Common Personality Traits of Adult Children of Alcoholics
While many experts have identified dozens of personality traits and behaviors that are often exhibited by people who were raised by one or more alcoholic caregivers or parents, there are certain traits that are very commonly experienced by adult children of alcoholics. For example:
1. Impulsive behavior is often a problem for adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs). They will often make decisions or respond to an unexpected event without considering all the options. As a result, they spend a great deal of time judging themselves harshly when the situation does not work out well and/or spend an incredible amount of energy dealing with fallout that could have been avoided completely if they had taken a slower and more thoughtful approach.
2. Because they had little in the way of positive examples and healthy guidance when it comes to interpersonal reactions and dealing with the world at large, ACOAs often do not know what “normal” behavior looks like. As a result, they frequently “guess” at how to deal with different situations that arise and ultimately end up feeling isolated and as if they are “special” or different from other people.
3. Because they often do not know what the acceptable response will be in a given situation, many ACOAs lie when the truth would not have created any issues. This frequently occurs due to an overreaction to unexpected changes or requested change.
4. Due to the difficulties experienced in their lives based on their choices, many ACOAs struggle in their relationships romantically, at work, and with peers. Despite the fact that those struggles can be directly linked to their choices, they often blame others and perceive themselves as victims.
5. Substance use disorders are common among ACOAs. Genetics, their environmental upbringing, and accessibility to substances as well as early age of first use are often contributing factors.
Children of Alcoholics Week is in February. If you are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse due in part to the example you saw in your parents, now is the time to reach out for help.
No Such Thing as Fated Addiction
No matter what choices your parent made during your childhood, you are not destined to follow in their footsteps. You have free will, and that means you can make different choices. Though you may have a higher likelihood of developing an addiction if you drink, compared to someone whose parents never had a substance use disorder, your experience with your parent also gives you the information you need to quickly identify the early signs of a problem in your own life.
If you are a police officer struggling with addiction, American Addiction Centers has a First Responder Lifeline Program that can help. Our highly acclaimed program provides:
· EAP/MAP interaction
· A multidisciplinary therapeutic team that is trained to work with first responders
· Treatment plans that are focused on the needs of first responders
· Support for concerned family members
· Reintegration assistance
No matter what your family history is, you can decide your future. Contact American Addiction Centers today at (855) 997–6542 to learn more about our First Responder Lifeline Program and how it can help you heal.
