Drug Addict Personality Traits

While it is true that substance addiction can happen to anyone, there are certain traits that can increase the risk. If someone has some of these particular personality traits, they may be at a greater risk of addiction. Read on to learn what drug addict personality traits are.

Is There a Drug Addict Personality?

There are many risk factors that can increase the chances that someone becomes addicted to a substance or has unhealthy compulsions. Such factors can include external things, such as childhood trauma or abuse, poverty, or parents who used them. Other factors involve mental health issues, such as mood disorders or anxiety. But there are also some inherent traits a person might be born with that can also make them vulnerable to drugs.

Just because someone might have a few of these traits, however, does not mean they are doomed to addiction. Plenty of people are impulsive, risk-taker types who don’t end up addicted to drugs. If you are a parent, being aware of the traits that addicts have can help you be proactive. The same is true if you possess these personality traits, so you can be careful with the choices you make.

What are the 6 Common Personality Traits Among Drug Addicts?

It is never advised that anyone should draw conclusions about a person based on their personality traits. We are all unique people with our own traits and inclinations. However, someone you care about may have some of these traits and is now showing the signs of addiction. If you notice the signs, try to reach out and guide them toward treatment.

Common drug addict personality traits:

1. Impulsivity. People who have an impulsive nature tend to make snap decisions without thinking things through beforehand. They may get swept up at the moment, or want to simply have fun. The problem is that impulsive people often find themselves in trouble because they didn’t consider the consequences of their actions.
2. Sensitive to Stress. Some people have a tough time managing stress. They tend to lack the coping skills for handling life’s challenges and may overreact. Someone with a low tolerance for stress may end up using drugs or alcohol as a means of managing stress.
3. Non-Conformist. This trait may first emerge in the teen and early adult years. Someone who is a non-conformist prefers to go their own way and not follow the usually expected path. For instance, this teen may decide not to go to college, even though all of his friends are going. Nonconforming types often end up as rebels or loners.
4. Low Self-Esteem. Someone who doesn’t place a high value on their own self-worth may not care if something might harm them. They are willing to take risks with their health because they have low self-esteem. This devil-may-care attitude may lead them to experiment with drugs.
5. Risk-Taker. Some people chase the adrenaline high. They are always on the hunt for excitement and thrills, and will often take great risks to get them. These folks seek adventure and are not shy about even putting themselves in danger to chase the adrenaline high. This puts them at a higher risk of experimenting with substances.
6. Antisocial. There are some people who are not comfortable in social settings. They tend to avoid crowds and social events, and also struggle with relationships. These antisocial types may feel lonely and depressed, which might prompt them to look for ways to self-medicate.

How To Avoid Drifting Toward Substance Abuse

Having one or more of the above traits might make you or a loved one more vulnerable to drug use. However, it doesn’t have to lead you to substance abuse, especially if you are aware of the risks. Likewise, someone in addiction recovery shouldn’t just give up because they have a couple of these traits.

Being aware of the risks is the first step. You may be reaching for a substance because you aren’t managing stress well, or because you are feeling depressed. If so, you can be proactive and take the steps to get help. Instead of allowing your personality traits to take you into drug use, do a self-assessment and get some therapy.

A therapist is able to help you identify thoughts, traits, and habits that are not productive and even harm you. Through CBT or DBT, a therapist can provide techniques that help you make positive changes in your thoughts and behaviors.

If You Do Have a Drug Addiction, Get Help

If you ended up experimenting with drugs and it got away from you, you may have formed an addiction. The good news is that addiction is treatable. When you are ready to take your life back, a comprehensive treatment program is a way to do it.

Addiction treatment programs are offered in either outpatient or residential settings. The type of setting you to choose depends on the severity of the substance use disorder, as well as insurance coverage. In general, residential treatment is the best setting for more severe addictions.

Once in treatment, this is what you can expect:

• Detox and withdrawal. You will start the recovery process by completing a drug detox. The timeline for this first step depends on the substance and how severe the substance use disorder is. The detox team will treat the withdrawal symptoms as they emerge to help minimize the discomfort.
• Psychotherapy. For someone with personality traits that make them susceptible to addiction, therapy can really help. You will engage in therapy multiple times per week, which can help you make the needed changes.
• Group therapy. Addiction treatment programs focus a lot of time on group sessions because they are very effective. Small groups of peers in rehab meet to discuss recovery topics and experiences while under the guidance of a counselor.
• Holistic. For those who struggle with managing stress, learning some holistic methods is very helpful. These might include meditation and yoga.

If you recognize the drug addict personality traits in either yourself or a loved one, why not be proactive and start therapy sooner rather than later?

Capo by the Sea Offers Luxury Rehab Services

Capo by the Sea is a dual diagnosis addiction treatment center that helps people break from drugs and alcohol. For more information about our program, call us today at (888) 529-2114.