Does Perfectionism Drive You to Drink?

When High Standards Come with a Hangover

Photo de Alfonso Scarpa sur Unsplash

Perfectionism can feel like a badge of honor. But for some, the relentless pursuit of flawlessness may pave the way to a darker struggle: alcoholism. A Belgian study reveals how personality traits like self-oriented perfectionism may significantly increase the risk of developing Severe Alcohol Use Disorder (SAUD).

Let’s dive into the connection between perfectionism, mental health, and alcohol dependency, exploring why high achievers may be pouring more than just effort into their work.

What Is Severe Alcohol Use Disorder?

Severe Alcohol Use Disorder (SAUD) involves persistent drinking despite severe cognitive, behavioral, and physiological consequences. Unlike casual alcohol use, SAUD disrupts lives, often coexisting with depression and anxiety.

But what if these conditions aren’t the root causes? What if perfectionism — a trait lauded in many contexts — is playing a hidden role?

The Study: Perfectionism and Alcoholism

Researchers from Louvain’s psychology faculty examined 65 detoxified SAUD patients and 65 healthy controls. Participants completed the Hewitt and Flett Perfectionism Scale, assessing three types…