Personality Traits Common to Alcoholics

Many personality traits are generally accepted as "common to alcoholics." But having these traits doesn't mean a person will become an alcoholic or any other kind of addict. A list of the traits:

<B>Idealistic</B> -- Truly believes that, not only is the "ideal" world possible, but that it "should be." They see everyone joined together as one united family. However, they often feel disillusioned and disheartened when the world fails to live up to their Utopian ideals.

<B>Feelings of Being Lost & Alone</B> in a cold harsh world.

<B>Lack-ing</B> a sense of belonging and feelings of self-worth. Life lacks luster and joy.

<B>Inadequacy</B> -- never feels "good enough."

<B>Hypersensitive</B> physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Feels things much deeper than most. Takes things very personally. Deeply affected by other peoples E-motions as well as any variety of other environmental influences -- most notably negative and/or toxic ones.

<B>Perfectionist</B> standards.

<B>There is a "Right Way"</B> and that's my way! Tendencies toward all-or-nothing, black-or-white thinking.

<B>Low Frustration and Tolerance</B> levels. Easily upset and knocked off balance.

<B>Lives on "The Edge"</B> Often engages is risky behaviors. Thrill seeker. Adrenaline junky. Seems to be "hell bent" in stuck in a "self-destructive" mode.

<B>Fear-Full</B> Tends to worry a lot. Anxious, agitated, and afraid of what negative or pain-Full live event may be coming their way next.

<B>Impulsive</B> Often acts out before really thinking it through.

<B>Defiant</B> Doesn't like being "told what to do."

<B>Thwarts Authority</B> and rebels against "the status quo."

<B>Non-Conformist</B> Always seems to "march to the beat of a different drum. "

<B>"Different"</B> Just doesn't seem to "fit in." Not "like the rest."

<B>Arrogant</B> Can come off as quite condescending and "full of it" as times.

<B>Angry</B> Has an explosive temper. Volatile E-motions and often acts out in violent ways.

<B>Resentfull</B> of, oh, so many people... Carries a long list of resentments towards all people who have let them down and hurt them "along the way."

<B>Unable to Forgive</B> Unable to let go of all the negative things that have happened to them, or the negative feelings they carry inside. Just can't seem to accept people, place, things, and situations as they are.

<B>Restless, Irritable, Discontent</B> Life is a painful, unpleasant journey for them.

<B>Self-Blame</B> Deep down inside, blames her/his self for "everything" that's gone wrong.

<B>Demanding</B> I want what I want and I want it NOW!

<B>Dependent</B> on others to do for them what they cannot seem to do for themselves.

<B>Defensive</B> Very guarded and protective of their inner most feelings.

<B>Insides Don't Match Outside</B> What they feel on the inside is often not what you see on the outside.

<B>People Please</B> in order to keep the focus off themselves and get people to like them.

<B>Grandiose</B> at times. Putting on a big show. "The life of the party." "Drama Queen!" "Big man in town!"

<B>Chameleon</B> Easily change their persona to match the people and circumstances that surround them. Can "blend right in."

<B>Compulsive Liar</B> -- have often lost conscious contact with "The Truth."

<B>Complainers</B> Highly critical of others and themselves. Very negative in their overall assessments of life. Often their "own worst enemy."

<B>Fear Failure and Success</B> and as such, often remain "stuck" where they are. Feel like they "can't win for loosing."

<B>Withdrawn</B> socially isolated and alone. Even if with others, not really connected. Can't really be "reached." Nobody seems to know what's really going on with them.

<B>Feels Apart From Instead of A Part Of</B> -- separate and alone.

<B>Lost & Tortured Soul</B> wondering through life in "the land of the living dead."

<B>Not Love-Able</B> Unable to love him or herself or to receive love from others.

<B>Uses Alcohol to "Escape"</B> or numb-out the pain-FULL experiences of life and fill themselves up with "spirits"



If you would like to learn more about the hope for recovery from alcoholism or to connect with recovering alcoholics in your area, I suggest you contact Alcoholics Anonymous <http://www.aa.org/?Media=PlayFlash>.