Originally Posted by
ljc267 
I have also noticed that alcoholics, including myself, share many character traits, which adds to the heredity debate.
Self centered
Egotistical
takes things very personally
overly sensitive
internalization of emotions
A type personality
Just my .02 but I think heredity does play a role in the development of alcoholism
This was me, between drinks. I could add low self esteem, which is a direct result of the egoism. These character traits were the things that had to change in order for me to stay sober. I was not well equipped to handle life and get on with my fellows - all of that stuff resulted in discomfort for me, which in turn lead to more drinking to feel better.
There was a doctor a few years back, who worked with alcoholics before AA came on the scene. In a talk he described us as "greedy self lovers". Harsh, but in my case, accurate.