Having an addictive personality is a great way to excuse yourself for having addictive behavior and becoming an addict. So, if you are addicted to drugs, alcohol, compulsive sex, gambling, food etc. -- any one or a combination of impulse control behaviors -- you can excuse yourself by saying that you have an 'addictive personality' -- but there is no excuse. It's merely a label which you can use for keeping dysfunctional behavior. There is no personality label that predestines you to being an addict.
Addictive behavior stems from wanting a temporary escape from any number of emotions -- boredom, anger, frustration -- to name a few. All addictive behaviors start out pleasurable, until the behavior takes control, but no one thinks of that.
Gamblers and food addicts say that once they've reached a certain stage in their behavior, much like a substance abuser, they get into a zone. There is no thinking, good or bad -- nothing -- until they're sick with food, or the money has been spent -- then they crash and feel awful. However, for a short time, they've achieved a temporary break. All of us prefer pleasure to emotional pain -- so if it's gambling, food, compulsive sex or the computer etc., provides a temporary break, be aware of it. Ask yourself, what feelings you're escaping. Discover the triggers that lead you not to cope.
People with these personality traits are more susceptible to developing addictive behavior:
Impulsive Behavior: If you are more impulsive than others, you're more likely to react first and think later.
Anti-social Behavior: When you're angry, you to think negatively, do negative things and will be influenced by negative people. Your thoughts influence your behavior.
Anxiety: When you're anxious, you want relief from that pressure. If you escape stress through food, drugs, video games etc., that's what you'll do to get relief.
Low self-esteem: When you have low self esteem, there is a tendency not to care about yourself and feel incapable of being like others.
Insecurity: Insecurity leads to fear and anxiety, which was discussed above.
Depression: Depression makes you feel worthless and have no purpose.
So would you say that you have an addictive personality? Or would you say that these personality traits could make you more susceptible to developing an addiction?
Awareness is the answer If you or someone you know has these traits, you should be aware of it. But once there is an awareness, there now is no excuse. Learn techniques to to get back on track or get the help you need. Having 'addictive personality' traits should only be a wake-up call. You're more susceptible to developing impulse control behaviors, but it doesn't determine a life of an addict.
Beverley Glazer MA., ICCAC, is a psychotherapist specializing in addictive behaviors: drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, computer, compulsive sex, codependency and relationship issues. She has a busy private office practice and can be reached for consultation, coaching and recovery coaching by phone or on the web. For more information about Bev, check out: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/effective-counseling.html. For more on addiction for all impulse control behaviors, check out the website: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com You can opt-in for a free self help newsletter and also ask her advice for free.
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