Understanding Character Defects in the Context of AA and NA

Anyone who seeks the supportive environment of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) after completing an addiction treatment program is continuing to make progress toward self-improvement. Former clients explain to us how helpful a community program can be in continuing the personal growth process that began in rehab.

Many in recovery also notice that AA’s hard work starts in Step 4 when they take a fearless moral inventory. The process is challenging but helps you become more self-aware.

Our list of character defects (and downloadable PDF) can help you get started more easily.

Changes Healing Center is a Joint Commission-accredited drug and alcohol mental healthcare center in Phoenix, Arizona. Our professional staff has helped scores of people make positive changes and recover from substance abuse.

We invite you to read more to learn how Step 4 means admitting to character defects and how you’ll confess those flaws in Step 5. You’ll also learn some of the defects of character listed in the AA Big Book: egotism, self-condemnation, dishonesty, impatience, carrying guilt, lying, anger, fear, and more.

Whether through a 12-step framework, SMART Recovery, or other abstinence-based approaches, Changes Healing offers proven support for a clean and sober life, and we are here, for you!

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Identifying a Character Defect Requires a Fearless Moral Inventory Process

The entire Changes Healing Center team believes that a substance use disorder is a clinical diagnosis, as presented in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5). We have usually identified the root causes of the disease as trauma or mental health challenges.

We do not believe this disease is a moral failing or a poor decision. Our alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs address healing the underlying cause of the behavior.

However, we still want to tackle the topic of AA and NA programs because they provide a safe and supportive environment to integrate into daily life after completing recovery at Changes Healing Center. The 12-step model brings a sense of accountability for one’s behaviors that you might not consider otherwise.

We discuss Step 4:

“We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves” and share the “weaknesses” described by Alcoholics Anonymous with objectivity.

Dishonesty Is One of the Common Character Defects

Dishonesty Is One of the Common Character Defects

Lying is one of the more common consequences of an addiction.

An example of this is a person lying to their partner about money because they spend everything they earn on drugs. Not being honest could, in this scenario, lead to severe outcomes – eviction, utility services being shut off, or a host of other issues.

Above all, dishonesty places unnecessary stress on relationships, weakening trust between two people. Whether that’s a partner or a parent, lies are among the most serious character flaws because they destroy the support system you have to return to a more positive space and well-being.

Selfishness and Self-Centered Behaviors

Being selfish, meaning always putting your personal desires above everything else, damages everything in its path.

Why is this counted among the character flaws? Here are two examples:

Repeated absenteeism from a job to use drugs can harm your professional life – even to the point of income loss.

Here’s another: Giving into a craving for your drug of choice means standing up to your significant other after promising to escort them to a family event.

These behaviors shift focus away from recovery and toward self-gratification.

Pride (Lack of Humility)

Lacking humility, or pride, is another character defect. When a person feels they are above others, they feel entitled to special exceptions or a separate set of rules. People who believe they are the best equipped to manage their recovery actually create barriers to healing.

An example of this is a person whose doctor may recognize an addictive behavior and offer resources or encourage them to seek help. This individual may feel they know better than everyone else, including the doctor.

They can’t listen to or benefit from the doctor’s suggestions because they never think they’re wrong.

Fear

Fear is one of the character defects because it gives people an excuse to stick to the status quo instead of growing and healing.

A real-life example can be the person who never starts recovery because they fear the detox process. They know it’s vital to begin recovery, but those negative thoughts hold them back from overcoming problematic behaviors.

Envy (Jealousy) Is One of the Most Frequent Defects of Character

Envy Is One of the Most Frequent Defects of Character

Constantly comparing one’s life to others and feeling resentful or hateful emotions can create bitterness and dissatisfaction.

In recovery, this character defect might mean a client progressing through recovery at a slower pace than someone who came to the program on the same day.

Despite the therapists assuring them that everyone will develop coping skills at their own pace, they still feel tremendous stress and begin to secretly even hate the other person.

Greed (Always Wanting More)

Having an excessive desire for more is another of the character flaws. That might mean wanting more things, more recognition, or more control. Some people lack gratitude for what they already have and just want to have more.

In addiction treatment programs, that could mean craving for someone’s drug of choice and choosing to give into the addiction instead of identifying a better way to avoid use.

Gluttony (Overindulgence and Excess)

Gluttony may be one of the defects of character most people agree on. But many think it refers to overeating. Overindulgence can go beyond eating too much, including drinking, gambling, or any other excessive behaviors.

Understanding how it relates to addiction is easy – think of binge drinking as one of these character defects.

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Laziness

In the context of character defects, laziness doesn’t necessarily refer to inactivity or taking a little bit of free time. Rather, it means purposely avoiding the hard truths of abusing substances and putting in the effort to use time wisely.

That could mean someone in recovery who has made a personal commitment to attend Narcotics Anonymous (NA meetings) each week but dodges meeting opportunities.

Lack of Responsibility or Accountability

Making excuses endlessly or failing to take accountability can lead one to continued harm. They take every opportunity to justify their behavior and downplay their role in negative outcomes.

These character defects often appear in drug addiction in terms of a traffic stop involving narcotics. The driver may be fully aware of drugs in the vehicle but claims a former passenger must have left them under the seat.

Anger and Impulsivity

Anger and Impulsivity

Anger and impulsivity are character defects common in a person who has difficulty controlling their emotions. They act brashly without pausing to identify the possible consequences of the outburst. They lack appropriate means of self-expression, often from trauma or repressing their emotions.

The importance of controlling anger and impulsive reactions is a key point in recovery.

Self-pity, Guilt, and Shame

These closely related defects of character can trap someone struggling to stay clean and sober, holding them back from true healing. Self-pity lulls the person into believing that they are not of importance and gives them an excuse to revert to unsuitable coping tools.

Guilt and shame are traps that perpetuate negative thinking and can impact self-esteem and self-worth.

These character defects are seen when considering someone who turned to drug abuse after a sexual assault. They feel they are somehow to blame for the horrific event and use drugs to numb the weight of the guilt and calm their ongoing symptoms.

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The Defects of Character Carry into Alcoholics Anonymous Step 5

This list of defects of character carries over from Step Four of AA to Step Five.

Step Five states:

“We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”

This step focuses on confessing the things. After they identify they still need help with in Step 4, AA or NA members share what they have learned during the moral inventory exercise with a trusted person, God (as they understand Him), and themselves.

This next step demonstrates self-efficacy and displays a determination to overcome the defects of character.

Defects of Character Exercise: Free PDF Download

Step 4 Character Defects
Step 4 Character Defects

This free PDF can help you reflect on some of the character defects to complete AA Step 4.

Get Effective Treatment Programs at Changes Healing Center

Contact Changes Healing Center if you are ready to address your substance use disorder head-on and start healing today. We will develop a personal recovery program that will help you overcome the core causes of your addiction.

You or your loved one will get a foundation to find freedom from addiction and increase self-esteem, along with finding renewed purpose in sobriety.

Call our admissions team today for information about our recovery center – calling us to seek help is always confidential, so please reach out now.