10 Symptoms of an Avoidant Personality Disorder
Symptom #8: Substance Abuse
The social use of drugs and alcohol have been present in mainstream society for centuries. Even if someone has never touched drugs such as narcotics, many of us will at least enjoy a drink with friends from time to time. While there is always a risk of a dependency or addiction, most of us have few problems in the long term.
However, people with Avoidant Personality Disorder are likely to use drugs and alcohol in excess. These substances provide an escape that helps people with this condition to deal with their feelings of low self-esteem and anxiety, even though the effects are only temporary. Overall, substance abuse will do more harm to their self-esteem than good, and with excessive usage there is also an increased risk for dependency.
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