The American Psychiatric Association describes narcissism as a personality disorder that produces a pattern of behavior involving a lack of empathy for others and a need for consistent and excessive validation. A person with narcissistic personality disorder may have an inflated or grandiose sense of self-importance or worth and experience feelings of entitlement. The difference between these two types of narcissism is in the expressions of their underlying feelings. The overt narcissist may be thought of as the extroverted narcissist or the one who outwardly and directly displays narcissistic behaviors, like bullying, demands, and manipulation. The covert is the introverted “closet narcissist” or the shy, hypersensitive, and socially isolated narcissist. Whether a person is a covert narcissist, alcoholic with narcissistic personality traits, or a person with a dual diagnosis, finding a treatment program that meets their needs is very important.

• The victim-type covert is quite content with showing and sharing their ‘weakness’ and ‘vulnerabilities’ with others.
• Illness and complaints of symptoms are used in order to control and manipulate or even to keep partners from leaving them.
• A trained mental health professional is usually able to diagnose personality disorders using standardized psychiatric interview methods.

Therefore, the presence or absence of external validations of their value determines whether a person may have the traits of grandiose narcissism or vulnerable narcissism. Certain personality traits are also more common in people with narcissistic personality disorder, such as aggression, reduced tolerance to stress, and difficulty regulating emotions. Diagnosis of overt NPD is based on evidence of the behaviors and traits of the condition as outlined in the DSM-5. A trained mental health professional is usually able to diagnose personality disorders using standardized psychiatric interview methods. But when you consider someone’s motivation behind those acts of service, the covert narcissist may be doing those things for praise, admiration or just to get ahead in life.

AUD Prognosis

The introverted, covert narcissist may have a more gentle approach to explain why something is your fault and they are not to blame. They might even pretend to be a victim of your behavior or engage in emotional abuse to put themselves in a position covert narcissism and alcoholism to receive reassurance and praise from you. Whether overt or covert, the goal is to make the other person feel small. Both overt and covert narcissists navigate the world with a sense of self-importance and fantasize about success and grandeur.

The current study contributed to the literature in the following ways. Third, this study differentially evaluated the relationship between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism and alcohol outcomes. The findings of this study have potential implications for future treatment and research. For example, different prevention and treatment methods can be developed for individuals high in either grandiose or vulnerable narcissism. Treatment programs for vulnerable narcissists might focus on negative expectations while grandiose narcissists might need to focus more on recognition of problems. Future research should evaluate potential mechanisms driving these associations, such as mediators that might explain associations or moderators that might strengthen relationships found in this study.

Signs of Covert Narcissistic Abuse and How to Heal

Regardless of consequences, an alcoholic will find a reason to drink, even if they have to make one up and deny the actual repercussions. Following alcohol guidelines can help people stay within moderate levels of alcohol consumption. For females, it is not advisable to consume more than one unit of alcohol per day. People may be unable to prevent certain factors, such as genetic reasons, that increase the risk of AUD and NPD. However, there are steps they can take to reduce risks within their control. People with AUD may have self-awareness of their condition and a desire to change.