A few decades ago a great deal of attention was given to the narcissistic syndromes, as well as to the culture of narcissism. Basic difficulties and deficits in the subjects were emphasized, more so than the drive to self-sufficiency. These pathological manifestations are certainly still alive today, but other manifestations tend to characterize this ‘culture of narcissism’ even more. The drive to consumerism, the fast use and obsolescence of things, difficulties of expectation, the over-estimation of material goods in definition of the self, an inclination to risk-taking, and a compulsiveness of action are examples of them. Such manifestations find expression in drug addiction, the ‘consumption’ of sex, gambling, compulsive shopping, abuse of alcohol, and pathological behaviour toward food. These expressions of discomfort are apparently distinct, but they are also very ‘close to the culture’ and they express the environment from which they emerge. The article includes clinical material from private praxis, and institutional work with drug addicts.