How Addiction Impacts Personality Traits and Behaviors  

Substance use disorder can change the way you interact with the world. Learn how addiction impacts personality traits and behaviors.  

Many people falsely believe that addiction is a matter of choice or poor judgment.  This is an outdated view of substance use disorder, which now defined as a chronic illness.  The stigma exists because many are unaware of the ways potent drugs can alter brain chemistry with even casual use.  

Most of the outside world only experiences the effects of drug use through someone’s changes in personality.  Nevertheless, personality and addiction have a complicated relationship that is unique to everyone.  There is so much more that occurs in the brain of someone misusing substances.  It is much more complex than many realize.  

Due to antiquated attitudes, people perceive those struggling with addiction as flawed human beings.  In reality, these are individuals who need treatment for a brain disease.  Awareness of how addiction impacts personality traits and behaviors is vital to understanding the disease of substance use disorder.  

Understanding How Addiction Impacts Personality Traits and Behaviors 

There are certain behaviors unique to addiction.  Although these traits will appear differently in every person, some hallmarks are recognizable across the board.  If you are curious as to how addiction impacts personality traits and behaviors, become aware of the following:  

Secrecy 

People grappling with addiction often devote most of their energy toward acquiring and consuming their substance of choice.  The disease of addiction recalibrates the reward pathway in their brains to prioritize use.  This change can cause them to act suspiciously when trying to conceal habits from loved ones.  

Most of what drives this secretive behavior is guilt and denial.  People misusing drugs are usually ashamed of their problem, fearing ridicule or punishment from their friends and family.  Keeping odd hours, irregular sleeping habits and disappearing for days or weeks at a time are just a few significant signs. 

Some people are even able to maintain two separate lives, sometimes referred to as “functional addiction.” Those with functional addiction become extraordinarily manipulative and competent at concealing their substance use.  These cases are more difficult to recognize but are quite common.  

Social Withdrawal 

The social impact of addiction is difficult to ignore.  When someone’s life revolves around drug use, they are likely to shy away from their closest peers to avoid being detected.  Avoiding loved ones is how many people with substance use disorder deal with the shame they feel for their illness.  The hyper-focus on their addiction can also lead to a noticeable shift in friend groups.  

Those with addiction may begin to hang out with new and suspicious people who are enabling or supplying them consistently.  These social behavioral shifts in addiction are sometimes the first signs that others notice.  The impact of drugs on personality involves a wide range of addiction-induced behaviors.  Drastic changes in social activity are among the most common warning signs.  

Apathy 

The psychological effects of addiction appear differently in every person.  Still, a person inundated with substance use tends to forego their previous hobbies and interests.  The general air of indifference and lethargy becomes apparent as addiction sets in, exhausting most of their time and energy.  

This malaise usually encompasses things like lessened personal hygiene, causing a drastic decline in appearance and overall health.  People closest to the drug user tend to notice this change most frequently, sparking alarm.  Despite well-intentioned concern, bringing attention to these changes is rarely productive.   

The drug user usually has a limited mental bandwidth for anything outside of their addiction.  Confrontations about noticeable changes are likely to cause conflict among friends and family.  Emotional regulation and addiction are at odds in their brain.  The ability to accept the adverse effects of drugs on their body is limited.  

Risk-taking 

Using illicit drugs often leads to unethical or questionable behavior.  Studies find that prolonged substance misuse can eventually impair the prefrontal cortex, which involves self-control, organization, attention and emotional regulation.  These behavioral changes in addiction are some of the most dangerous. 

With a lack of prediction and foresight, many drug users find themselves in unsafe places.  They end up in positions with unknown people who can cause them harm.  The issues connected to lower inhibitions can lead to significant health concerns, as well.  Addiction effects such as infection or disease from unprotected sex and sharing needles are high risk.  

Financial Destitution 

Drugs become very expensive, and addiction does not only drain a person’s energy but their bank account, too.  People trying to fund their drug use may become overly concerned with money and begin to sacrifice vital expenditures.  Things like groceries, self-care, bills and other vital needs fall by the wayside.  

When desperate, they may also turn to stealing money and valuables to pawn for cash.  The constant need for money to buy drugs is a telltale sign of addiction.  Loved ones may begin to feel used or betrayed by someone who is preoccupied with financing their addiction.  These situations can lead to arguments and friction between family members. 

Can Addiction Cause Long-Term Personality Changes?

Someone’s “addiction personality” is just that.  It is substance use behavior that manifests while drugs are ruling over the brain and body.  Thanks to neuroplasticity, these changes in the brain are rarely permanent.  In fact, most people are more capable of recovery than not.  

Evidence-based addiction treatment helps hundreds of thousands of people with substance use disorder every year.  The use of FDA-approved medication combined with addiction counseling is a proven strategy for long-lasting mental health recovery.  Best of all, these programs are usually covered by insurance or available to the public through sliding scale pricing.  

Many individuals in recovery focus on rebuilding their lives after drug misuse with the help of the addiction recovery community.  Building a support network is crucial for those who are concerned about their substance misuse personality changes.  With time, many heal the damage of substance use disorder and work on bettering themselves extensively.   

Learn More about How Addiction Impacts Personality Traits and Behaviors with Middlesex Recovery  

There is hope in recovery for those struggling with drug or alcohol misuse.  The specialized medical team at Middlesex Recovery understand that addiction requires comprehensive treatment.  With a medication-assisted treatment plan, patients have the best chances of rebuilding their health and lives.  Message or call a nearby office today to learn more about the outpatient treatment programs available at Middlesex Recovery.