COMMON TRAITS-pg 253
- We have feelings of low self-esteem that cause us to judge ourselves without mercy.
- We are fearful, anxious, and insecure in many areas of our lives.
- We do not give proper attention to our physical well being.
- We have sudden outbursts of anger, often with loss of control.
- We are resentful, and blame others for our problems and struggles
- We are either irresponsible or we are overly responsible.
- We are perfectionists, and put undue pressure on ourselves to perform.
- We can be indifferent, and demonstrate- an “I don’t care” attitude.
- We use rebellion and defiance as a way to disguise the ADD traits that make us feel “different” from others.
- We are defensive and respond poorly to personal criticism or teasing.
- We have difficulty in sexual relationships, and use sex as a source of high stimulation or we consider sex uninteresting or a bothersome distraction.
- We have a compelling need for excitement and high stimulation in our lives.
- We use co-dependent and caretaking behavior to feel better about ourselves and to avoid abandonment or rejection.
- We use denial as a survival tool to protect ourselves from reality.
- We use manipulation and control to manage our lives and make our ADD symptoms more tolerable.
- We tend to isolate ourselves and feel uncomfortable around other people.
- We have a strong desire to escape from the ADD characteristics that negatively affect us.
(The Twelve Steps: A Guide for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder, RPI Publishing, San Diego, CA, 1996 Pg 253 Copied by permission) http://rpipublishing.com/