Dual personality of an alcoholic – personality change after alcohol

What exactly is personality?

Personality can be defined as a set of psyche elements and human behaviors that distinguish a given person from others. It is a permanent set of various psychological traits, as well as various internal factors that influence a person's behavior and regulate their conduct. Personality can also be considered in the context of reactions to the environment and interactions with it. It is a way of thinking, behaving, and feeling. The basic features of personality are:

• organization and coherence – people express various aspects of their personality in different situations and react to the environment in a generally stable manner

• susceptibility to environmental influence – the general stability of personality does not exclude changes that occur in it due to environmental influence; a shy person in company may be significantly more expansive in emergency situations requiring a decisive approach.

Personality formation is influenced primarily by genes, the structure and functioning of the nervous system, hormones, and the environment – the home in which the person grew up, their closest people, or contacts with peers. Its development is a long-term process lasting throughout childhood, up to the age of twenty or even longer. Read also: Alcoholic's liver – alcoholic liver disease

Can alcohol affect personality?

Behavioral changes after alcohol can be observed in all drinking people, not just those who are addicted. In the case of people struggling with addiction, the influence of alcoholic beverages can lead to significant personality changes. Alcohol abuse causes inability to identify with one's own emotions – it can result in repression or, conversely, the emergence of traits that remain hidden in everyday life, under a person's full control. The drinking person experiences a strong internal conflict. As a result of changes occurring in their behavior, they begin to isolate themselves from their immediate environment and gradually close themselves off. It is estimated that nearly half of people addicted to alcohol have a diagnosis of personality disorder. These are primarily antisocial personality and borderline, that is, emotionally unstable. Disorders of this type are diagnosed four times more often among people addicted to alcohol than in the general population. Start treatment at Nasz Gabinet:

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Dual personality of an alcoholic – what does it consist of?

The dual personality of an alcoholic is mentioned when the same person behaves completely differently under the influence of alcoholic beverages than when sober. This can, for example, mean impulsiveness, irrationality of actions, or their self-destructiveness in a person who is normally calm and composed. Personality split of this type is a big surprise for the immediate environment, which doesn't know how to deal with the situation. Dual personality often manifests in such alcoholic behaviors as:

• anger attacks and excessive irritability, which are directly related to impaired cognitive functioning and reduced ability to control oneself

• excessive licentiousness and unbridled desire to satisfy cravings

• drastic mood decline and experiencing depressive states and strong anxiety, which can cause suicidal thoughts and self-harm attempts.

Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to the development of disorders such as Othello syndrome and amnestic syndrome, also called Korsakoff syndrome.

Othello syndrome

Othello syndrome is a type of psychosis causing behavioral change after alcohol. It manifests as pathological jealousy and constant suspicions of infidelity and requires specialized treatment, as under the influence of emotions, an alcoholic is capable of committing illegal acts.

Amnestic syndrome (Korsakoff syndrome)

Amnestic syndrome is a neuropsychiatric disease manifesting similarly to amnesia. A person addicted to alcohol experiences memory blackouts, and attempts to fill the resulting gaps with imaginary content. Amnestic syndrome requires treatment, as when neglected it can lead to permanent complications and sometimes death. Learn more: Korsakoff syndrome, that is, amnestic syndrome of alcoholic psychosis

Personality split in an alcoholic – why does the addicted person become someone else?

Personality change after alcohol is related to the occurrence of primary and secondary disorders.

Dual personality of an alcoholic and primary disorders

Primary disorders are understood as disorders that developed in a given person before falling into addiction. These are primarily tension, anxiety, and a sense of suffering. Their occurrence was the primary reason for reaching for alcohol, which was supposed to help alleviate negative ailments. Primary disorders thus constitute a catalyst for changes and can cause two personalities to develop in an alcoholic as the addiction develops.

Dual personality of an alcoholic and secondary disorders

The development of secondary personality disorders occurs as a result of alcohol abuse. Under the influence of this substance on brain structures, as well as the emotional sphere and behavior of the drinking person, a change in alcoholic traits occurs – aggression, impulsiveness, and tendency toward destructive behavior intensify. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause many disorders such as Othello syndrome or Korsakoff syndrome.

Destructive personality and dissocial personality

Among several personalities that can develop in an alcohol-abusing person, destructive personality and dissocial personality occur most frequently.

Destructive personality

A person with a destructive personality, through their behavior, aims, consciously or not, to destroy relationships with other people or their psyche. They cannot establish and maintain proper interpersonal relationships, and through their behavior disturb the synergy of the group. Destructive personality is associated with low self-esteem, negative attitude toward the environment, as well as deriving satisfaction from humiliating and deceiving others. A destructive person also destroys themselves, both psychologically and physically, self-harming or attempting suicide.

Dissocial personality

Dissocial personality is characterized by a dismissive approach to both other people and the norms prevailing in society. It is also characterized by a tendency toward aggressive behavior and explosiveness in the face of frustration. Alcoholics with dissocial personality lie and manipulate the environment, and often also commit punishable acts – fraud, blackmail, and extortion. They avoid conversations about their problem, use defense mechanisms, and don't want to undergo addiction therapy. The dual personality of an alcoholic can be dangerous for their environment. The addicted person rarely realizes their own behavior and perceives their actions as completely normal. Alcoholism combined with personality disorders can be cured, but it is necessary to stop consuming alcohol and seek therapy at a professional addiction treatment center.

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