Signs of an Addictive Personality

According to the Encyclopedia of Psychology, April 6, 2001, addiction can come in the form of many behaviors, such as alcohol abuse and drug abuse, exercising, work or even relationships with others.

Addictive Personality Definition

• Alcohol can be an addictive substance

  According to John Gray, MSW, author of "The Addictive Personality: Understanding the Addictive Process and Compulsive Behavior", 1996, "Addiction can be viewed as an attempt to control these uncontrollable cycles. When addicts use a particular object, such as a substance or an event to produce a desired mood change, they believe they can control these cycles, and at first they can. Addiction, on its most basic level, is an attempt to control and fulfill this desire for happiness."

Signs of an Addictive Personality

• Overeating may be a coping mechanism

  People with addictive personalities, according to drugrehabtreatment.com, may have antisocial tendencies, causing them to alienate themselves. They tend to overeat or abuse substances to cope with this. They may also have compulsive behavior, which prevents them from knowing when to stop a particular behavior.

  They might substitute addictions with other addictions. Many people quit drinking and start using nicotine, for example. People with addictive personalities may also have insecurities. They tend to cover up these insecurities with behaviors that help them cope.

  They may be depressed as well, which can lead to the negative behaviors to which they are addicted. They also may have poor stress management skills, which lead them to seek certain addictive behaviors in order to cope.

Finding Treatment for the Addictive Personality

• Finding treatment

  People seeking treatment can turn to others for help. Seeking a support group can be a great place to start. Many hospitals can direct you to meetings that deal with addiction. Speaking with a therapist could also help uncover some of the feelings that are making addictive behaviors occur.

  Visit addictioncareoptions.com to find a local facility that can assist you with your addiction or provide you with resources that can help.