The term “addictive personality” gets tossed around a lot, mostly because we can all be guilty of obsessing over our favorite things, such as binge-watching a favorite TV series or spending hours playing Candy Crush. However, some people truly have addictive personalities that lead to compulsive behaviors like over-exercising, gambling or drugs and alcohol.

Individuals born with an addictive personality are believed to be hardwired differently from the average person. Once they experiment with drugs or alcohol, certain pathways in the brain are activated, and this makes the substances much more attractive. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have an addictive personality and require a treatment center in Agoura Hills, read on for more helpful information.

What are the Traits of an Addictive Personality?

At this time, there is no medical diagnosis that describes a certain personality as being more addictive than another. What experts believe is that some people possess a certain set of personality traits that can make them more vulnerable to addiction. It’s possible that these personality traits answer the question of why some people get hooked to drugs and alcohol and others do not.

Here are some of the factors that set the mold for an addictive personality:

• The tendency to act without regard for negative consequences.
• Sensation seeking. A willingness to take risks for the sake of experiencing new thrills. This could include substance abuse, promiscuous sex or reckless driving.
• Increased stress. Experiencing more stress than what’s considered normal. The stress may be self-imposed or a result of mental illness. If not properly diagnosed and treated, you may be tempted to self-medicate.
• Poor coping skills. Being highly reactive and easily sensitive to your environment, particularly to trivial things.
• Social alienation. A lack of strong connections with others.
• Not wanting to conform to accepted social norms and values.
• Poor self-worth. Feeling badly about yourself and carrying a negative self-image.

Factoring in Genes and Environment

Having an addictive personality can make drugs and alcohol more pleasurable. But, you must also account for your genes and environment. If you are related to others with substance abuse problems, you are more likely to have them, too. If you grow up in an environment where drugs and alcohol are easily accessible, you are more likely to abuse these substances as well.

Understanding your addiction risk is important. The best way to prevent an addiction is by avoiding drugs and alcohol altogether. You already know that you are more likely to become dependent, so avoid putting yourself in tempting situations. Also, address underlying mental health conditions and work on problematic personality traits through behavioral therapy and other interventions.

Awakenings Treatment Center offers dual diagnosis treatment in Agoura. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive approach to treating addictive personalities and substance abuse.