Understanding personality types and how they influence behavior is critical in both mental health and addiction studies. Research shows that certain personality traits can increase the chances of developing a substance use disorder.
One personality type that has attracted attention in recent years is the high-conflict personality. Individuals with this type of personality often exhibit patterns of behavior that are challenging for themselves and others, which can lead to more serious issues like substance use.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one has a high-conflict personality that could be contributing to substance use, it’s important to get the facts. Let’s learn more about what it means to have a high-conflict personality, the various types and characteristics, and how they can contribute to substance use. Fortunately, it is possible to treat addiction and a high-conflict personality simultaneously for the best results.
What is a High-Conflict Personality?
We all know someone who is considered “difficult” or “hard to get along with,” but what is a high-conflict personality (HCP)? People with this personality type have a pattern of repeated interpersonal conflicts. They tend to be involved in frequent disputes, with minor issues often escalating into significant conflicts. It’s also common for these individuals to blame others for their problems and refuse to accept responsibility for their actions.
The key characteristics of high-conflict personalities are:
- Blaming behaviors. Individuals with HCP often blame others for their problems and conflicts. They see themselves as victims in every situation and believe that others are responsible for their distress.
- All-or-nothing thinking. People with HCP tend to think in extremes, seeing situations as black or white, with little room for compromise.
- Emotional intensity. HCPs often exhibit intense emotions and may react disproportionately to slight disagreements.
- Trouble letting go. These individuals also have trouble letting things go or moving on from past conflicts, leading to ongoing relationship problems.
- Fear of abandonment. Even though HCPs are hard to get along with, these people often have a fear of rejection or abandonment, which can fuel their tendency to engage in conflict.
Types of High-Conflict Personalities
Now that you know more about HCPs and what they look like, let’s cover some of the most common ones. A narcissistic personality is probably one you’ve heard of, but it’s often overused, which can confuse people on what this type of personality looks like. A person with a narcissistic personality needs admiration and a sense of entitlement, as well as a lack of empathy for others. They often engage in conflict to maintain their need for superiority.
A borderline personality is another example of a high-conflict personality. These individuals often struggle with poor self-image, big emotions, and instability in relationships. They may engage in conflict due to an underlying fear of abandonment or rejection. Individuals with antisocial traits may engage in manipulative or deceitful behavior, often leading to conflicts with others. Finally, those with a histrionic personality may seek attention by engaging in conflict as a way to maintain dramatic or emotional connections with others.
Can a High-Conflict Personality Lead to Substance Use?
Personality traits and disorders are known to influence a person’s susceptibility to substance use. Traits associated with HCPs—impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and trouble managing stress—can increase the likelihood of someone turning to substances as a way to cope.
Here are some of the specific ways that HCP can lead to substance use:
- Coping with emotional intensity. Individuals with HCP often experience intense emotions, including anger, anxiety, and frustration. They may use drugs or alcohol to numb or minimize these feelings.
- Escaping interpersonal conflicts. Even though it might seem like people with HCP enjoy being in conflict, they often have a deep-rooted fear of rejection. The constant conflicts they experience in their relationships can lead to substance use as a way to cope.
- Self-medication for co-occurring disorders. High-conflict personalities often coexist with other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. If these conditions are not treated, a person may use substances to manage the symptoms.
- Reinforcement of all-or-nothing thinking. The all-or-nothing mindset that is common in HCPs can lead to addiction rather quickly, as the individual is more likely to engage in binge drinking or drug use patterns.
- Social isolation and loneliness. High-conflict personalities understandably drive people away, leading to social isolation and loneliness. Substance use can become a way to deal with feelings of rejection, as well as a way to pass the time.
Prevention and Support for High-Conflict Personality Traits
If you or a loved one has a high-conflict personality, it’s important to know that help is out there. No one should have to suffer alone and turn to substances to cope. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are effective approaches for helping individuals with HCP develop healthier thinking patterns and manage their emotions more effectively. In turn, their relationships with others improve, reducing the risk of loneliness and isolation.
Mindfulness and meditation are also effective tools that can be used to regulate emotions and reduce the likelihood of turning to substances to cope. Aside from mindfulness and meditation, there are many other holistic therapies out there that can help, such as art therapy, music therapy, yoga, tai chi, and reiki. Finally, building healthy support networks can provide individuals with healthier alternatives to using substances.
Treatment Services for Individuals with HCP and Substance Use
At Awakenings Treatment Center, we focus on uncovering the root causes of mental health and substance use disorders. We often find that certain personality traits or types of personalities are contributing to these issues and must be addressed for a full recovery to occur.
We provide comprehensive treatment services that include behavioral therapies like CBT and DBT, holistic practices like mindfulness and meditation, relapse prevention strategies, and participation in support groups. To learn more about our outpatient services and how they can support your recovery, contact our admissions team today.
