What is an Addictive Personality?
Psychologists have studied what it means to have an addictive personality and there are a few traits to watch out for when an individual tries a potentially dangerous substance. According to Fulton County, GA, a person with addictive personality disorder is not able to stop their impulses to act in certain ways that can be harmful to themselves or others.
There are a few signs that have been confirmed in the psychological research that are important to pay attention to when an individual is exposed to a behavior or substance that can be addictive.
No Control over Impulsive Behavior
One of the strongest indications of an individual with an addictive personality is the inability to control their impulsive behavior. While it is normal to try something new in order to spice up a persons life, it can become much worse if it becomes a consistent need, which is not a stable approach to an individual’s daily activities.
According to Indiana University, Bloomington, a person with addictive personality will compulsively participate in the activity in a repeated fashion, and will not be able to control how long, when, and how much they will experience a loss of control.
If someone suffers from this characteristic of addictive personality, it would be a good idea to practice these potentially addictive behaviors in moderation to avoid the possibility of addiction. It can also help to keep a rational outlook on the situation in order to remind the individual of the consequences associated with the potential addiction.
This will help him or her to remember to slow down when acting on their impulses.
Weakness in Commitment
Having an addictive personality often leads to low self-esteem and mood swings.
With the idea of impulsive behavior in mind, and individual may also toss aside their personal goals and values in order to follow through with a new activity or concept. It is hard to focus on future goals when the individual’s impulsive behavior is demanding they try the newest thing in their lives.
It would be most helpful for someone with an addictive personality to remind themselves of their goals and evaluate them each time a new interest is introduced into their lives. By evaluating their goals, an individual will be able to decide more rationally if the risk is worth moving away from their lives are during that time.
Stress & Anxiety
Because of the trouble with commitment and impulsive behavior, an individual with addictive personality may harbor a lot of stress and anxiety. It is speculated that this is due to the regret for impulsive action, disappointed judgment by others, or substance abuse, but there are many other possible reasons for these to occur.
When an individual can admit to this behavior, it can lead them to seek out help to aid them in lifting their negative feelings on the subject of their addictive personality. While this is not an overnight fix for this sort of disorder, it can help to reassure the individual that he or she is doing all they can to break the habits associated with having an addictive personality.
A Social Alienation
Many individuals with an addictive personality are likely to act on their impulses and it can reflect on their social lives as well. While others are building long-term friendships and existing in their own social groups, people with addictive personality are more likely to move from one social group to another and create short-lived and transient relationships.
A good way to combat it this is to create a slower, reasonable pace when it comes to the commitments and impulses that the individuals may feel. By slowing down the urge to switch from one social group to another, peers can see the true personality of the individual and allow him or her to build stronger relationships.
Addiction Runs in My Family: Will I Become an Addict Too?
Addiction running in your family and environmental factors will make you more vulnerable to becoming addicted.
Low Self-Esteem & Mood Swings
Those with addictive personality disorder may also suffer from a negative self-image and mood swings. There is a high to being impulsive and having a problem with commitment, as it allows for many different and new people and experiences in an individuals life.
However, after the happiness high runs out, all he or she is left with are the negative feelings for their destructive behavior, especially when drugs, alcohol, or gambling is involved. The solution to this is similar to the others in that it is best to admit that he or she has a problem so that they can see out professional help.
An addictive personality can be hard for anyone to deal with but if he or she knows the general characteristics of addictive personality, it can be considerably easier for him or her to combat it. The main characteristics of the addictive personality disorder include uncontrollable impulsive behavior, weakness in commitment, social alienation, low self-esteem, and mood swings.
If you or a loved one is suffering from addictive personality and needs help, call 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) to speak with a caring specialist that can assist you.
