How Covert Narcissist Traits Are Different

They might act aloof and disinterested or make dismissive or discounting gestures, like looking away, sighing, yawning impolitely, or acting bored. While all narcissists react poorly to criticism, the introvert may have the thinnest skin of all, because they believe they’re uniquely sensitive. Instead of the aggressive and exploitative nature of extroverted narcissist, coverts have feelings of neglect or belittlement, hypersensitivity, anxiety, and delusions of persecution.

Morgan Blair is our expert medical reviewer, a licensed therapist, and writer with a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. Her work combines mental health advocacy and creative expression to provide valuable support for those on their mental health journey. Our Medical Affairs Team is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience who actively contribute to the development of our content, products, and services.

Additional Facts About Alcoholism

In an effort to proclaim they are, in fact, the most important person in the room, a narcissist might bulldoze over healthy boundaries and exhibit a sense of entitlement. Reach out to loved ones you trust who can walk with you through the recovery journal. If you have NPD and AUD, finding support can be challenging because they are two separate disorders with two separate treatment approaches. Treating each condition independently can sometimes lead people to “choose one over the other,” especially if care is not coordinated. One example is being referred to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) on the presumption of AUD.

Alcohol misuse refers to situations where you drink excessively or when you drink alcohol when it’s harmful – for example, when you’re pregnant or when you have a medical condition that makes alcohol consumption dangerous. When it comes to alcohol addiction and narcissism, there are some uncanny similarities that can leave loved ones confused, frustrated, and emotionally drained. When working with highly trained and compassionate professionals, alcoholics receive holistic treatment. A program that’s partially inpatient can give them the environment they need to work on themselves and improve their lives. Their behaviors can be easily observed by others and tend to show up as “big” in a room. Overt narcissists demonstrate more extroverted behaviors in their interactions with others.

What Are Signs of a Covert Narcissist?

NPD and AUD frequently co-exist and can increase the effects of each other. People with a pattern of narcissism often turn to alcohol to reinforce a false sense of grandiosity. People with AUD, also known as alcoholism, can display patterns of narcissism, including self-absorption and an underlying craving for admiration. Support from loved ones can help people with NPD or AUD change their behavior and work toward recovery. Likewise, people with AUD can successfully recover from the disorder. Therapy, a strong support system, and self-care strategies can help you make a full recovery.

• While narcissism and alcoholism don’t always occur together, there are some reasons why narcissists might be more prone to developing an alcohol use disorder than the average person.
• So, although they may appear kinder and less obnoxious than their extroverted counterpart, they are not emotionally accessible or responsive either.
• It is important to note, however, that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) does not distinguish between types of narcissism.
• “If you are concerned that you may be causing a problem in these scenarios, a therapist can help you feel more at home with yourself and figure out why you rely on certain negative behaviors,” says Dr. Albers.
• When drunk, they have an easier time seeing themselves as smarter and more powerful than everyone else.

Just as narcissism doesn’t necessarily cause alcohol use disorder, alcoholism doesn’t necessarily cause NPD. The two conditions may co-occur, but it is often difficult to determine which disorder occurred first. On the other hand, the term “alcoholic” describes someone who has an alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is the clinical term for an alcohol addiction. Some people have an easier time than others with regulating these feelings and emotions. Those who struggle with them may be more likely to develop NPD or another personality disorder. Whether it’s a friend, family member, co-worker, or significant other, maintaining any type of personal relationship with a covert narcissist can be challenging.

The Partner of the Covert Narcissist

Narcissists with low self-esteem may gain acceptance from others or a sense of security through alcohol consumption or use it as a coping mechanism for dealing with distress. Calling out covert narcissism can be difficult, but it starts with being mindful of behavioral patterns and paying attention to that gut feeling you have covert narcissism and alcoholism when something feels a little off. While this may be true for a lot of people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), there are others who fly a bit under the radar when it comes to their self-importance. If you think you’re misusing alcohol, or if you think you have NPD, reach out to a mental health professional.

• Most people have probably used this manipulation tactic at one time or another, possibly without realizing it.
• “Covert narcissists get their attention in very subtle and sneaky ways, and they often may not even know that they’re doing this,” says Dr. Albers.
• While narcissism is a personality disorder and alcoholism is an addiction, narcissists and alcoholics share several characteristics.
• But paying attention to how someone responds to real or perceived criticism can offer more insight into whether you’re looking at narcissistic sensitivity.

A 2018 study found that people with personality disorders were more likely to have AUD at some point in their lives. Traits like narcissism and personality disorders like NPD are long-standing. In order to have a diagnosis of NPD, they’ll have to consistently show the relevant symptoms over a period of many years. Similarly, many people who misuse alcohol might display very few signs of narcissism. In summary, whether alcohol is to blame or not, having a person with narcissistic traits in your life can be exhausting and upsetting. Whether or not this person decides to seek treatment, don’t overlook your well-being and your right to a healthy, happy life.

Medications like Campral, Topamax, and Revia have greatly improved AUD recovery rates. Moreover, each mental health condition must be independently diagnosed. By doing so, a person is less likely to be “over-treated” for a condition they may not actually have. Personality disorders like NPD are those in which a person has a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning, and behaving.

There’s little data on whether people with both NPD and AUD have a different outlook than people who have only one of the conditions. However, it’s recommended that both conditions are treated at the same time to improve your likelihood of recovery. You might also engage in lifestyle changes and self-care strategies in order to make progress. One such change might be to avoid substances like alcohol if they tend to trigger harmful behavior.

Narcissists May Be More Likely to Struggle with Alcohol Use Problems

However, research and clinical observations show that narcissists are susceptible to developing a drinking problem. When interacting with a covert narcissist, it can be easy to lose your voice. Because the patterns of interaction are so manipulative, it may take time for you to realize that you’re not advocating for yourself. You will likely not receive many compliments from a covert narcissist.