7 Ways Narcissists and Drug Addicts Exhibit Similar Behaviours

Narcissists and Drug Addicts: Seven Surprising Similarities in Behaviour

Narcissists and drug addicts might seem like entirely different individuals, but their behaviour often mirrors each other in ways that can be both surprising and unsettling. Although one seeks external validation and admiration, while the other craves a substance to numb their emotions, the psychological patterns they exhibit are strikingly similar. Understanding these commonalities can provide clarity on how to cope with both types of individuals.

Behind The Mask: The Rise Of A Narcissist

Below, we explore seven ways narcissists and drug addicts share remarkably similar behaviours.

1. They Chase a High

Drug addicts are constantly on the hunt for their next fix, an elusive high that temporarily satisfies their cravings. Similarly, narcissists are driven by the need for validation and admiration. Just as an addict chases the next high to feel momentarily fulfilled, a narcissist pursues praise, attention, and control to fill their inner void. For a narcissist, this craving for external affirmation is never truly satisfied. They are often dependent on others’ recognition to feel validated, which can create an ongoing cycle of self-centred behaviour.

For addicts, the high may be short-lived, and similarly, the rush of validation for narcissists is fleeting. Both are left feeling empty and must keep repeating the same behaviours in an attempt to experience that high again. Narcissists may surround themselves with people who bolster their ego, much like addicts seek environments where their substance abuse is not questioned or challenged. The emptiness they feel inside can never be filled, no matter how much external validation they accumulate or how many substances they consume.

2. They Experience Withdrawal

Just as drug addicts experience withdrawal symptoms when they can no longer access their substance of choice, narcissists undergo similar distress when their “supply” – the attention and validation they crave – is taken away. When a narcissist loses their supply, they can experience profound emotional distress, which can manifest as rage, depression, or desperation. These withdrawal symptoms are particularly intense for those who rely heavily on others to regulate their self-esteem.

For addicts, withdrawal can lead to physical discomfort, anxiety, and a sense of despair. In a narcissist’s case, the withdrawal is emotional and psychological, but it can still be just as consuming. They may spiral into anger and bitterness, lash out at those around them, or engage in obsessive hoovering attempts – trying to pull people back into their orbit in an effort to regain the lost supply. Narcissists can become emotionally volatile when their attention is no longer centred on them, reflecting how addicts behave when they can no longer access their drug of choice.

3. They Prioritise Their Fix Over Everything

Addicts often place their need for a substance above everything else in their life – relationships, health, work, and well-being all take a back seat to the desire to feed their addiction. Similarly, narcissists place their need for control and admiration above all else. They manipulate, deceive, and prioritise their own needs, often at the expense of relationships or personal well-being. A narcissist’s focus on feeding their ego can lead them to betray or hurt people they claim to care about, much like an addict who sacrifices meaningful relationships to continue using.

For both narcissists and addicts, the fix becomes an obsession. Whether it’s a drug or the validation of others, both are willing to damage the very foundations of their lives to continue satisfying their cravings. Narcissists may disregard the impact their actions have on others, as long as they maintain the power and attention they desire. They may exploit relationships, friendships, and family dynamics to continue feeding their need for praise, just as an addict will exploit their surroundings to continue their substance abuse.

4. They Lie and Manipulate

Both narcissists and addicts are known for their ability to deceive. Addicts will often lie to hide their substance abuse or to avoid facing the consequences of their actions. In a similar way, narcissists are masters of manipulation, twisting reality to maintain their illusion of superiority and control. Narcissists will often lie about their accomplishments, exaggerate their successes, or create an entirely false narrative to ensure they remain the centre of attention.

Lying is a defence mechanism that both addicts and narcissists use to protect their egos or preserve their addictions. Narcissists may lie to make themselves appear more powerful, important, or successful than they are, while addicts lie to cover up their habits or avoid interventions. Both groups use deception as a tool to maintain their sense of control and avoid confrontation with their flaws.

5. They Blame Others

A major characteristic of both addicts and narcissists is their tendency to deflect responsibility for their actions. Addicts often blame stress, bad luck, or other people for their addiction, avoiding accountability for their behaviour. Similarly, narcissists are skilled at shifting blame onto others, never taking responsibility for the consequences of their actions. They will point fingers at others, making their victims feel as though they are at fault for the narcissist’s behaviour or emotional turmoil.

For narcissists, blame-shifting is an essential part of their manipulation. They use it to control the narrative and make others feel guilty, while they avoid taking responsibility for their toxic behaviour. Addicts engage in the same tactic, often shifting blame to external factors rather than acknowledging their role in their destructive behaviour. Both addicts and narcissists use blame to avoid accountability, ensuring that they remain in control of the situation and avoid feeling vulnerable.

6. They Self-Destruct

Both addicts and narcissists tend to engage in self-destructive behaviours. Addicts destroy their health and relationships through their substance abuse, and in the same way, narcissists often sabotage their own lives with toxic actions and choices. Narcissists may alienate family members, ruin friendships, or lose professional opportunities due to their manipulation and deceit. Their behaviour is often driven by an unacknowledged fear of inadequacy or failure, leading them to destroy everything in their path to avoid confronting their vulnerabilities.

Addicts experience a similar downward spiral, as their substance abuse can lead to health problems, ruined relationships, and a loss of career or social status. Just as narcissists are blind to the damage they cause, addicts often remain oblivious to the destruction their habits create. In both cases, self-destruction is a recurring theme, with each feeding their own cycle of harm and regret.

7. They Struggle to Change

Finally, both addicts and narcissists struggle with true self-improvement. Recovery is challenging for both groups, but for different reasons. Addicts must fight against both physical and psychological dependencies on substances. Narcissists, on the other hand, refuse to acknowledge their flaws or limitations, making self-improvement nearly impossible. Narcissists often feel entitled to their behaviour and will not engage in the process of healing or change unless it serves their agenda.

In the case of addicts, while recovery is difficult, it is often possible with the right treatment and support. Narcissists, however, are rarely open to change, as they do not see their behaviour as problematic. Both groups find it hard to break free from their destructive patterns, but the refusal to confront their issues is especially prevalent in narcissism.

Check these out! 

Behind The Mask: The Rise Of A Narcissist

15 Rules To Deal With Narcissistic People.: How To Stay Sane And Break The Chain.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

Boundaries with Narcissists: Safeguarding Emotional, Psychological, and Physical Independence.

Healing from Narcissistic Abuse: A Guided Journal for Recovery and Empowerment: Reclaim Your Identity, Build Self-Esteem, and Embrace a Brighter Future

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7 Ways Narcissists and Drug Addicts Behave Similarly – Understanding the Parallels

Recognising the similarities between narcissists and drug addicts can provide important insights into their behaviour. Both groups are driven by a need for external validation or substance, engage in deception, and struggle with responsibility. They manipulate, lie, and blame others, creating chaos and destruction in their wake. By understanding these shared patterns, we can better navigate interactions with narcissists and addicts, protecting ourselves from their toxic behaviours while also recognising the challenges they face in their own self-destructive cycles.