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Some people who do not drink claim to have an "alcoholic's" or "addictive" personality.

Addictive personality is not a recognized medical condition.

The argument about addictive personalities rests on unjustified assumptions and reinforces stereotypes.

Moral philosophy offers a richer approach to explaining and evaluating behavior.

Can a person who has never drunk in troubling or addictive ways have an “alcoholic’s personality"? Does such a thing even exist? What role does it play in explaining anyone else’s behavior?

The expression “alcoholic’s personality” has been in the news recenty because Susie Wiles, President Trump’s Chief of Staff, said in an interview with Vanity Fair magazine that President Trump has it. She claimed, “high-functioning alcoholics or alcoholics in general, their personalities are exaggerated when they drink. And so I’m a little bit of an expert in big personalities.”

She adds that Trump believes that “there’s nothing he can’t do. Nothing, zero, nothing.” Wiles acknowledges that the experience she brings to bear on the matter comes from her late father, former professional football player and commentator, Pat Summerall, who had lived with alcoholism.

Trump agreed with Wiles’s assessment after it became public. He stated in the New York Post that “I’m fortunate I am not a drinker. If I did, I could very well, because I’ve said that—what’s the word? Not possessive—possessive and addictive type personality. Oh, I’ve said it many........

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