There are many traits of addicts and alcoholics. The traits listed below are some of the most obvious and prevalent ones common in addicts or those who struggle with alcohol addiction:
1. Profound narcissism. They are often self-centered and self-absorbed.
2. Extreme grandiosity. Mostly image – addicts “front strength”, but are actually weak with low self-esteem.
3. Manipulation and lying. Con games, stealing, cheating – the whole gamut.
4. Impulsiveness. Like lightning they move from impulse to action, bypassing the weighing of possible consequences to self or others.
5. Extreme risk taking. Crime, overdose, HIV infection, Hepatitis C, etc.,
6. Externalizing of blame. It’s always someone else’s fault, never there own.
7. Isolation. They retreat into a world filled with secrets, shame and guilt.
8. Passivity. At times, they collapse into inaction, awaiting the rescue by others.
Sound like anyone you know? (or better yet, someone you once knew?)
