There is nothing simple about alcoholism—it is a disease that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. However, we hear terms like “alcoholic personality” thrown around, but what does that even mean? It can sound like a stereotype or sweeping generalisation, but it still makes us wonder:
Is there a specific set of traits that define someone as having an alcoholic personality, or is this a more complicated concept?
In truth, the “alcoholic personality” is a concept grounded in real-life patterns and behaviour. While it’s nowhere near an official diagnosis, many in the addiction recovery field use this phrase to refer to certain traits, tendencies, and habits often found in those who struggle with alcoholism.
Understanding the various factors of the so-called alcoholic personality can be vital in providing the right kind of help and support.
Let’s take a look at what this term means and what science and personal experiences can teach us about the connection between personality and addiction.
What is the so-called “Alcoholic Personality”?
First, let’s talk about what the “alcoholic personality” is not. It is not about labelling or shaming anyone. Instead, it’s a framework that helps us understand behaviours and thought patterns often present in those with alcoholism. The term refers to a set of traits that could either contribute to developing alcoholism or be a result of it.
For example, a research study from the National Library of Medicine (NIH) suggests that certain personality traits, like impulsivity and sensation seeking, are more common in those prone to substance abuse disorders. These traits can make it harder for someone to regulate their drinking and may drive them to seek out the euphoric effects of alcohol despite the risks.
But, of course, not everyone who struggles with alcoholism neatly fits into this profile. That’s because addiction is a complex blend of genetics, environment, personality, and personal experiences. With that said, recognizing certain tendencies can help those in recovery better understand their own relationship with alcohol.
Common traits associated with the “Alcoholic Personality”
Before looking into some specific traits associated with an alcoholic personality, it’s important to recognize that these characteristics don’t paint the full picture of every individual. They are tendencies that many people with alcohol use disorder may share, but addiction affects everyone differently.
Impulsivity and risk-taking
One hallmark of an alcoholic personality is impulsivity. Those who hold this trait often act without fully considering the consequences of their actions. Apply this to the context of alcoholism, and it means that someone will drink heavily despite knowing it may lead to problems.
Research shows that this impulsiveness may be linked to brain chemistry—specifically, a lack of balance in dopamine levels, which affects how we experience pleasure and rewards. Alcohol creates a quick, euphoric feeling, which is hard for an impulsive mind to resist.
Emotional instability and mood swings
Many people with alcoholism experience intense emotional highs and lows. This emotional volatility may stem from pre-existing mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression. It could also be exacerbated by alcohol use.
A study published in Alcohol Research found that those with alcohol dependence were more likely to have mood disorders, and many used alcohol to cope with these fluctuating emotions. It makes sense that as alcohol dulls or amplifies these feelings, the person trapped in the cycle of emotional chaos doesn’t know how to manage their mood on their own.
Low self-esteem and insecurity
Another common trait is low self-esteem. Many people struggling with alcohol use feel inadequate or unworthy, which may lead them to drink or use other substances to escape these feelings.
This “numbing” behaviour is discussed in Brené Brown’s research on vulnerability, where she explains how people often use substances to avoid dealing with deeper emotions, like shame and insecurity. Over time, the temporary relief alcohol provides only deepens the internal wounds, creating a dangerous loop where alcohol becomes both the problem and the (false) solution.
Denial and rationalization
Denial is a key element in addiction. Many alcoholics rationalise their drinking habits, often blaming external circumstances (stress at work, relationship problems, family issues) rather than acknowledging the true problem.
Psychologists have identified this pattern as a defence mechanism that protects the person from facing the uncomfortable, often painful truths about their behaviour. This denial may show up in small ways at first, like brushing off concerns from loved ones. However, over time, it becomes more entrenched, keeping them trapped in addiction.
Craving for control
The ironic truth is that many people with alcoholism are drawn to alcohol because they feel out of control in other aspects of their lives. Alcohol provides a temporary illusion of control—whether over emotions, anxiety, or social situations.
As the addiction progresses, though, the need for control manifests in other ways, like micromanaging relationships, all while their drinking spirals further and further out of control. This craving for control becomes a double-edged sword, leaving them grasping for power in a life increasingly dictated by alcohol.
The role of co-occurring mental health disorders
An alcoholic personality can also be deeply tied to other underlying mental health issues, referred to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are commonly linked to alcoholism. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 20.4 million adults experience both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder simultaneously.
When someone is struggling with both a mental health condition and alcoholism, their personality may reflect the challenges of dealing with these overlapping problems. For example, anxiety may make them avoid social situations without alcohol, while depression could drive them to drink in isolation to escape painful feelings. In some cases, the alcohol itself worsens their mental health and creates a vicious cycle where both mental illness and addiction feed off each other.
Can personality traits predict alcoholism?
The bottom line is personality alone is not enough to determine who will become an alcoholic. Yes, certain personality traits may increase the risk of developing an addiction, but genetics, social environment, and trauma history all play significant roles, too. Some may have all the traits associated with an “alcoholic personality” but never develop a drinking problem. Others may struggle with alcoholism and not show any of these traits.
The complex nature of addiction is why it’s essential to avoid placing too much emphasis on personality. Think of personality traits as offering clues, but the broader context of their life experiences and mental health is equally, if not more important.
Shifting the focus from personality to behaviour
It may be tempting to use the concept of an alcoholic personality as a crutch or an excuse, both for those suffering and those observing the behaviour. However, it’s more helpful to focus on behaviour rather than personality when addressing alcoholism. As the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) emphasises, addiction is a brain disease that affects behaviour, decision-making, and self-control.
By focusing on behaviour, individuals in recovery can start to understand the triggers and patterns that led to their drinking. This perspective shift—from blaming personality to understanding actions—empowers people to take control of their recovery. In treatment programs, especially those based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), the goal is to help people recognize and change their harmful thoughts which leads to harmful behaviours, regardless of their personality type.
Moving beyond the label
While the term “alcoholic personality” may help explain certain patterns or behaviours, it doesn’t ever define someone’s identity. People are far more than their struggles, and that’s where recovery comes in. Recovery is about discovering those hidden parts of oneself that have been buried under addiction.
If we focus too much on the idea of an alcoholic personality, we risk oversimplifying a complex and deeply personal issue. It’s far more productive to focus on the thoughts and behaviours that accompany addiction and the steps individuals can take to heal. With the right support and tools, anyone can break free from the chains of alcohol and begin the path to a fulfilling life that they never imagined was possible.
Centres for Health and Healing is here to help
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please know you are not alone. At Centres for Health and Healing, we understand the complexities of addiction and mental health challenges. Our holistic approach to recovery addresses not just the surface behaviours, but the underlying mental health issues and life experiences that contribute to addiction.
Whether you’re just starting to explore treatment options or you have tried recovery before, we are here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our personalised programs that reach each client where they are. Let’s walk this journey together.
