Drug and Alcohol Rehab Solutions for Addiction

Is there a distinct alcoholic personality? Or are there personality traits that lead one to an addictive behavior? Personality is complicated. Some say we are born with one, others say we are a blank slate. Whether there is a personality at birth, there are still influences in our lives such as our genetics, environmental factors, family of origin and peer groups that contribute to who we become. There are also disease models that say an alcoholic personality is passed down through the family tree.

Are there specific tendencies that can be predicted ahead of time?

Whatever philosophical bend you have on the age old question of nature or nurutre, there are some characteristics that are similar for people who drink heavily and make alcoholism a way of life. Of course, it’s impossible to generalize as we are also individuals but some of these traits are shared by those with an alcohol issue:

Low tolerance and frustration - Often a chronic drinker has a very low level of frustration tolerance. Even a small remark or action can create inner turmoil.

Anxiety- Alcohol is used as a way to relieve anxiety and when the effects of alcohol wear off then a period of depression follow which again draws someone towards alcohol. Anticipation of something often turns into anxiety.

Poor self Image - An alcoholic often has a very low self-esteem. Worthlessness can be a strong feeling. They use alcohol as a defense mechanism. Those with a drinking problem often suffer from fear of failure, self-pity and failure. On the other hand, there are some narcissistic drinkers who have an inflated sense of self.

Feeling of Social Isolation - Alcoholics generally tend to separate themselves from group of gathering. They have a feeling that nobody loves them and tend to blame everything on others. For example if an alcoholic is not able to find his/her wallet then he/she tend to blame it on their spouse for misplaced item or they blame there employers if they are not able to do their job. Shame can develop about drinking and it is done privately in the home. Others may frequent bars but do it secretively so family members don’t know.

If your parent was abusive or you were in a home with instability, there can be a lot of pain and alcohol or drugs may appear to ease it. Also, if you’ve had a parent with an alcohol addiction or drug problem you may find yourself repeating their pattern despite having resentment towards them when you were a child. We are comfortable with what is familiar but this doesn’t mean it can’t change. You can be the one to break the family pattern.

There are numerous reasons behind a person why someone turns to drinking. Some people feel that alcohol helps them relax more and it creates a false euphoria enabling to be uninhibited at parties or other gatherings. Others have observed it as a young child by parents or grandparents and see it as natural.

Family support, self-motivation and stopping denial of the problem are important for recovery. Recovery starts with awareness and the willingness to change. There are various self-help groups where one can attend and meet others with similar issue plus be assigned a sponsor. There are also private rehabs and hospital detox programs. Timely help and dedication is what that is needed to cure alcoholism.