What Are Addictive Personality Traits?

Addiction is a dangerous dependence on a substance or activity such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling. It can be a disease that ruins lives, both of the addict and those around him. Scientists have discovered that certain character traits are common in addicts and may be indicators of an addictive personality. These traits include minimizing and denial, low self-esteem, and normalizing.

About Addictive Personalities

• Why is it some people can try addictive substances and resist returning to them, while others are hooked from their first encounter? It is only logical to suppose these people differ in some way, and scientists have found this to be the case. The answer is addictive personalities, which cause some people to be more susceptible to developing an addiction.

Minimizing and Denial

• One characteristic that has been identified in those believed to have addictive personalities is a tendency to minimize negative aspects of their addictions. People with this trait may say, "It's no big deal," or "I only do it on special occasions," or even "I can quit at any time." Statements such as this are an addict's attempt to downplay her addiction to appease those around her, as well as her own conscience. This behavior often leads to outright denial of a problem once those around her begin to question the minimizing.

Low Self-Esteem

• Another common trait of those exhibiting an addictive personality is low self-esteem. Such a person will remark that he engages in his addiction because of how it makes him feel. He may feel as though he cannot participate in social situations without using his addiction as a crutch, because he does not feel worthy without it. Low self-esteem can also lead to a defeatist mentality, which only serves to continue the cycle of addiction.

Normalizing and Emotional Avoidance

• Those with addictive personalities also have a tendency to normalize. In order to keep from feeling out of place, an addict will normalize herself and her setting by surrounding herself with others who engage in the same behavior or share the same addiction. This also leads to an overall acceptance of deviant behavior, another common trait found in addictive personalities. Once someone with an addictive personality begins to remove herself from positive situations and surround herself with negative ones, she is better able to avoid any emotional reactions to her behavior and the effect it has on others, essentially enabling her to put on emotional blinders.