5 Ways Drug or Alcohol Addiction Can Change Your Personality
It is undeniable that addiction affects everyone it touches, including those who do not misuse substances. It can be absolutely heartbreaking to watch a loved one become addicted to drugs or alcohol, especially when they start to transform into someone that is barely recognizable. These changes can be equally upsetting to the person with the drug or alcohol addiction even if they don’t appear to impact them as deeply.
On this page, we will talk about how addiction can change someone’s personality, give examples of some common changes, and provide information on how to get connected to someone who can help get the treatment process started for you or a loved one.
Can Addiction Change Someone’s Personality?
Yes, when someone is actively struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, they can experience changes in their personality.1 This can occur for several reasons, one of which being how the substance is effecting their physical and mental health.1
These changes can be jarring for loved ones to witness, especially if they are close with the person and are accustomed to their usual, uninfluenced personality traits and characteristics. These changes, however, are usually just as unsettling for the person with the drug or alcohol addiction as it is for their loved ones.
5 Ways Addiction Can Change Someone’s Personality
There are a variety of ways that addiction can change someone’s personality, and it is important to remember that not everyone experiences addiction in the same way. The specific types of personality changes someone may experience depend on many factors, such as the type of substance they are addicted to, how often they are using it, and if they have any pre-existing mental health conditions.1 However, generally speaking, there are some commonly shared impacts on personality that tend to occur in those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, ranging from secretive behavior to social withdrawal.
1. Secrecy and Isolation
It is not uncommon for someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol to fear being “caught” by others while actively using, under the influence, or in possession of substances. Additional elements, such as overwhelming feelings of guilt and shame, can perpetuate deceptive behavior, which on-lookers may view as being secretive or deceitful.
2. Risky Behavior
Those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol tend to be more likely to engage in risky behaviors that may put themselves and others in danger.2 The use of substances can lower inhibitions and impair judgment, causing a person to begin behaving in ways that they otherwise wouldn’t. This might include driving while under the influence, engaging in unprotected sex, or sharing needles with others.2
3. Unpredictable Mood Swings
Research shows that being under the influence of drugs or alcohol is closely related to an increase in mood symptoms, including euphoria, sadness, and guilt.3 For example, a person may be feeling happy and carefree shortly after consuming drugs or alcohol, but then start growing agitated as the high wears off. It is also possible for someone to have a pre-existing mental health condition that is exacerbated by their substance misuse, leading to unpredictable mood swings. In some instances, drug or alcohol use can trigger the onset of symptoms of certain mental health conditions, too.
4. Social Withdrawal
Studies show that there is a strong link between substance use disorders and social isolation, as being addicted to drugs or alcohol can cause a person to pull away from others and limit their social interaction significantly.4 Factors such as the compulsive desire to use drugs or alcohol, feelings of guilt and embarrassment, and not wanting to be around others while “hung over” can serve as main contributors to social withdrawal.
5. Loss of Interest in Daily Life
When someone is addicted to substances, the substance and the use of it often serves as a huge part of their daily life and may quickly become the only thing they can think about. Acquiring, using, and recovering from consuming drugs or alcohol can take all of a person’s time, leaving little, if any, time for other activities that may interest them. Therefore, it is possible to see someone in this position no longer do things that used to make them happy or hold much interest in what is occurring around them on a day-to-day basis if it is not related to substance misuse.
Which Substances Can Cause a Change in Personality?
As previously mentioned, being addicted to certain substances can cause a person to begin displaying personality traits that are not in line with what their friends, family, and loved ones are used to seeing. In many cases, the specific type of substance that is being misused can influence the personality changes a person may experience due to how that certain substance interacts with the brain and body.
Opioids and Personality Changes
Opioids bind to opioid receptors in the brain when consumed, producing feelings of relaxation and contentment and offer relief from physical pain.5 However, opioids also produce effects that can cause a person to exhibit personality traits that are not in line with their normal self, including the following:5,6
- Appearing scattered due to difficulty concentrating
- Struggling to make decisions
- Having difficulty remembering things
- Problems maintaining attention.
- Trouble with cognitive self-control, potentially leading to impulsive behavior and desire for instant gratification
Cocaine and Personality Changes
Using cocaine can cause several stimulant-related effects, some of which can cause notable changes in one’s personality, such as:7,8,9
- Extreme talkativeness.
- Heightened levels of energy and euphoria.
- Irritability, restlessness, and agitation.
- Becoming hypervigilant, suspicious, and even paranoid.
- Engaging in violent behavior, especially when large amounts of cocaine have been consumed.
Methamphetamine and Personality Changes
Methamphetamine, like cocaine, is also a stimulant substance, meaning that a person can exhibit intense euphoria and boosts of energy while under the influence.9 The use of methamphetamine can cause someone to begin displaying further behavioral changes that seem to impact their usual personality, including:10
- Anxiety and paranoia.
- Aggressive, violent behavior.
- Mood swings
- Decreased need or desire for food.
Alcohol and Personality Changes
Consuming alcohol, even infrequently, can cause a person to behave in ways that they normally wouldn’t. However, someone who is drinking regularly may start experiencing changes in their behavior that are inconsistent with their normal personality, including:11
- Judgment that is muddled or confused.
- Engaging in risky behaviors, such as having unprotected sex.
- Having difficulty with memory.
- Experiencing mood swings.
How to Help Someone Struggling with Addiction
If someone you love is struggling with addiction, know that there is attainable, effective help available. Depending on your loved one’s needs, they may participate in one or more of the following common levels of care should they seek professional help:
- Medical detox.
- Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab.
- Partial hospitalization rehab programs.
- Intensive outpatient addiction treatment programs.
- Standard outpatient addiction treatment programs.
- Aftercare services.
At American Addiction Centers, we are proud to offer a variety of treatment options led by licensed, certified professionals. If you are ready to start the process of helping your loved one overcome their addiction, contact us right now at to get the support you need.
Start Your Recovery
If you’re struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, or are looking to learn more about how to help a loved one who is living with addiction, contact us right now at . Our friendly admissions navigators are kind, compassionate, and willing to help answer any questions you have about treatment. All phone calls are confidential and no-obligation. Our admissions navigators can also help verify your insurance coverage and answer questions about the cost of treatment.