I may have posted this on facebook or somewhere before, but I think it is worth repeating:
Are you an Adult Child of an Alcoholic or Addict? I discovered an
eye-opening explanation as to why we do some of things we do.
Poking around on Google while writing about
my experiences with alcohol addiction in my family I came to a forum on www.soberrecovery.com. I was amazed at what I found when I
read about the "13 Characteristics of Adult Children of
Alcoholics." As I recover and heal from the damage alcohol has had on
me I asked God, "Why do I judge myself so harshly? I don't understand,
Lord. And the more I work on trying not to, the more aware I am
of how often I condemn myself." God answered this question and many more through this enlightening list. Not all of them apply, but many do.
Here is the list. I hope it helps and
enlightens you as you seek recovery. I'm praying for you!
1. Adult Children of Alcoholics
(ACOA) guess at what normal behavior is
2. ACOA have difficulty following a project
through from beginning to end.
3. ACOA lie when it would be just as easy to tell
the truth.
4. ACOA judge themselves without mercy.
5. ACOA have difficulty having fun.
6. ACOA take themselves very seriously.
7. ACOA have difficulty with intimate
relationships.
8. ACOA overreact to changes over which they have
no control.
9. ACOA constantly seek approval and affirmation.
10. ACOA usually feel that they are different from
other people.
11. ACOA are super responsible or super
irresponsible.
12. ACOA are extremely loyal, even in the face of
evidence that the loyalty is undeserved.
13. ACOA are impulsive. They tend to lock
themselves into a course of action without giving serious consideration to
alternative behaviors or possible consequences. This impulsively leads to
confusion, self loathing and loss of control of their environment. In addition,
they spend an excessive amount of time cleaning up the mess.
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
--Reinhold Niebuhr
