Being addicted to drama is not healthy, but I think you already know that. This drastic behavior to seek attention comes from emotional desperation.
Here’s something you may not know: An addiction to drama isn’t necessarily a character flaw. Instead, it often comes from some form of childhood trauma, such as neglect. The brain tends to rewire itself depending on what is or is not happening in your environment.
Hence, drama produces an increase in endorphins that act like a drug. So, you can see how drama can be addictive.
Signs that a person is addicted to drama
You can tell when someone is a drama addict too. In fact, there are several ways to identify this response and reaction and prompt more follow-up interest, whether negative or positive. And I bet we all know someone who is a source of drama, right?
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Let’s take a look at some indicators that someone is addicted to drama or is constantly looking for attention:
- Exaggerated language
When drama addicts tell you about something that happened, they will exaggerate. For example, instead of saying someone made them angry, they might say,
“I was driven into a furious frenzy by the time they finished attacking me!”
They may also use a lot of hand movements and gestures to make an “exaggerated” point. Facial expressions are usually exaggerated as well, with wide eyes and huge smiles. I’ll be honest, their story can be a little scary.
- He holds a grudge
A person who is addicted to drama will hold a grudge over something very small. It’s outrageous how insignificant they are.
Instead of understanding that everyone makes mistakes or says the wrong things sometimes, they prefer to stay angry. Their ego is so fragile that the smallest insult can cause them to ignore you for days, weeks, and even months on end. This is a big sign of who you are really dealing with.
- Repetitively draws out the past
I have a friend who complains about things that happened 15 years ago, and she acts like it only happened yesterday. The most important aspect of these things for her is that I hurt her feelings. And trust me, I’ve probably apologized a dozen times or more for the things I’ve done.
You see, drama queens thrive on repeating the pain of the past. I think it’s because they can’t find anything to be upset about at the moment. Or they may also bring up the past when you confront them about something they did to you. I guess you could say that those who are addicted to drama are also perpetual victims.
- They incite things
Do you have that friend who always seems to “accidentally” start a fight between two other people? Yes, that would be the instigator. In fact, they know exactly what they’re doing when they start fights.
Argument and discontent are drama, and these things entertain the instigator. They sit back, having made a mess, and watch the world burn, so to speak. You can tell they are addicted by the smile on their faces when others are not happy.
- Urgency is normal for them
Even when there is no reason to rush, overly dramatic people set a deadline for themselves. In other words, if they don’t work hard and fast, the whole thing will look wrong. Sometimes, they are people who constantly procrastinate, pushing themselves into small chunks of time only to feel the thrill of impending doom.
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It’s especially dramatic when they barely complete a project, meet a deadline, or arrive in time for a social event. This highlights them as well.
- They must have control
Losing even a little control is devastating to a drama addict. Things that wouldn’t matter much are generally huge to them. If most people take a wrong turn on the road, that’s okay. All they have to do is turn around and come back.
But for those who thrive on drama, losing the role means the world is against them. They have lost control of always getting things right. Hey, you and I both know we’ll never get everything right, right? Always being obsessed with control is just a sign of someone who is addicted to drama.
- Things only go in one direction
Have you ever known a friend or family member who acts as if they have an audience, even when they’re not actually performing? Well, there are those who like to have a “one-way” conversation.
This means that as long as they like what you have to say, it’s okay. But as soon as you disagree with them, you’re out! This is another sign of someone addicted to drama.
They love the drama of being loved with sacrifice and the drama of being kicked out of their lives when you don’t sacrifice your dignity for them.
