Your Addiction

But "I'm not the addict!" you protest. Perhaps there is someone close to you whose addictive, abusive behavior has caused you trauma. This type of behavior can replicate itself in victims who then begin to mimic or echo the same actions.

According to "The Threads Of Addiction" by James Krehbiel at www.theimproper.com/Template_Article.aspx?IssueId=6&ArticleId=2451, family members may adopt behavioral characteristics similar to the addict.

The threads of addiction can be traced back to "personality characteristics which sustain the addiction." These include problems with trust, dependency, abandonment, shame, guilt, and the expression of deep feelings.

Addictive behaviors are an attempt to avoid undesirable or painful experiences and addictive cravings are triggered by self defeating beliefs. Addicts often experience emotional problems such as anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive characteristics and tend to be fueled by thwarted anger and self-blame. "Shame-based beliefs and feelings are at the core of all addictions."

The primary purpose for addictive behavior is to reduce anxiety.

Often, adults whose parents were alcoholics choose to attend Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) meetings and/or a quality counselor who is trained in addressing issues related to addictions treatment.

Check out the Orange County ACA website at: Orange County Adult Children