Whilst not all narcissists have addictions, many do. And this causes misery for themselves, their family, and other people in their life.

As you probably know, narcissists are all about control. So it’s surprising that many succumb to addiction. But later in this article I’ll show why they hand their power away to addictions.

In the meantime, here’s my thoughts on why narcissists are prone to addiction…

Please Check Out This Short Video To Aid Your Understanding…

What Causes Addiction?

For many years, substances were wholly blamed for addiction. Which was part of the reason why many countries waged a war on drugs. But it turns out that the substances are only a small part of the equation.

Thousands of patients are regularly given morphine in hospitals as pain killers. Yet very few become addicted. Even though it’s a stronger version of most street drugs. Why is this?

If the drugs themselves were responsible for addiction, then a big chunk of patients would become addicts. But this doesn’t happen. So what’s going on? This piece of research helps shed some light…

Traditionally, experiments were run with rats in cages with two water bottles. One water bottle would contain pure water. The other laced with an addictive drug.

As predicted, the rat focussed on the drug laced water. And would become addicted, and usually die from continued use. So logically it would seem that the old hypothesis that drugs caused addictions, was true.

However these rats were in cages alone. With little stimulus, and little to live for. So scientists wondered if the same thing would happen in different circumstances.

Researchers set up “Rat Park”. Where rats were placed in huge cages with many other rats. They had brightly coloured toys to play with. Wheels to run in. Interesting food to eat. And plenty of companions.

When repeating the two water experiment, there was a stark difference. The rats may occasionally drink the drug laced water, but they mostly focussed on the pure water. And none died. So it literally changed from a 100% death rate, to zero.

This showed that the rats avoided the drugs because they had something to live for. Their life had meaning and purpose. Whereas the rats in the first experiment only had a cage.

This shows that a life without meaning and connection is responsible for addiction. Not the availability of drugs. And this is perhaps confirmed by the increase in addictions reported during the Covid pandemic. So how does this apply to narcissists?

Narcissists And Addiction

In many ways, narcissists also lead barren lives that lack connection. They have little emotional empathy, so they never truly connect. And they seem more focussed on finding compliant mannequins, than connecting in a deep and meaningful way.

Narcissists spend most of their time focussing on gaining narcissistic supply. Which is attention, adoration, status, power etc. Which only satisfies their soul for a fleeting moment, if at all.

Narcissists often ignore the things that truly matter. Such as playing with their children. Listening to their spouse. And loving and nurturing their family.

Narcissists created a false self early in life. And spend most of their time desperately trying to fuel it with narcissistic supply. What they don’t realise is that meaning and connection comes from serving others. Not serving yourself.

Like the solitary rats in cages, narcissists are trapped by their own self absorption. Lonely and disconnected. So they’re constantly on the look out for an escape. And drugs are often the quickest and easiest option.

Narcissists Suppress Their Emotions

Narcissism is largely a defence mechanism. And narcissists suppress their emotions to avoid being hurt. But this comes at a cost.

Narcissists don’t feel the normal spectrum of emotions. So they can feel bored and restless. Almost “dead” inside.

To compensate, narcissists look for a thrill. And drugs are often the easiest solution.

Thrill seeking narcissists are more likely to use drugs to help them feel alive. And this increases their chances of addiction. Because they rely on drugs to help them get through life. Rather than for an occasional buzz on a Friday night.

Pain

Many people turn to addictions to blot out pain. Often from abuse from their past. But sometimes less traumatic experiences too.

Narcissists are notorious for running away from pain. Rather than dealing with it. Which is why they try to suppress their emotions.

Narcissists have delusions of superiority. And don’t like to admit anything is “wrong” with them. So they bury their head in the sand when a problem arises. Often with the help of drink and drugs.

Addictive substances are a quick and easy escape. Which suits their impatient and impulsive natures. But whilst drugs may mask their pain in the short term, they solve nothing. And can cause a whole heap of other problems in the long run. Leading to a vicious cycle of drug dependency.

Narcissists Feel Invincible

Because of their delusions of superiority, many narcissists feel invincible. And believe that their addictions won’t harm them.

This stops many narcissists from taking control of their habits. Because they feel they don’t need to.

Narcissists often have the attitude that their addictions only harm ordinary mortals. And since they’re superior, they’re fine. So they carry on, even when the wheels start falling off.

Narcissists kid themselves that they’re in control. Because they can’t admit that anyone or anything has control over them. So they carry on with their habits, oblivious to damage they cause, and the control they hand away.

Narcissists Feel Entitled

Narcissists have a high sense of entitlement. And if they want something, then they should have it. Whatever the cost.

Narcissists often indulge in their habits despite it costing their health, finances, and relationships. And they’re unlikely to listen to people who advise against them. Because they know best.

Narcissists don’t care if their addictions impact on their spouse and children. Because they feel entitled to indulge. And their lack of empathy stops them from appreciating how much harm they cause others.

Final Thoughts

Narcissists don’t usually lead lives that are full of meaning and connection. They live more like the solitary rats in cages, because they focus too much on themselves. At the exclusion of those around them.

When this is combined with a need for a buzz, impulsivity, delusions of superiority, and a sense of entitlement, it’s no wonder many narcissists have issues with addictions. Sadly, they’re prime candidates. And even more sadly, they drag others along with them.

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Common Excuses Narcissists Use