Someone who becomes addicted to drugs may show signs of this before addiction sets in. This is because certain drug addict personality traits exist for many people. Knowing what they are can help a person identify their own risk of becoming addicted or discover if they are already in trouble. Additionally, loved ones can learn to recognize the traits of someone who is or may become addicted to drugs. This kind of knowledge can lead to getting the valuable care needed to become sober.
What are the Common Personality Traits of a Drug Addict?
Many indicators that someone may become addicted to drugs or already have exist. These risk factors may be noticed by the individual struggling with a substance use disorder. It may also be a family member or friend who notices drug addict personality traits in their loved one. Common personality traits include the following.
Acting Impulsively
Even when someone knows using drugs isn’t a great idea, they often act before thinking. They allow their emotions to make decisions regardless of the risks of the chosen behaviors. Consequently, these impulsive acts can lead to more risky behaviors, like driving under the influence or having unprotected sex.
Unhealthy Coping Skills
Another drug addict personality trait has to do with how the person handles stress. If they are confronted with painful emotions or a difficult situation, they often choose unhealthy coping skills. This includes using drugs or alcohol in order to numb themselves. Part of treatment for addiction includes teaching the person to use healthy coping skills.
Low Self-Esteem
A large number of people who become addicted to drugs do so partly in reaction to having low self-esteem. They may have a negative self-image about their personality, intelligence, physical appearance, or more. When these troubling feelings and beliefs surface, abusing substances can help minimize their discomfort.
Ability to Deny Reality
Many people who develop substance use disorders deny that they are susceptible to this happening. They may feel the regular rules do not apply to them and they can avoid addiction. In addition, they may feel their drug usage is part of a rebellion that makes them unique. They believe that while others cannot handle drug abuse, they are the exception to this rule.
Mental Health Disorders
Many people who become addicted to drugs do so partly in reaction to symptoms of mental health disorders. They may struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and other symptoms. They use drugs to hide or overcome these symptoms, even though they resurface when the high wears off.
Unwilling to Take Responsibility
This trait involves a refusal to take responsibility for many things in the person’s life. They may shift blame for their drug abuse to those around them. They may insist that they only use drugs because someone else hurt their feelings or did something that upset them. Additionally, they may blame things related to work, school, or relationships for their drug abuse without taking into account their own responsibility in each case.
How to Confront a Loved One About Their Drug Use
If you know someone who exhibits drug addict personality traits, it may feel challenging to confront them. First, make sure they are sober when you talk to them. Someone under the influence will likely react in denial or anger, as well as may not remember the conversation.
Second, make it clear that you understand your loved one has a problem and you want to help. If they don’t feel attacked, they will be more likely to participate in a conversation. Drug addiction is not a lack of willpower or morals. Let them know you understand they have a medical disease and help is available.
Finally, it presents the person with options for getting help. Tell them about detox and other programs that help people overcome addiction. Let them know you can help them sign up for a program. If possible, you can also offer assistance with things like transportation, packing, and helping out with childcare or pet sitting while they are in treatment.
How Drug Addiction is Treated
Someone who needs treatment for addiction starts out by going to detox. Detox programs provide round-the-clock medical support to help a person safely stop using drugs. Withdrawal symptoms commonly occur during detox. Because of this, detox programs can provide the necessary medications to help reduce and eliminate many symptoms. Trying to detox alone can be dangerous and even deadly. This is why people need a professional treatment program in order to overcome their substance use disorders safely.
Once the toxins built up during addiction leave the body while the individual is in detox, they become ready to begin the next step of treatment. This can include transitioning into a residential program for 30 days or more. Alternatively, some people step down to outpatient care, which allows them to return home while attending treatment sessions during the day.
Contact Our Drug Addiction Treatment Center in Phoenix, Arizona
Have you noticed any of these drug addict personality traits in a friend or a family member? Or do you find yourself in the grips of drug addiction and need help finding the way out? If so, Zenith Behavioral Health in Phoenix can help. Our detox program provides essential residential care designed to help you get off drugs permanently. We can help ease the withdrawal symptoms that occur during detox. This helps minimize your discomfort and reduces the time needed to complete detox.
If you would like to find out more about our drug addiction treatment program, contact us today. Our knowledgeable and friendly admissions staff is waiting to hear from you.
