Certain genetic factors have been shown to have some correlation with the level of potential an individual has of developing an addiction. While genetic factors are far from the only factors that lead to addiction, they may impact the onset of addiction for some individuals. Many people describe having these genetic traits as having an “addictive personality.”
What Is an Addictive Personality?
The term “addictive personality” is used to describe the predisposition that certain individuals have due to genetic influences that cause them to develop addiction more easily than others. Addiction can be caused by factors that stem from nature and nurture, and an addictive personality may play into both types. After all, there is a genetic nature at the root of an addictive personality, and people whose personalities make them more easily influenced by social pressure and more likely to struggle with self-management may fall under dangerous nurture factors that can lead to addiction.
One way of thinking about people’s personalities is through the Big 5 personality traits: conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, extraversion, and openness to experience. While levels of some of these traits have been associated with an increased likelihood of addiction, they are less likely to lead to the development of addiction without other relevant psychological, social, familial, and biological factors.
How to Know if You Have an Addictive Personality
Being aware that you have an addictive personality can motivate you to avoid behaviors and situations that could trigger addiction. While an addictive personality cannot be diagnosed, there are many signs to pay attention to that may indicate you have an addictive personality.
Knowing your family history with addiction is a great start to recognizing if you may have inherited factors that predispose you to an addictive personality. If your family has a history of addiction, you may be more likely to experience an addiction yourself and have a harder time refraining from continuous use of a substance if you try one.
Your tendency to try new behaviors or fall into negative habits can also influence your potential for addiction. If you find that you struggle to eat healthily, get good sleep, exercise, and take care of your body in general, you may be likely to fall into the habit of using a substance as a coping mechanism.
Tolerance levels are also essential to consider. If you find that having one drink is extremely stress-relieving and makes you feel happy, you are more likely to engage in mild to moderate levels of drinking. If a couple of drinks do not have much of an effect, you may have a high tolerance. This is a good thing if it keeps you from feeling incentivized to drink, but it can be dangerous if it leads to excessive drinking, which drastically increases the potential of addiction.
How to Overcome an Addictive Personality
One of the most important aspects of overcoming an addictive personality is being aware of this trait. If you are aware of your increased potential for developing an addiction, you can be mindful of your substance use and ensure that you refrain from anything that may lead to the development of an addiction.
If you believe you have an addictive personality, consider the following three tips to help you keep yourself safe and sober.
1. Find Healthy Obsessions
It is common for individuals with an addictive personality to develop obsessions with activities or behaviors. If you find that you easily become obsessed with certain things, you can use this predisposition to your benefit by engaging in positive habits and focusing your obsessive attention on activities that improve your mental health. Doing this consciously will help you keep your obsession from turning toward substance use.
2. Take Relapse Seriously
If you are in recovery and have an addictive personality, it can be especially challenging to avoid relapses. As you have previously reinforced the positive aspects of substance use, counteracting these thoughts takes a great deal of patience. One relapse can reset the addictive cycle, causing you to feel you have lost the progress you have made. Being completely honest with yourself and your treatment team when relapse occurs can get you the help you need to break the cycle again and continue your recovery.
3. Overcome Peer Pressure
One of the main challenges to overcome with an addictive personality is the desire to give in to peer pressure. Peer pressure has a high potential of influencing substance abuse and leading to addiction.
There are a few simple tricks you can keep in mind to help you resist negative peer pressure.
- Avoid situations that involve people engaging in substance use and other dangerous activities.
- Be yourself. Many people fall into the trap of peer pressure to help improve their image within a particular group. However, giving in to peer pressure often makes people respect you less. Be yourself and make decisions that allow you to be happy.
- Engage with like-minded individuals. If you are commonly hanging out with friends who live positive lives, partake in healthy activities, and share your values, they will likely not pressure you into poor decisions. In fact, their influence may help you make even healthier choices for yourself.
- If you do find yourself in a compromising situation, hold your ground. Keep your morals a priority.
- Normalize saying no. If you do not feel comfortable engaging in a certain activity, don’t be afraid to say no. Respect the people around you when they say no to anything that makes them uncomfortable.
When you resist peer pressure, you are protecting yourself and others who may have an addictive personality. Always keep yourself, your health, and your values as a priority, and engage in actions that positively impact your life.
Different people have different histories and different levels of each personality trait. Unfortunately, some individuals may struggle with addictive personalities, which are comprised of traits that predispose a person to initiate substance use and develop addictions more easily. There are many different factors you can review to determine if you fall into this category. If you notice these traits in yourself, it is important to be aware of their effects on your decision-making and your potential to become addicted to a substance or a negative habit. Being aware of this can motivate you to protect yourself from addiction, such as developing healthy obsessions, taking relapse seriously, and resisting peer pressure. If you find yourself reaching the point of addiction, contact us immediately to get help in the recovery process. Reach out to Dream Recovery to learn more about managing an addictive personality at (949) 732-1960.