People all over the world are dealing with what is known as an addictive personality disorder. It’s more common than people may think. And it’s more harmful than people may believe. Often, addictive personalities lead to addiction.

Sometimes, people who have an addictive personality disorder become addicted to things like alcohol and drugs. Other individuals may develop an addiction to certain behaviors or activities.

In any case, though, addiction is unhealthy and harmful. So, it’s extremely important for those who struggle with an addictive personality to get help right away.

Maybe you’ve recently noticed an addictive personality in your life. Perhaps you’ve been trying to figure out how to overcome it in order to avoid further problems. Whether you are trying to prevent the development of an addiction problem or avoid addiction relapse, it’s best to seek professional help in overcoming the traits of an addictive personality.

The Importance of Overcoming Addictive Characteristics

There are countless reasons why it’s important to overcome the effects and symptoms of an addictive personality disorder. It’s clear that addictive personalities can lead to addiction, which is certainly something everyone wants to avoid. However, there are even more reasons why you should work to prevent this disorder from affecting you any longer.

Addictive personalities may not always lead immediately to addiction. But, they certainly cause problems and challenges in the lives of those who deal with them. These personality traits have a tendency to interrupt everyday routines and prevent individuals from leading normal lives. They can cause short-term and long-term negative effects.

Sometimes, people who struggle with addictive personalities may struggle with anxiety or depression. Both of these are mental health disorders that affect a person’s overall mood, mental and emotional health, ability to communicate with others, and much more. Often, people who have anxiety or depression become emotionally withdrawn, keeping all of their feelings and emotions inside.

This prevents them from successfully connecting with their loved ones. In some situations, this can lead to marital problems. It can also cause an emotional separation between siblings, parents and their children, and friends.

Many people who have addictive personalities feel the need to engage in risk-taking and impulsive behaviors. This could be anything from risky, reckless driving to impulsive experimentation with drugs. These behaviors and actions could lead to very serious consequences. In some cases, they could result in injury or even fatality.

Impulsivity also extends to things like impulsive shopping and spending. This could result in financial hardship. Of course, this has a negative effect on the entire family as it may stop household needs from being met.

Addictive personality disorders can also make people feel insecure, lonely, and paranoid. Some individuals become antisocial and withdraw from those around them. These emotions and behaviors can cause problems in every area of life. They can prevent people from developing and maintaining healthy relationships. And they can keep individuals from succeeding at work or school.

So, it’s definitely important to deal with and overcome addictive personality traits, even if you are not currently suffering from an addiction problem. Now, let’s talk about 5 ways you can work to overcome these traits and behaviors!

Overcoming Harmful Addictive Personality Traits

If you are currently dealing with the effects of an addictive personality disorder, then you probably know that it can be very hard to break out of the grasp of this disorder. It can be extremely challenging to fight the urges of impulsivity, compulsive behaviors, depression, and anxiety. Overcoming these challenges is far from easy. But, that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible!

Many people feel that it’s not possible to overcome addictive personality traits. They feel that, if you have this disorder, you will inevitably struggle with addiction and will, most likely, never break free from these problems. But, this is definitely not true. You can certainly become free from these issues through commitment, dedication, and professional treatment.

There are plenty of ways in which you can work to overcome the effects of addictive personality traits. Here are 5 of them:

• Talk about it. There’s nothing like talking about your problems to someone who can offer you help and comfort. Sometimes, your family members or friends will misunderstand what you’re going through. They may not understand the struggles you’re facing. So, speaking to them will help you to feel less alone and isolated, which are two things people often feel when they’re dealing with an addictive personality disorder.

• Get counseling and attend therapy. Speaking of talking about it, therapy is a great place to speak with someone who understands and can offer you guidance in dealing with the addictive characteristics in your life. Therapy approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you to identify and work through the triggers and underlying causes related to the addictive traits you’re experiencing.

• Hang out with other people. If the people within your circles are also struggling with the effects of an addictive personality or they don’t help you to overcome the struggles in your own life, it’s best to avoid spending time with them. Surround yourself with positive people who are genuinely concerned about your well-being and won’t enable harmful behavior in your life.

• Work to do less of what “feels” good and more of what “is” good for you. Addictive personalities are characterized by engaging in activities mainly because they feel good. But, this kind of behavior can be problematic. So, it’s best to learn how to focus on doing what is best for your health and the well-being of those who love you.

• Think positively. The way we think usually determines the way we behave. Through CBT, you can learn more about how to replace negative thought patterns with healthy and positive ones. You’ll need to incorporate these strategies in your everyday life, focusing on the positives and spending time with like-minded individuals. Sometimes, it will be really challenging to stay on the right track. Avoid becoming angry with yourself if you fall. Just dust yourself off and keep going!

Treatment and Therapy at 1st Step Behavioral Health

If you are suffering from an addiction as a result of an addictive personality or you want to avoid relapse, just contact us here at 1st Step Behavioral Health. Let us help you overcome addictive personality traits once and for all! Call us today: (855) 425-4846.