“…even linked in good aspect (a Moon-Uranus contact) represents great emotional excitability and self-will, both characteristic of the alcoholic…these planets produce states of fear and anxiety, extreme self-will, a craving for sensation, restlessness, and the tendency to exaggerate and magnify things.” ~ Ann Parker, Astrology and Alcoholism There is no single identifiable cause of addiction – genetics, environment, personal habits, trauma exposure, co-occurring mental disorders, and the particular drug of choice are all factors that can increase the risk of developing an addiction. But here’s the thing – there are people who have all of those risk factors who NEVER develop the disease, and there are people with none of them who are the worst alcoholics and drug addicts imaginable. Substance abuse disorders can happen to ANYONE. Maybe it’s just written in the stars. For those who subscribe to a belief in astrology, a person’s Zodiac sign can help shape many aspects of their life – their romances, their chances for success, and especially, their personality. According to this school of thought, this astrological influence can even extend to the likelihood of developing various addictions. NOTE: – All horoscope dates are approximate. 
Aries the Ram (March 21 – April 19)
- Ruled by the planet Mars
- Fire Sign
- Chief characteristics –energy, optimism, stubbornness, impatience
People born under this sign are most likely to abuse alcohol, antidepressants, and cigarettes. If they DO become addicted, their innate stubbornness can make it that much harder for them to stop.
Taurus the Bull (April 20 – May 20)
- Ruled by the planet Venus
- Earth Sign
- Chief characteristics –pleasure-seeking, very stable, but prone to guilt
Taurus individuals embrace sensual pleasures such as drinking and eating, often to excess. Although stability is a very common personality trait, guilt due to personal overindulgence in other areas can cause a person to become a workaholic.
Gemini the Twins (May 21–June 20)
- Ruled by the planet Mercury
- Air Sign
- Chief characteristics –friendliness, creativity, attention-seeking, like to “push the envelope”
Geminis are very moody—gregarious, yet easily bored and sullen when all eyes aren’t on them. They love to smoke cigarettes but are particularly prone to the illicit thrill of sexual and internet addictions.
Cancer the Crab (June 21—July 22)
- Ruled by the Moon
- Water Sign
- Chief characteristics—loyal, funny, moody, insecure
Moonchildren Cancers mercurial moods mean they are likely to choose to self-medicate with alcohol, prescription drugs, or emotional eating. Their insecurity also makes it easier for them to succumb to peer pressure, meaning they will try things just to look “cool”.
Leo the Lion (July 23—August 23)
- Ruled by the Sun
- Fire Sign
- Chief characteristics – proud, charismatic, arrogant, impatient
Leos can have an exaggerated sense of their own importance and entitlement – meaning they may feel that it is their right to partake to excess in every imaginable vice – alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gambling, and especially infidelity.
Virgo the Maiden (August 23—September 22)
- Ruled by the planet Mercury
- Earth Sign
- Chief characteristics—kind, committed, obsessive, judgmental
Virgoans tend to be conservative and uptight, and their obsessive natures can create a need to seek relaxation from alcohol or prescription drugs such as Valium and other tranquilizers.
Libra the Scales (September 23 – October 23)
- Ruled by the planet Venus
- Air Sign
- Chief characteristics – balanced, fair, indecisive, argumentative
Libras are committed to fairness and an idealized vision of “how things should be”, and when faced with an unpleasant reality that differs from that vision, they can attempt to escape with alcohol or recreational drugs. In their search for perfection, Libras can become addicted to exercise and may be especially promiscuous.
Scorpio the Scorpion (October 23 – November 22)
- Ruled by the planet Pluto
- Water Sign
- Chief characteristics – passionate, protective, like to live “on the edge”, vindictive when slighted
People born under the sign of the Scorpion are ruled by passion, and therefore, frequently suffer from addictions to sex or pornography. Their adventuresome nature also motivates them to freely “experiment” with new intoxicants whenever they are available.
Sagittarius the Centaur (November 22 – December 22)
- Ruled by the planet Jupiter
- Fire Sign
- Chief characteristics – intelligent, creative, hedonistic, inattentive to details
Sagittarians love to seek out new pleasures, which can lead to any number of vices – infidelity/promiscuity, substance abuse, and excessive gambling. Because these individuals are only concerned with the “big picture”, their activities can quickly develop into addictions much sooner than they realize.
Capricorn the Goat (December 22 – January 20)
- Ruled by the planet Saturn
- Earth Sign
- Chief characteristics – goal-oriented, logical, emotionally distant, unimaginative
Capricorns are less prone to drug or alcohol addiction than the other signs, but they can be extremely self-conscious about their physical appearance. This can lead to cigarette smoking in an effort to stay thin, an addiction to working out, or eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
Aquarius the Water-Bearer (January 20 – February 18)
- Ruled by the planet Uranus
- Air Sign
- Chief characteristics –friendly, helpful, eccentric, prone to depression
The eccentricities of Aquarians make them more likely than most other signs to experiment with recreational drugs. Because individuals born under this sign can have stubborn, almost fanatical personalities, recovery from addiction can be extremely difficult.
Pisces the Fish (February 18 – March 20)
- Ruled by the planet Neptune
- Water Sign
- Chief characteristics – extremely empathetic, energetic, prone to worry/anxiety, indecisive
As might be expected for a Water Sign, people born under the sign of the Fish can be prone to excessive drinking, usually as a way to ease emotional pain. For the same reason, prescription medications such as tranquilizers and painkillers are frequently-chosen drugs of abuse.
Anyone and Any Astrological Sign Can Struggle with Addiction
Addiction is a progressive disease that is almost invariably fatal if not arrested and treated. The WHY is ultimately not as important as the WHEN– recovery needs to begin as soon as possible. Northpoint Recovery is Idaho’s #1 drug and alcohol rehab program and uses evidence-based treatment strategies that are designed to help anyone suffering from the disease of addiction, regardless of the causal factors. If you or someone you care about needs help, contact a trained addiction specialist Northpoint today to return sobriety, sanity, and stability to your life.
