Extroverts get their energy from interacting with other people, unlike introverts, who need time to recharge alone. Extroverted people typically do great in addiction treatment as they enjoy participating in group activities and interacting with others in the center. However, they may struggle with treatments in other ways:
Extroverts Rely on Their Social Circle
Of course, relying on one’s friends and loved ones is lovely. However, extroverts sometimes doubt their ability to cope without their social group. They quickly become dependent on their social circle and may feel afraid to do anything that might threaten their place in the group. This may become an issue if the extrovert’s current social group relies on drinking to socialize. It’s common for people struggling with addiction to bond, so getting sober may make keeping one’s previous social circle seem near impossible. Naturally, this prospect looks very distressing to an extrovert, and it may even put them off recovery.
Luckily, such issues are rarely as serious as they may feel. Many people can keep in contact with their friends and may even support each other in recovery. Also, people often reconnect with close friends from the past and rekindle old friendships. Finally, most extroverts are great at socializing, can easily make new friends, and often find it easy to connect with others in their treatment group.
Extroverts Are Often Impulsive
Extroverts usually feel a strong need to be around others and may feel bored and uninspired when they spend too much time on their own. Research shows that they are more likely to take risks than introverted people simply because they need to find something or someone to keep them engaged. As a result, they may use alcohol to help them connect with other people. Extroverted people who struggle with alcohol dependency don’t look like the stereotypical person who stays at home and drinks alone — most of the time, extroverts tend to binge drink in social situations and can often be the life of the party. Even when they realize they have a drinking problem, extroverts may continue to engage in social situations involving alcohol impulsively.
Extroverts May Resist Introspection
When extroverts have a difficult time, they tend to seek other people to feel better. Of course, connecting with other people can be highly beneficial to one’s life. This is something that extroverts usually do great with and tends to help their recovery from addiction. However, the flip side of this is that many extroverts aren’t used to looking inwards and taking account of their thoughts and emotions. They may struggle to make sense of their internal experience and often find it challenging to sit with negative emotions instead of distracting themselves. A good treatment plan will help extroverts improve these skills in a welcoming and supportive group environment tailored to their social needs.
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Here at Hickory Treatment Centers, we offer practical, evidence-based treatment for alcohol dependency that’s tailored to our service users’ unique needs. Please get in touch, and we’ll talk you through your options and offer the best approach for you.
