Addiction is a hard thing to beat; however, many sufferers may have a personality disorder to blame. Addiction personality disorder has several factors that can contribute to addiction, and make it harder for a person to quit. People who suffer from addictive personality disorder switch from addiction to addiction, and rely on the substance to give them personal satisfaction.
Impulsive Behavior
Patients with addictive personality disorder have problems with impulsive behavior. This attributes to their inability to quit using a substance, like alcohol or drugs. As part of the impulsive behavior, patients will see everything as "all-or-nothing," and will feel powerless to stop using the addictive substance.
Antisocial Personality
Many addictive personality disorder patients have an antisocial personality. They can feel withdrawn from society, which may be the cause for turning to drugs or alcohol. Being antisocial can prevent many users from seeking help with their addiction. Antisocial personality is often linked with insecurity: patients have a fear of failure and have a hard time reaching out to other people. They use alcohol and drugs to feel more secure.
Substituting Vices
If someone has addictive personality disorder, he may switch from one addiction to another. According to the Teen Drug Rehab Treatment Centers, members of Alcoholics Anonymous often turn to nicotine after giving up alcohol.
No Delayed Gratification
As part of addictive personality disorder, patients have problems planning out long-term goals. Because instant gratification comes from drug use, they do not see the purpose of pleasures that take time to achieve.
Depression
Many patients with addictive personality disorder have problems with anxiety and depression. Patients can feel alone and drowning under pressure from their families or work. The Teen Drug Rehab Treatment Centers suggest that addictive personality disorder patients resort to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with their emotions.
