Research shows that there are behavioral and thinking patterns that recovering addicts have in common with those who have experienced childhood abuse. Those who have experienced addiction and those who have experienced abuse seem to have the same patterns of thought. Examples of these patterns are:
- Beating yourself up for what you should have done, reacting to life versus being proactive when faced with a challenge
- Playing the role of victim or having a “poor me” attitude
- Holding on to resentments
- Engaging in wishful thinking and devaluing what you already have
- Expecting the worst
- Frequently experiencing fear or worry
- Feeling unworthy or lacking a healthy self image
- Perpetually pleasing others before meeting your own needs
- Looking for life satisfaction externally such as in sexual relationships, overeating, drugs, overworking, or in other excessive behavior
- Avoiding where you are right now by frequently thinking that the grass is greener on the other side. For example, moving out of town with the thought that it will be better there versus right where you are now.
