Is your loved one always getting easily caught up or infatuated with something?

Or maybe this is something you struggle with yourself. While being glued to the television or becoming temporarily obsessed with a game may seem harmless, many fear that this could be a sign of an addictive personality disorder and trouble could be ahead.

What Is an Addictive Personality?

Someone who is described as having an “addictive personality” exhibits tendencies toward getting hooked on a substance or developing an addiction more easily than other people would. The term has been widely used to describe everything from gamers to drug addicts, but before your start panicking and researching a drug rehab in your area, take a breath. Addictive personalities have no real scientific basis. Research shows that there is no one personality type that is always associated with addiction¹, and a person’s personality alone will not determine whether or not they become addicted to something.

Some Addictive Personality Traits Associated with Substance Abuse

Even though addictive personalities are more myth than fact, there are some personality traits that can put people at a higher risk of developing an addiction than others. Many people believe that signs of an addictive personality include certain personality traits like being adventurous, compulsive, and a risk taker. While research does suggest that people with these personality traits are more prone to developing a substance abuse problem,^1,2 the list doesn’t end there. While being adventurous can put you at risk, the opposite is also true. Being sad and cautious also puts you at a higher risk of addiction than those who are not.¹

Other Factors Related to Substance Abuse

As a residential rehab in Stuart, we have helped people with all different personalities overcome their substance abuse problems regardless of whether they are showing signs of an addictive personality or not. A substance abuse disorder is often the result of many contributing factors.

Some other factors outside of personality that can increase the risk of someone developing a substance abuse disorder include:

• Family history of addiction
• Poor mental health
• Bad home life
• Early use
• Trauma
• Poor coping strategies
• Gifted or high IQ
• High stress life

It is important that if you or someone you love is at a high-risk of developing an addiction, you are diligent. Poor mental health can be especially problematic, so get help before dual diagnosis treatment becomes necessary. Even if someone does not have any of these high-risk factors above, it does not mean they are safe. Addiction can affect people of different backgrounds, ages, and ethnicities.

Addiction can happen to anyone, so if you or someone you care about is struggling with a substance abuse disorder, get help. At Banyan Detox Stuart, we help people quit their addictions and stay sober. Call us today at 888-280-4763 to get started or learn more.

If you want to get more information on our programs or how we may be able to help your young adult, call us immediately at 888-280-4763.

Sources:

1. Scientific American - The Addictive Personality Isn't What You Think It Is
2. Reuters - Study links hormone to addiction, risk-taking