The Relationship of Temperament and Character with Substance Use

This review aims to synthesize the studies focusing on the relationship between the temperament and character dimensions of Cloninger’s Temperament and Character Inventory and substance abuse. A literature search including research articles, meta-analysis, and longitudinal studies was conducted. The findings from the included studies suggest the temperament trait of Novelty Seeking emerging as a consistent risk factor for initiation and sustaining of use of multiple types of substances. Latest research also points to gender and substance type – specific differences in personality profiles of women with opioid addiction compared to women with alcohol addiction. The combination of high Novelty Seeking and low Harm Avoidance, predicts earlier onset substance abuse with relatively worse prognosis. Amongst character dimensions, low Self-Directedness emerges as an important factor to understand transition from substance use to addiction. Neurobiological evidence suggests overlapping neural circuits that modulate both personality traits and drug reward in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. In conclusion, TCI offers a strong framework to understand individual proneness, to identify at-risk populations, to individualize treatment approaches, and to predict treatment outcomes. The incorporation of personality assessment into clinical practice may have significant value for prevention and treatment of substance use disorders.