At Eden Recovery Centre, our guests ask us time and time again. Why can some people use drugs and alcohol in moderation, but others become dependent? Why can some people stop after 2 glasses of wine with dinner, but others feel compelled to keep drinking and land up in recovery? That’s because drugs and alcohol are addictive substances, and people react differently to them.
So what is an addictive personality?
At Eden Rehabilitation Centre, we teach our patients that an addictive personality is a set of personality traits that make addiction more likely. Addictions can come in a wide range of forms, including drugs, alcohol, gambling, exercise, pornography and more. This can negatively impact their lives and personal relationships as an addict becomes dependent.
Personality Traits of an Addictive Personality
Simply because you fit the description of several traits of an addictive personality does not necessarily mean that you have one. However, we at Eden Rehabilitation Centre strongly advise that you watch your relationship with harmful substances and activities because you may be more prone to addiction.
At Eden, we have identified a few personality traits may be indicative of someone with an addictive personality.
Impulsive Behavior
Impulsive behavior means acting without thinking about the negative impact of your actions. It’s kind of like eating a large piece of cake when you’re on a diet or staying out drinking even when you have to get up early the next day. A person who engages regularly in this type of behavior habitually is exhibiting impulsive behavior that can be indicative of an addictive personality.
Sensation Seeking
A second personality trait that may be indicative of someone with an addictive personality is sensation-seeking. Eden Recovery Centre identifies this means a person is constantly seeking out new experiences – new flavours, new travel locations or new sources of adrenaline rushes such as extreme sports. People who are sensation-seeking may also be the first to try a form of psychoactive drugs. This constant desire for new experience can lead to more experimentation, and later abuse, of drugs and alcohol.
Valuing Nonconformity
At Eden Recovery Centre, we have noticed that placing a high value on nonconformity can contribute to having an addictive personality. When combined with the achievement goals valued by society, this personality trait can lead to greater chance of addiction. If you have less of a desire to achieve goals valued by society, you may be less likely to notice when substance abuse or other forms of addiction begin to negatively impact personal, social or work life.
Compulsive Behavior
The final personality trait often present in those with addictive personalities is compulsivity. Compulsive behavior refers to engaging in activities even when they may result in negative consequences.
Understanding the signs of an addictive personality can help you better understand how you may deal with potential addictions. It can help you identify why you or someone you know may be more susceptible to addictions than others. Understanding is the first step to living an addiction-free life.
If you are concerned about an addiction that seems out of control or that of a loved one, please contact Eden Recovery Centre. For information on Eden Recovery Centre’s Treatment Programmes and advice, please feel free to contact the Eden Recovery Centre. You can depend on full discretion.
EDEN – Breaking Free From the Chains of Addiction