Why it’s time to ditch the ‘addictive personality’ myth
Think you or someone you know has an addictive personality? Experts reveal the truth about the idea that addiction is in the genes.
We’ve all heard the claim that someone has an addictive personality.
It’s a notion that is widespread, used by some to justify their circumstances and, for others, a reason not to indulge.
But the idea that addiction is in the genes is disputed by experts. Here’s why.
Debunking the idea of an addictive personality
According to National Drug Research Institute adjunct professor Dr Nicole Lee, an addictive personality, while a popular notion, is far from the truth.
“There’s no evidence that there’s one particular type of personality or personality cluster that inevitably leads to addiction or drug use,” Dr Lee says.
“The risk is that people go, ‘Oh, well, I’ve just got an addictive personality; there’s nothing I can do,’ and so then, they don’t make an effort to reduce their drinking or reduce their drug use, or whatever their problem might be.”
On the flip side, Dr Lee says the idea of addictive personality is used by some as a reason to abstain totally, which can be a good thing, but it’s much rarer and perpetuates the stigma that addiction is a “personality flaw” and those that can’t stop are weak.
She says this is why it’s crucial for people to understand that addiction is complex and influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment and personal experiences.
Is there any link between addiction and personality traits?
While the addictive personality is a myth, experts say that there are some links between certain characteristics and addiction.
Professor of Behavioural Addiction at Nottingham Trent University in the UK, Dr Mark Griffiths, says research shows that of the “big five” traits we all have, which include openness to experience, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extroversion and neuroticism, only two have consistent links to addiction.
Dr Griffiths says individuals with problematic behaviours or substance abuse issues tend to have high neuroticism and low conscientiousness.
“But it is hard to establish whether these traits are antecedent to the addiction or caused by it,” he explains.
To hammer home the message that addiction is so much more than a personality flaw, our experts note it’s also worth considering that there are many types of addiction.
While the most common that come to mind are substance abuse addictions, behavioural addictions – such as gambling, video gaming, eating, exercising and viewing pornography – are also an issue.
The symptoms and underlying causes of addiction can vary from person to person, but all substance and behavioural addictions can have negative consequences on people’s wellbeing, relationships and daily lives.
How to ditch the myth of an addictive personality
Rather than focusing on the concept of an addictive personality, our experts say we need to shift the conversation towards promoting a balanced approach to life.
“Ultimately, all addicts have to take some responsibility in the development of their problematic behaviour and have to take some ownership for overcoming their addiction,” Dr Griffiths says.
Dr Lee adds that rather than blame their personality, people need to find balance in various aspects of life – such as work, relationships and self-care – and be mindful of actions, emotions and triggers that may impact their behaviour.
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