The covert narcissists (also called the vulnerable narcissists), however, have similar qualities to those of the overt types yet act quite differently, making it all the more confusing to identify. The more covert form of pathological narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is not expressed the same way in every individual, but there are typical patterns that are very common. If you see many or most of these attitudes and behaviors in a person you know, you’re probably dealing with someone who suffers—and makes others suffer—with covert narcissism. People with narcissism and those with an addiction share similar character traits.
You should start by exploring peer support groups like Al-Anon that help families and loved ones living with people with AUD. You can also find narcissist abuse support groups, both online or in-person, through organizations like Help Within Reach. There are numerous other online support groups and chat rooms dedicated to loved ones living with alcoholism and NPD. All personality and substance abuse disorders are diagnosed based on a strict set of criteria described in the DSM-5.
Narcissistic personality disorder
Covert behaviors, however, are those that are more subtle and a bit less obvious to others. Their needs are primary.While both may function relatively normally in many settings (particularly if not drunk or triggered by the loss of narcissistic supply), their self-focus inevitably re-emerges. Similarly, an alcoholics behavior and personality can change drastically, especially when under the influence. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, leading to outrageous, dangerous or abusive behavior. Denial manifests for alcoholics in many ways, such as saying they can stop drinking anytime they want, lying about when they drank, or refusing to acknowledge that their drinking has costs.
People with both NPD and AUD are often treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medications for AUD can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal side effects, whereas therapy can be beneficial for reducing distorted thinking about alcohol and developing stronger coping skills. Therapy covert narcissism and alcoholism can also help people with NPD to process unresolved childhood trauma and develop skills for managing their symptoms [1]. These may all be red flags when it comes to covert abusive behaviors. You may want to start by determining which relationship behaviors you’re not willing to tolerate.
Alcohol & Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Is There a Connection?
Similarly, using alcohol doesn’t mean a person with NPD has AUD, even if there have been incidents of extreme intoxication. Both AUD and NPD have distinctive symptoms and features that occur independently of each other.
