Brilliant Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, 2nd Edition

Is there such a thing as an addictive personality?

The jury is still out on this question. It does appear that the way the dopamine receptors are distributed in some people’s brains may give them poor impulse control and make them vulnerable to abusing stimulants. However, rather than looking for answers in our genes or a specific personality ‘type’, we would do better to be aware of the character traits and moods that can put us at risk: if we are particularly anxious, impulsive, sensitive or someone who just craves different kinds of altered states, then we need to be on our guard. Invoking the concept of an ‘addictive personality’ is generally unhelpful, because it can become an excuse. It creates the impression that if we fit the type, we ...