Key takeaways:
“Addictive personality” is a commonly used term, but the concept is actually a myth. There is no one type of person who develops an addiction.
There are some known factors that can put you at increased risk for developing an addiction. These include genetics, environment, and mental health conditions.
If you’re worried that addiction is affecting your life, there are a variety of treatment options that can help you regain control of your health.
You've probably heard the term “addictive personality.” It usually refers to a person who struggles to set personal limits or regulate their behavior. It’s an attempt to explain why some people develop addictions while others don’t.
For example, some people can enjoy a cocktail or a game of poker without going overboard, while others find it hard not to drink too much or gamble away huge sums of money. If you’re a person who struggles with moderation, you may wonder if you have an addictive personality. So you may be surprised to hear that addictive personalities don’t actually exist.
What is an addictive personality?
Some people think an “addictive personality” is a set of traits that explains why some people develop addictions. However, there is no such thing as an addictive personality. The likelihood that someone will develop an addiction can’t be determined by their personality traits. In fact, researchers can’t pinpoint any particular factors that always lead to addiction.
Although the addictive personality is a myth, many people still use the term in everyday conversation. This idea isn’t just inaccurate, however; it's also harmful, because it frames addiction as a personality flaw.
It makes it sound like addiction is an innate part of a person rather than a disease. This reinforces the damaging stigma around addiction that often keeps people from getting the help they need.
The truth is that addiction is a disease that can be treated with the right support.
So, what does determine your risk of addiction?
Having a certain set of personality traits is in no way a guarantee that you’ll struggle with addiction. Addiction is complex. And while we have yet to fully understand it, we know it isn’t the result of a personality type.
Factors that scientists believe may contribute to addiction include:
Environment: Growing up orliving in an environment where addiction is present can put you at an increased risk. Peer pressure can also play a role.
Genetics: Having a close relative who struggles with addiction puts you at greater risk.
Trauma and other experiences: Exposure to acute or ongoing traumatic experiences can result in pain that can be difficult to live with. Sometimes addiction is a result of attempting to numb that pain. Other experiences — like experimenting with drugs or alcohol as a kid — can also increase your risk.
Mental health conditions: Having an existing mental health condition such as anxiety or depression can increase the odds that you may struggle with addiction. Conditions like ADHD may also put you at risk.
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In addition to these factors, there are some traits that may signal that you’re at a higher risk for addiction. According to the research, these include:
Displaying aggressive behaviors as a child
Having a hard time saying no to peer pressure as a child
Being prone to impulsive behaviors
Having a high achievement drive
It’s important to note that exhibiting these traits doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop an addiction. But they can be signs of increased risk.
What are the signs you could be developing an addiction?
We now understand that personality types aren’t to blame for addiction. But if you’re worried about being at risk, it’s important to familiarize yourself with signs of addiction. These include:
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Isolating yourself from friends and loved ones
Participating in risky activities that could lead to physical, mental, or financial harm
Feeling like you can’t make it through the day without a certain substance or behavior
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (like nausea, shakes, or sweating) when you’re unable to access a substance or engage in a behavior
If you’re struggling with any of these things, keep reading to learn how to seek support.
How can you treat and overcome risks for addiction?
The best thing to do if you’re worried about your risk for addiction is to talk to someone who can help. You can do this by joining a support group or making an appointment with a mental health professional who specializes in treating addiction.
Effective addiction treatment for substance misuse or compulsive behaviors (like a shopping or gambling addiction) may involve:
Physical and mental health providers
Inpatient or outpatient supports
Individual and/or group counseling
Medication-assisted treatment (when appropriate)
Referrals for other helpful resources in your community
Mental health resources and support
If you’re not working with a therapist already, try asking for a referral from someone you trust. This could be your primary care provider, a family member, or a friend.
You can also search the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website to learn about addiction, explore treatment options, and find support in your local community.
The bottom line
Even though you might hear people use the term “addictive personality” in casual conversation, the concept is actually a myth. Experts recommend avoiding this term because it reinforces damaging stigma by framing addiction as part of a person’s personality or identity. The truth is, addiction is a complex disease that can be caused by a number of factors and often requires professional help to overcome. If you or someone you care about has an addiction, know that you aren’t alone and help is available. Talk to someone you trust or explore the resources linked in this article to find the support you need to heal.
Why trust our experts?
References
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Recovery is for everyone: Understanding treatment of substance use disorders.
Edenberg, H. J., et al. (2014). Genetics and alcoholism. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
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