ACoAs – 27 Character Defects | HEAL & GROW for ACoAs

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Character defects, als0 called negative traits or weaknesses, are long-standing patterns of thinking & behavior get in the way of personal growth & healthy relationships. ** They are not aspects of a person’s native personality, although influenced by inborn characteristics, twisted by long-term emotional & physical abuse & neglect.

VERY IMP : NO emotion is a defect ! only distorted thinking & self-defeating actions (Post : T.E.A. & anxiety)

Defects are destructive coping mechanisms developed as a way to manage stressors is our early life, because of limited, damaged or abusive role models we grew up with, & then were carried over into adulthood. They are harmful because :
🤢 They’ve become compulsive, so they run your life & so have lost power to be in charge of your choices
😢 Although they’ve helped you cope in the past, it’s been at the expense of yourself & others.

YOUR INVENTORY
Pick out one defect you immediately identify with. Answer some questions that help identify how it plays into your past & current behavior. THEN do it again with another …..
☀︎ How do my actions express it in my every-day life ?
☀︎What are the consequences of this acting out this defect?
☀︎Does it affect my use of drugs or alcohol?
☀︎ How does it slow down my health & Recovery?
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