Dealing With Character Defects in Recovery

Whether we care to admit it or not, we all have character defects. And sometimes, they can ruin or stand in the way of things that would otherwise be positive in our lives, overcoming addiction being one of them. So that everyone is on the same page, character defects are imperfections in how someone thinks or behaves. Examples of these defects can include the following:

• Anger
• Hatred
• Selfishness
• Defensiveness
• Being closed-minded
• Codependence
• Being judgmental
• Self-loathing (self-pity)
• Being overly critical or overly apologetic
• Perfectionism
• Resentment
• Arrogance
• Dishonesty

These examples do not encompass every possible character defect that can negatively impact someone’s life. But they are among the ones that make it exceedingly difficult for some individuals to break the cycle of addiction, especially when it comes to certain substance use disorders (SUDs).

The Truth About Character Defects and the Struggles To Achieve Sobriety

Trying to put one’s life back together after having had it upended by addiction is no small task, and character defects only add to the challenge. And this is because they can significantly increase the risk of relapse. Most of the roughly 40% to 60% of individuals who relapse while still in rehab do so because they struggle with codependence, self-loathing, anger, and a wide range of other character defects. With some substances, the relapse rate is well over 60% because of these defects. According to the Substance Abuse Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), the relapse rate for some of the more commonly abused substances in the U.S. are as follows:

• Heroin use disorders 78.2%
• Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) 68.4%
• Cocaine use disorders 61.9%
• Methamphetamine use disorders 52.2%

While temptation, drug cravings, and peer pressure are responsible for most relapse cases, character defects can sometimes also be a factor. They can also contribute to the denial that stops people from admitting they have a substance abuse problem and seeking the help they need to overcome it. Studies show only 10% of the nearly 23 million people in the U.S. with a substance abuse problem seek treatment. For the remaining 90% who do not, character defects partly explain why.

Mental Illness and Character Defects Are Not the Same

With mental health issues being raised more and more frequently on social media and mainstream media, some people have started to confuse character defects with mental illness and vice versa. While the two might share some similarities, they are certainly not the same animal. According to a MedlinePlus article, mental illnesses are mental health conditions officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and not merely a personality or character trait. Examples of mental illnesses recognized in the DSM-5 include the following:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Psychotic disorders

The article further notes that mental illnesses, also known as mental health disorders, are usually a byproduct of genetics, chronic diseases, and biological factors. They seldom appear from out of nowhere; there is usually a cause and effect. None of this applies to character defects, which can exist without anything contributing to their existence.

Identifying Character Defects and Working Through Them While Going Through an Addiction Treatment Program

Resolving addiction often requires a multipronged approach, as it encompasses both physical and emotional challenges. Addiction recovery programs aim to address not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the deeper emotional and psychological issues, such as character flaws and defects of character, that can contribute to substance abuse.

In many addiction recovery programs, individuals are encouraged to engage in self-reflection and to work on improving their self-awareness. This process often includes conducting a fearless moral inventory, a practice emphasized in 12-step programs, to identify and confront common character defects that may hinder progress. These defects can include behaviors such as dishonesty, selfishness, fear, and resentment, which can create obstacles to sobriety. Recognizing and working through these flaws is crucial to achieving personal growth and making positive changes in one’s life.

Addressing character defects in recovery is not just about self-improvement but also about restoring well-being and building a strong foundation for long-term sobriety. Many individuals find strength and guidance through connecting with a higher power, which helps them develop the humility and spiritual growth needed to navigate challenges during recovery.

For those with co-occurring disorders or significant defects of character, the path to recovery might include therapy designed to target both mental health issues and behavioral shortcomings. Programs often integrate therapy, support groups, and holistic practices to foster a balanced recovery journey.

Ultimately, tackling character flaws requires ongoing effort and support. By embracing self-reflection and actively working to make positive changes, individuals can experience profound personal growth and strengthen their ability to maintain long-term recovery. Engaging in an addiction recovery program that addresses both addiction and character defects helps individuals regain control over their lives and move forward with greater self-awareness and confidence in their sobriety.

Addiction Recovery for Individuals With a Substance Abuse Problem Coupled With a Co-occurring or Stand-alone Mental Illness

When someone struggling with a substance abuse problem coupled with a co-occurring or stand-alone mental illness goes to rehab, a lot of work goes into helping them overcome the psychological aspects of addiction. Some might argue that, aside from detox, this is the hardest part of breaking the cycle of addiction. And this is because individuals are forced to confront and finally deal with many of the same traumas that led to them abusing drugs or alcohol in the first place. This part of their journey to sobriety involves counseling sessions with a licensed therapist. These sessions typically include one or more of the following psychotherapy modalities:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Contingency management
• Dialectal behavioral therapy
• Motivational interviewing

When paired with other addiction recovery treatments, such as medication-assisted detox and addiction education, these psychotherapy modalities can improve one’s chances of achieving long-term sobriety quite a bit.

Addiction Recovery for Individuals With Character Defects: How a 12-Step Program Can Help

Character defects can make some individuals more susceptible to relapse, which is why many rehab facilities refer them to support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These groups follow a 12-step recovery model that encourages individuals to confront and address their personal shortcomings. A 12-step program helps participants identify specific character defects and understand how these flaws have negatively impacted their relationships with friends, family, and loved ones.

In these programs, individuals learn to recognize their character defects and associated behaviors as problematic, rather than dismissing them as mere personality quirks. Through the 12-step approach, participants take part in structured activities that encourage deep self-reflection. One such activity involves creating a list of personal faults, weaknesses, and challenges, followed by a second list that details how these shortcomings have influenced their behavior and contributed to their addiction.

Participants also engage in group therapy sessions where they share their experiences and receive support from others facing similar struggles. The Big Book, used in AA, provides a foundation for understanding the principles of recovery and how to apply them to everyday life. By working through these steps, individuals are better equipped to overcome their addiction, avoid relapse, and rebuild healthier relationships. The 12-step approach serves as a guide to long-term recovery, emphasizing personal accountability, spiritual growth, and support from a community of peers.

Additional Ways To Deal With Character Defects Commonly Associated With Addiction

While professional addiction recovery treatments and support groups provide essential tools to help individuals on their recovery journey, they may not be enough for everyone. Fortunately, there are several coping mechanisms individuals can adopt to combat character defects that may increase the risk of relapse. These strategies can complement a formal program of recovery and enhance the overall recovery process. Some of these methods include:

Meditating

Meditation is a powerful tool for managing impulsivity, cravings, and negative thoughts. Studies show that individuals who meditate regularly become more aware of how their thoughts and emotions influence their behavior. Meditation helps to identify self-destructive habits and patterns commonly associated with addiction, making it an essential part of the long-term recovery process. Practicing meditation daily allows individuals to develop greater emotional regulation, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Journaling

Although it may seem old-fashioned, journaling is an effective way to reflect on personal growth and manage character defects. Writing down thoughts and experiences helps individuals recognize the patterns that may lead to maladaptive behaviors, including addiction. Journaling also provides a sense of accomplishment, as individuals can look back at both positive and negative entries and see how far they’ve come on their recovery journey. This practice reinforces hope and motivation, key elements in maintaining long-term recovery.

Building a Strong Recovery Network

Character defects can make overcoming addiction particularly challenging, but connecting with a recovery network of supportive individuals can provide essential guidance and encouragement. Engaging with peers in recovery helps to reinforce positive coping mechanisms and provides accountability. Support groups, 12-step programs, and group therapy sessions are vital components of a recovery network that offer individuals the opportunity to share their experiences, learn from others, and receive ongoing support.

Conclusion

Character defects are a common part of the human experience, and they can complicate both addiction and recovery. However, with the right coping mechanisms and a solid recovery network, individuals can successfully manage these challenges. By incorporating meditation, journaling, and connecting with others in a structured program of recovery at an Addiction Treatment Center, individuals can navigate the recovery process more effectively and move toward lasting, long-term recovery. If you or a loved one would like more information on these strategies or available treatments, consider reaching out to a Garden State Treatment Center associate today.

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Published on: 2022-12-30
Updated on: 2024-10-08