Addiction of any type, represents one of the most complex and largely misunderstood areas of human psychology. Although major progress has been made in this field of research, a field that promotes such intrigue amongst those in the medical profession, yet to the general public, myths are still taken as facts in this grey area of grey matter.
So is there a specific personality type that is more at risk of developing addiction issues? simply put – no, there is not.
The notion of a centrally ‘addictive personality’ is a myth, according to medical experts. George Koob, the director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism believes an addictive personality “doesn’t really exist on its own”, while Scientific American states there are ‘no universal character traits that are common to all addicted people’.
While certain behavioural tropes can be identified across a range of people who suffer addictions, these markers are usually symptomatic of other factors at play and are not a guaranteed prerequisite to a life affected by addiction.
In pop culture psychology, risky behaviours, selfishness, low-self esteem and impulsiveness often signal a person who is likely to have a higher risk of addiction; however there is no medical evidence that a person with these traits is more prone to develop addictions.
What Factors Affect Risk Of Addiction?
These factors are widely accepted by experts as having the POTENTIAL to increase someone’s likelihood of developing addiction issues throughout their life.
- Biological Factors – 40-60% of risk to addiction can be attributed to a genetic disposition, not pathological personality makeup.
- Environmental Factors (especially childhood experiences) – if surrounded by people with addictions (or subject to neglect), especially in crucial early developmental stages, it can greatly increase the likelihood of a person developing addiction issues themselves due to trauma onset.
- Mental Health Issues – certain neurological symptoms from a range of mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety can increase the risk of addiction.
Why The Notion Of An Addictive Personality Is Detrimental
The labelling term – addictive personality, can be potentially harmful to society for several reasons.
- It may lead people with addiction issues to believe recovery is impossible due to an innate, hardwired personality type.
- Many of the traits associated with the myth of an addictive personality conjure negative character connotations, such as selfishness, lying and manipulative behaviour.
- It may lead people to wrongly jump to the conclusion that they aren’t susceptible to addiction as they don’t have the designated at risk personality type.
What Are The Common Signs Of Addiction?
Addiction symptoms can present themselves in a multitude of physiological and psychological symptoms, often each unique to the specific substance or behaviour that a person is addicted to. Common universal signs of addiction can include –
- Increased paranoia, anxiety or feelings of depression.
- Social withdrawal or breakdown of relationships.
- Increased dependence or tolerance of detrimental substances or behaviour.
How Acquiesce Can Help
While no one will dispute the NHS does the best it can in providing free addiction services despite being spread too thin to accommodate demand, private residential rehabilitation centres provide the highest levels of bespoke care.
If you think you or someone you know may be suffering from an addiction, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. At Acquiesce, with different treatments available and an easy admissions process, a specific strategy is deployed with understanding and expert encouragement to give the patient the best chance of a successful recovery.
We have been granted an ‘Outstanding’ overall rating from the Care Quality Commission, and an ‘Excellent’ 5 star Google Review rating for our eclectic patient services.
Get in touch with our team today to find out how our rehabilitation programmes can help you.
