Do I Have an Addictive Personality?

Are you wondering whether you have an addictive personality? Maybe, you have been drinking a bit too much or having cravings for drugs more than you did in the past? These are just a couple things that someone might notice if they do have an addictive personality. There are many reasons why someone might develop or have this type of personality including poor impulse control, depression, anxiety and trauma. 

Sometimes, people who have an addictive personality will use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate mental or physical health issues. They may also be trying to repress memories or hide from something difficult in their life. At first glance, someone’s addiction may seem harmless. However, looking at it deeper, you can see that it negatively affects every part of their life in some way or another.

If you or someone you know struggles with an addictive personality, let our team here at Riverwalk Recovery help you get the treatment you need right away. 

What Are Some Common Signs of an Addictive Personality

There are numerous traits that can be found in those who have addictive personalities. It is first important to note that have a mental health disorder can be a precursor to an addictive personality. However, not everyone who has a mental health condition has an addiction, too. 

There are many other indicators that are more often found with addictive personalities such as:

• Binge eating
• Eating for comfort
• Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs 
• Using alcohol or drugs as a way to relax or better socialize
• Replacing sexual partners to fulfill the sense of intimacy 
• Excessive shopping or impulse buying
• Using one’s phone or electronics too much
• Obsessing over things
• Gambling 
• Taking a lot of risks 
• Not feeling satisfied 
• Needing more of something to feel good
• Not being able to stop using drugs or alcohol on your own
• Taking part in harmful activities no matter how it affects your life

Can you relate to the signs that are noted right here today? If so, you may need help to overcome an addiction, especially if it has already formed in your life. If you don’t have an addiction yet, but you know your life is headed that direction, there are therapies and other treatment options that can help you to prevent an addiction in your life, as well. 

Genetics and an Addictive Personality 

There is a lot of research done regarding genetics and an addictive personality. A lot of this research shows that addictive personalities are complex. There are generally multiple factors in a person’s life that lead them down the path of an addiction. 

With this being said, much of the research that has been done, shows a direct link between genetics and an addictive personality. For instance, studies have shown that those who have parents with an addiction are more likely to have an addiction themselves. In addition, those who have extended family members with an addiction are more likely to experience mental health symptoms that lead them to abuse alcohol or drugs. Some of the mental health issues that are common with addictive personalities include bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. 

It is important to remember that genetics aren’t the only precursor to addictive personalities. However, they are one of the big influences on what someone’s personality might be. 

If you have a family history of addiction, don’t wait until things get worse for you. Even if you don’t have an addiction yet, you can get help to prevent one in your life. If you do already have an addiction to drugs, alcohol or anything else, there are treatments that can help you to regain control in your life. 

Lacking Impulse Control 

As noted above, one of the factors that can cause an addictive personality is lacking impulse control. If you are impulsive and rapidly take action without planning things out ahead of time, you are much more likely to make bad or negative decisions in your life – this can include abusing alcohol and/or drugs. 

In addition, a lack of impulse control can cause you to want variety or excitement in your life. You might always be seeking out a new thrill or adventure. Many people who want this type of life start out by abusing alcohol or prescription drugs. Eventually, this may lead them to abusing harder, more potent drugs. 

No matter what type of addiction you have, if you are lacking impulse control, there are ways that you can gain better impulse control. Here at Riverwalk Recovery, this is one of the areas that we focus on in our treatment programs. You can and should reach out to a member of our team to talk about how we can help you with your impulse control issues in our treatment center. 

Compulsions, Addictions and Your Addictive Personality 

It is also vital to note there are differences in compulsions and addictions. However, there are also many factors that can influence both of these issues, as well. 

One of the primary differences between compulsions and addictions is that someone who feels compelled to do something might not be abusing alcohol or drugs. However, someone who does have an addiction feels compelled to keep using those substances. 

One of the similarities between compulsions and addictions is the underlying causes. Some of these causes might include:

• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Stress
• Relationship issues
• Needing to feel pleasure
• Motivational issues
• Cravings

Whether you have a compulsion issue or an addiction, you can still get the help you need to overcome an alcohol or drug addiction. You can also get mental health disorder treatment here at Riverwalk Recovery, as well. 

Get Help to Overcome an Addictive Personality Today

Do you recognize the signs noted above in your life? If so, you very well could have an addictive personality. If that is the case, you don’t have to keep struggling with this on your own anymore. Here at Riverwalk Recovery, we have a range of treatment services that can help people to overcome an addictive personality. 
Contact us today to start gaining the skills you need to develop more control over your personality, lifestyle and future.