Brian Griffin: Substance Abuse and Psychology in Family Guy

Introduction: Brian Griffin as a TV Character

Brian Griffin is the family dog on Family Guy, but plays an essentially human role as a sidekick — both to the show's central character and to the baby character, Stewie. The supporting role is more complex than simple comic relief, and the darker side of the human condition is explored through these two characters. Brian is a substance abuser who uses alcohol to cover up deeper psychological issues. The character routinely drinks, doing so even in situations where casual drinking would not normally occur. Brian's drinking is most often depicted as a response to stressful situations, making him a compelling subject for psychological analysis.

DSM-IV Criteria for Substance Abuse and Dependence

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) explains substance abuse as "more of a symptom than a disorder in itself" because "the use of substances [is] a means to cover up or get relief from other problems" such as psychosis, relationship difficulties, or stress. To qualify for a diagnosis of substance abuse, at least one of the following criteria must be present within a twelve-month period:

(1) recurrent use resulting in a failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home; (2) recurrent use in situations that are physically hazardous; (3) legal problems resulting from recurrent use; or (4) continued use despite significant social or interpersonal problems caused by the substance use (DSM-IV).

Substance dependence is a more serious classification that goes beyond abuse and requires additional criteria. These include "continuation of use despite related problems; increase in tolerance in that more of the drug is needed in order to achieve the same effect; and withdrawal symptoms" (DSM-IV). The distinction between abuse and dependence is important when evaluating Brian's behavior.

Applying the Criteria to Brian's Behavior

Brian does not fit the criteria for substance dependence. He does not exhibit increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, or the other markers that differentiate dependence from abuse. He would therefore be classified under the less severe category of substance abuse.

Brian's substance abuse largely falls under criterion 4. In part, this is because the character has relatively few major responsibilities. He does have difficulty maintaining relationships at times, but there is no conclusive evidence that this stems directly from his substance use. There may be some evidence of use in physically hazardous situations as well. Brian is also a struggling writer who is unable to complete the novel he has been working on, although it is unclear how much of this failure is attributable to drinking, given that many writers struggle to finish novels for a wide range of reasons. When the novel is eventually completed, it is of poor quality and is poorly received. Most significantly, the social and interpersonal problems arising from his drinking — such as making out with his half-sister Meg while drunk and under the influence of other substances — qualify squarely under criterion 4.

Potential Underlying Psychological Issues

There are several potential underlying causes of Brian's substance abuse. His inability to maintain stable romantic relationships with women — the character largely acts human and dates humans — is symptomatic of his mostly suppressed desire for the female lead, Lois, who is married. With his true love unattainable, the resulting sadness and sense of failure drive Brian toward drinking as a way of numbing his emotions. This is compounded by his failure to complete his novel, and, when he does finish it, by its subsequent lack of success.

Brian views himself as a failure, yet he simultaneously holds an inflated self-image that contradicts that view. He cannot reconcile how someone as gifted as he believes himself to be can fail so consistently, and this creates significant anxiety that is likely an underlying cause of his substance abuse. This pattern of grandiosity combined with poor real-world outcomes points toward possible narcissistic personality disorder.

Although genetic factors often play a role in substance abuse, there is no evidence that Brian suffers from any such predisposition. Neither of his parents were substance abusers, though they were also ordinary dogs without human characteristics. It is possible that Brian's abnormal nature — a dog with human cognition, emotions, and ambitions — leaves him with underlying identity issues. These issues may manifest as narcissistic personality disorder: the character has a strong sense of entitlement and perceives himself as superior to others, yet his outcomes are rarely successful, which may in fact reinforce underlying feelings of inferiority. The fact that he is superior to other dogs yet, as a dog, remains inferior to humans creates a psychologically precarious position that is a plausible root cause of narcissism, though the available evidence is insufficient for a full diagnosis.

Works Cited

DSM-IV: Narcissistic personality disorder. Retrieved March 6, 2011, from

DSM-IV: Substance abuse. Retrieved March 6, 2011, from

DSM-IV: Substance dependence. Retrieved March 6, 2011, from