Addictive Personality and Drug Abuse

Does everyone with an addictive personality become addicted?

Addictions are multifaceted phenomena with complex causes. Studies, however, have discovered that a number of traits are often seen together with addiction. Those who suffer from these traits, then, can be said to be at risk of addiction. The addictive personality is one of these traits. A person who suffers from the addictive personality disorder, and who actually experiences addiction, may find it particularly challenging to quit, attain and maintain sobriety. Should you experience such a condition of comorbid substance abuse and mental illness, it's very important that you call for help. A call to Indianapolis Drug Treatment Centers at 317.682.1670 can help find the perfect options for treatment centers.

What is addictive personality disorder?

The term addictive personality disorder is a colloquial one, rather than one that refers to a specific condition recognized by the medical community. Yet, use of the term is justified for the simple reason that it is helpful in pointing to conditions that often lead to addictive behaviors.

Genetics: Some people have heritable qualities that make them prone to addictive behavior. Studies have found, for instance, that children of those addicted, once they are adopted by families with no history of addiction, are still at higher risk of addictive behavior than healthy children.

A need for excitement: A strong need for sensation and excitement tends to define the mental life of some people. These people tend to recklessly pursue activities for the sake of thrill and make come across drugs at some point.

Poor psychological health: From neuroticism to narcissism, impulsiveness, aggressiveness and poor self-image, a number of psychological conditions can make life miserable for those who suffer from them. They often drive them to seek comfort in a drug habit. Once they begin, they become trapped in physical and psychological addiction.

Poor psychiatric health: Nine out of ten of those who suffer from schizophrenia are addicted to tobacco. Significant numbers of those with bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and other clinical conditions tend to suffer from some form of chemical dependence, as well. If left untreated, these conditions often lead drug abuse.

How can this be helped?

Not all qualities that lead people to addictive behavior can be treated; genetic factors, for instance, currently cannot be medically influenced. Psychological factors and psychological illnesses, however, are a different matter. These can be helped. It makes a lot of sense to regularly screen for the presence of mental health challenges, and accept treatment. Good mental health is one of the best ways to protect against the development of addictive behavior.

For those already suffering from addiction

Awareness of the influence of addictive personality disorder can help even once addiction begins. Only the best rehabs offer treatment that takes into account the connection between addictive behavior and mental health, however. Such treatment centers retain psychiatrists and psychologists with specific training in the treatment of comorbid substance abuse and mental illness. They are able to offer both kinds of treatment together, in a treatment system known as concurrent dual diagnosis treatment.

Since addictive personality disorder is common, it makes sense to always seek out such a treatment center. It would be a good idea to call Indianapolis Drug Treatment Centers at 317.682.1670 to speak to someone and receive useful advice. Finding the right kind of treatment isn't something that one can take for granted.