Addiction affects many people, but addictive personality disorder may exacerbate the problem, especially for teens and young women. Although many substances are physically 
addicting, those who suffer from addictive personality disorder may become addicted to literally anything, including substances, behaviors and even beliefs. Statistics indicate that as many as 10-15 percent of the population may suffer from this affliction. Below are some of the signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of an addictive personality.
Impulsive Behavior
People with this personality disorder act on their impulses even when they realize that it is unwise (or even dangerous) to do so. This aspect of the disorder makes quitting a substance like alcohol or drugs challenging. People with impulsive behavior tend to see actions as “all or nothing” and often feel powerless when attempting to stop a behavior.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Even a mild bout of social anxiety disorder may be enough to trigger an addiction. When social situations create distress for adults, they may simply avoid the situation. For teenage girls, however, social activities are a large part of life. Insecure feelings and the fear of failure may push her to drink or take drugs to overcome fear. This can, in turn, create a cycle of addiction that becomes difficult to break.
Exchanging Vices
Individuals suffering from addictive personality disorder often switch from one addiction to another when prompted to give up an unhealthy behavior. For example, when an addict gives up cigarettes, he or she may turn to habitual eating instead. For a teen, an Internet addiction might turn into an obsession with gaming instead.
The Need for Instant Gratification
Those with an addictive personality often have trouble finding pleasure in things that take time to achieve. Faulty impulse control creates the perception that delayed gratification is intolerable, and allows them to disregard possible consequences. In fact, one of the major tenets of rehab is learning to delay gratification, otherwise relapse is inevitable.
Depression
Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand with this disorder. Sufferers often feel alone and like they may be drowning under the pressures of school or family. Drugs and alcohol are often used as coping mechanisms and as a way to self-medicate or numb these feelings.
Further Considerations
An addictive personality isn’t limited to substance abuse. Young women can become hooked on shopping, gaming, sex or even religion. And, even though these behaviors don’t result in physiological dependence, they can be just as indicative of a personality disorder. If you are concerned your teen may suffer from a personality disorder or other mental health challenge, contact Havenwood Academy today. The experienced professionals at Havenwood can help you and your family understand and confront a variety of challenges common in girls and young women, including an addictive personality.
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Eric Allred was born and raised in Rigby, Idaho. He grew up on a family farm where he learned the value of work. He graduated from Rigby High School and attended Rick’s College, now known as BYU-Idaho. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Utah State University, received a master’s degree in organizational behavior and human relations from the University of Phoenix and a second master’s degree in marital and family therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute. Eric has been involved in Rotary and was president of a local Rotary Club. He enjoys being with his family and doing outdoor activities such as fly fishing.
Chase was very fortunate to start in this industry as a struggling 17 year old kid looking for a mentor and something to be passionate about. Wilderness therapy was Chase’s first stop in this industry and was truly a transcendental experience for him. Chase has an enormous love for this line of work and the power that it has in creating change in everyone involved. Chase’s biggest belief is the power a mentor, strong, healthy relationships, and accountability can have on anyone, especially youth. Taking a very relational approach to his work, Chase has always been very relatable to the students he works with. Being able to understand and relate to a vast variety of the same struggles as a lot of the students he works with has been able to help him continue to grow, learn, and teach. Chase believes that with great rapport and trust, he can use his experience to continue to coach and train new staff, and has the ability to find those staff with the passion for this industry, and help them grow. His love and passion can be felt the moment you talk with Chase about this industry and he passes that on to others he works with. In his spare time you will find Chase cheering for the Eagles, Yankees, and Mavericks, hanging out with his brother, learning more about Eastern Psychology, and continuing to grow and learn.