Addiction is a complex issue that can affect any individual despite their age. It is fair to be concerned about the chances of yourself joining the more than 23 million Americans who suffer from substance use.
Recent research has highlighted that genetic factors and environmental influences can impact addictive behaviors along with personality traits.
Your personality shapes how you interact with the world around you. But does it tell if you’ll become an addict or not?
Researchers suggest that while personality and the chances of falling into addiction are not directly linked, there are some personality traits that are common among addicts.
Types of Personalities
To identify personality traits, there are several methods that can come in handy. But the most popular among them is Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Based on Carl G. Jung’s theory of psychological types, it’s a questionnaire-method that forces an individual to introspect.
So, what are these traits?
1. Extroverts vs. Introverts Types
According to MBTI, this category is known as extraverts and introverts. Extraverts are more likely to have positive thoughts as they seek external stimulation but introverts are prone to negative emotions due to internalizing stress.
Categorizing these types of people, won’t solve the mystery of who is more prone to addiction as both types of people can find a number of reasons to start using the substance.
For example, the outgoing nature of extraverts may lead them to the common places for substance use. The social gatherings may present them with opportunities to experiment with substance use.
On the other hand, introverts being more prone to negative emotions might start taking substance as a coping mechanism. The internalizing stress or their urge to escape from reality can draw them toward the path of addiction.
Whether an extravert or an introvert, a person’s lifestyle after long-term addiction may not be easy to turn around. Fort Myers treatment program offers different activities, and accommodations along with a life skills program to make this difficult journey of overcoming addiction easier.
2. Thinking vs. Feeling Types
Do you have a friend who has figured it all? The one who always seems to know what he’s doing and why he’s doing it.
Thinkers calculate their every move and know beforehand the potential consequences of their actions. They consider knowledge as their power and estimate the situation both logically and objectively.
Thus, if exposed to addictive substances, thinkers tend to be cautious which reduces their chances of falling prey to addictive tendencies.
Feelers are, in a way, the complete opposite of thinkers. Instead of thinking about a situation logically, they tend to act impulsively. Feelers let emotions drive them and as a result, they might pick up addictive behavior to take a break from emotional distress.
3. Sensing vs. Intuitive Types
These two personality types are assessed on how people perceive the information around them. Sensing types tend to be detail-oriented, they take decisions based on facts and focus on the present. They avoid taking risks which reduces the chances of them falling into addiction of any kind.
Whereas the intuitive types are individuals who take decisions on the basis of imagination and hope. They prioritize the future rather than the present. Their urge to try new things can lead them to experiment with addictive substances.
However, they might also possess a higher capacity for awareness regarding the risks of alcohol consumption, based on their intuitions.
4. Judging vs. Perceiving Types
Judging types walk around with a protective shield of boundaries, control and routines. They tend to be goal-oriented and avoid distraction which keeps them away from turning to addictive substances.
However, the pressure to be the best or unexpected changes may incline this type of individual to substance use as a way of coping mechanism.
Perceiving types are open to new experiences. They take decisions flexibly. Their spontaneous nature can increase the possibility of them using the substance.
Conclusion
To tackle addiction, it becomes crucial to understand the relationship between personality traits and addictive behavior.
However, it is also important to keep in mind that it is not just the traits that contribute to addiction but many other factors too.
At last, the journey towards overcoming addiction involves addressing the underlying psychological factors and providing individuals with techniques to lead addiction-free lives.
