We also know that while someone may have occasionally crossed the line of responsible use of alcohol, there is a distinct difference between getting drunk on your birthday and being an alcoholic. There is a difference between indulging, or even abusing and being an addict.
While there isn’t a set list of character traits that define an addict, the fact that a person might be wondering about himself is a good indicator that he should seek outside advice and explore this issue further.
Again, while there aren’t any definitive characteristic traits for all addicts, many experts do agree that many exhibit some of the following traits:
Compulsive behavior
Many people have habits which they engage in repeatedly and often unconsciously. Yet, when one feels compelled to engage in an activity or substance repeatedly, even when one is aware of its harmful effect, it’s more than a habit. Excessive repetition usually occurs because the person is trying to re-capture the euphoric feeling, whether a high from a drug or an adrenaline rush, that he or she previously experienced. Often times the individual will have to “up the dosage” to get the capture the same effect as previous attempts. When the obsessive compulsion begins to dictate one’s daily activity and rule one’s life, it might be time to seek outside intervention.
Lack of self-control
Coupled with compulsive behavior is usually a lack of self-control. We all falter occasionally at living within our own limits, but when one feels he is unable to exert any control over his choices, when one feels powerless over his habits and/or substances, he is in danger of addiction.
Refusal to accept responsibility
A common trait amongst addicts is their refusal to address the addiction directly and accept responsibility for it. The habit is always for some reason: someone or something else’s fault. As the addiction grows, the addict dismisses the negative results of his addiction, blaming its fallout on other factors. He will often lie to family and friends, engaging in elaborate cover-ups to hide the truth from those closest to him, as well as himself. When one begins to cover up his vices, or habits with false stories, it is time to seek intervention.
Substituting addictions
In many cases, when a person tries to overcome one vice, he will substitute it for another. Smokers often become overweight when the try to quit smoking. While it might be beneficial to substitute a less harmful habit for a dangerous vice, it is an indication that the addiction hasn’t been conquered, but has merely changed forms. It is important in such instances that the addict explore the underlying cause of his addiction, or he is likely to return to his former habits.
Tendency toward multiple vices
Oftentimes addicts engage in more than one habit or vice at a time, and, in many cases, they feed each other. A workaholic might begin drinking too much after hours, “to take the edge off,” falling into alcoholism or other addictions. Many experts criticize programs that they claim simply address the symptoms of addiction without treating its source. These experts claim that these programs are merely setting up an addict to fall again, and possibly into a more harmful addiction.
Family history
Addiction tends to pass from generation to generation. While experts are still divided s to whether the cause is genetic or simply learned behavior (environment), a person who has a family history of addiction should take added measures of caution. Insecurity
A common trait amongst addicts is a sense of insecurity and unhappiness. Of course, this could be a factor which led to the addiction, but it is also a result. The addict is forever afraid of being discovered, and therefore will often exhibits signs of insecurity as well as an inability to make personal commitments.
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