyone thinks that too.

But despite the interpersonal and personal symptoms of each condition, you do have resources for recovery.

Treatment And Management

Treatment for narcissism and addiction must address both conditions at the same time. While narcissism has no standard treatment pathway8, certain modalities, like ongoing therapy and a positive therapist-patient relationship, play a positive role. 

Psychoanalytic therapy for narcissism8 focuses on the emotions you express towards your therapist—AKA, someone who’s trying to change or better you. Being in treatment may make you feel inferior and want to lash out. So, this therapy focuses on bringing those emotions to the surface and examining them empathetically.

Schema therapy addresses the unhelpful emotions of narcissism9. It’s an adaptation of cognitive behavioral therapy, which addresses the thoughts that lead to harmful behaviors like addiction. Schema therapy can help you regulate your self-esteem and self-worth without needing others to make you feel whole. 

In treatment for addiction and narcissism, providers address addiction, narcissism, and the underlying causes of each. You might start with detox, which safely removes substances from your body. Next, therapy helps you identify and address the causing factors of addiction and begin treating narcissism. After rehab, you’ll likely stay in outpatient therapy, which providers highly recommend to manage both narcissism and addiction. 
But first, you need to take the first step towards recovery. Do so by browsing our list of rehabs that treat addiction and narcissism to see pricing, photos, reviews and more.