4. Addiction to Creating Fake Illnesses or Problems.
Some narcissists pretend to be sick, injured, or suffering just to get attention. This behavior is known as “Munchausen syndrome by proxy” when they do it to others (like their kids), but many narcissists do it to themselves.
They enjoy being the center of care and sympathy. They might fake an illness, exaggerate their pain, or always act like something is wrong.
When others rush to help, the narcissist feels powerful. They are in control of people’s emotions and get the love and attention they crave.
Related: 5 Things a Narcissist does when they’re alone.
5. Addiction to Victimhood.
Closely related to fake illness is the addiction to being the victim. Narcissists love to play the victim—even when they are the ones causing harm.
They may twist stories to make others look like the bad guys. They will act like no one understands them, everyone mistreats them, and they are always the ones who suffer the most.
This addiction gives them two things: sympathy and control. People may feel sorry for them and give them special treatment. At the same time, the narcissist can use their victim role to guilt others and avoid responsibility.
6. Addiction to Triangulation.
Triangulation is when a narcissist involves a third person in a relationship to create jealousy, competition, or confusion. It can happen in romantic, family, or workplace situations.
Example: A narcissist may tell their partner, “My ex would never treat me like this,” or they may praise one child while criticizing the other.
They do this to control people’s emotions, turn others against each other, and keep the attention on themselves. It becomes an addiction because they enjoy watching the chaos they create.
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