Many people at the heart of “high conflict” disputes are either depressed or addicted or both. I would argue that the emptiness the narcissist experiences is depression. In any case, Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon are excellent resources for both the addicts and their families, as well as friends and partners. Consult your doctor about help with addiction and do not waste a moment doing this; nothing is more important – not to do so is as deadly as not treating cancer immediately.
The National Alliance for Mental Illness, WWW.NAMI.org, is an excellent resource for those concerned about whether they, or someone they know, is either depressed or addicted, or both.