Addictive personality: 7 characteristics

An addiction does not only imply compulsively clinging to a substance and falling into the networks of chemical dependency. Beyond the organic factors involved, also There are a series of psychological traits that predispose to dependence extreme and that over time give rise to the addictive personality.

You can be addicted to many things, not just one chemical. There are also addictions to gambling, sex, drugs, new technologies and almost any situation or object. Ultimately, the object is not the most relevant thing. The important thing is in those psychological patterns that lead to addiction.

Thus, recovering from an addiction is not only about breaking a habit, that is, stopping consuming a substance or living a certain experience. It is also needed, understand what the addictive personality is like to manage it and ultimately overcome it. To achieve this, it is important to know its characteristics, especially those that are not so obvious. These are seven of them.

1. Lability in commitments and projects

One of the most notable characteristics of the addictive personality is the difficulty in meeting commitments or completing projects. They are people who get excited easily, but soon lose interest. and they abandon.

The usual thing is that they find it difficult to arrive at the correct time. Also stay in the same activity for a long time and persevere. Generally, there is a lot of instability in their plans and projects. Above all, they don’t know say why they have lost interest suddenly.

2. Difficulty with rules and authority figures

Those who have an addictive personality generally do not see anything positive in rules or regulations. He considers them an obstacle. They don’t think there is anything constructive in setting limits on realities..

It is also common that they like to challenge authority or, in any case, ignore it. They see controlling figures as mere nuisances.. They do not give value to their actions and assume that their role is simply to repress.

3. Lying to justify actions

It is very common that someone who is predisposed to addictions is also a person who does not mind lying.. Not only does he do it in relation to his dependency, but in any area of ​​life. He sees nothing wrong with it because he has made lying his way of life.

The main function that their lies fulfill is to avoid the consequences of their actions.. Every time he knows he did something wrong, he will lie to justify or deny it. He thinks it is perfectly legitimate to avoid responsibility.

4. Oscillation between feelings of superiority and inferiority

The ego structure of an addicted personality is very fragile. They fail to form a realistic idea of ​​themselves. That is why they are constantly oscillating between grandiosity and a feeling of inferiority.

They tend to be overly sensitive to criticism from others. They confront them vigorously, but then resent them. They like to impose their will, even knowing that they are not right. In turn, they are excessively submissive in other circumstances.

5. Boredom and despair

For those who are potentially addicted, feeling apathy is common. They often say they are bored. Everything tires them easily. They don’t enjoy the processes. They do not have enough patience to enjoy the little things.

They are accustomed to the immediate satisfaction of their needs. That is why it is also common for them to despair very easily and experience moments of stress and anxiety. They have a hard time carrying out tasks that require thoroughness and perseverance. They want to finish everything quickly to move on to something new as soon as possible..

6. Search for harmful situations to socialize

The addictive personality tends to take a dim view of those who live in an organized way or are calmer than them. They like very lively people, even if they contribute little or are simply occasional friends..

They get involved in environments where excesses prevail. Whether it be food, drink, or anything else. They want to have intense emotions all the time and this is only provided by the heavier social circles.

7. Constantly falling into excesses

It is common for people with a tendency toward addiction to be a little wild from time to time. They try and want every experience go beyond the limit that can be called normal. Measurement and moderation are not your thing. They consider it “boring” or bland. That’s why they tend to eat more, drink more, sleep more, etc., from time to time.

All of these addictive personality traits are characteristics that can be worked on and restructured. Part of the work to be done is focused on managing anxiety and impulses. There is a latent anguish that does not seem to be calmed by anything. Therefore, it is highly advisable that they practice relaxation techniques. If they achieve this, it will be easier to start working on the rest of the difficulties.

You might be interested…