jcfollower

So it seems hard to grasp...can the classic traits of an alcoholic co-exist with the seemingly contradictory traits of an ACoA?

FanofJoeMcQ

I am an ACOA and recoverying alkie/addict. I feel like a walking real life contradiction many days. Smiling.

Ceres

I've never read the traits until now. So, thanks for the motivation.

Both my parents were alcoholics and died from this disease. One might ask how did I ever pick up. For me it was genetics, I had no defense after that first drink. Aside from my parents being alcoholics, I just called them crazy. I thought I was a "better" alcoholic. :rotfxko

Anyway, I have every single trait mentioned. I didn't find them contradictory at all. Maybe it's how one perceives them for themselves.

example:

6. Adult children of alcoholics take themselves very seriously.

I certainly did. I spent an obscene amount of time covering my ass and making everything "look dandy." I couldn't afford any screw-ups while sober since my screw-up quota was filled while drinking. So, when sober, everything I did had to be perfect. That would certainly be taking myself very seriously. Just in a bizarre way.