Poor Behavior

I have to be careful that I don't confuse the traits common to my alcoholism with what is simply poor behavior that all people exhibit from time to time. Our literature suggests that many alcoholics share common traits. We are prone to nurture resentments -- we build elaborate cathedrals where they can live in comfort and peace. We exhibit extreme self-centeredness. We make control of others a lifetime hobby. Our time in the 40 yard dash slows markedly after we drink a half bottle of Jack Daniels. The list is quite long.

This doesn't mean that other people can't act poorly. It just means that the remorse and regret that this behavior causes doesn't vanish when they drink. Alcoholics -- both in and out of recovery -- act like jerks sometimes. Good people act like jerks sometimes. Jerks act like jerks. If I don't like how I'm behaving I can start to change that behavior. It doesn't mean I'm acting alcoholically -- it means I'm acting poorly.

My sponsor reminds me: "You're the one with The Program." I'm the one that has to go the extra mile when the actions of others annoy and frustrate me. Many of them don't have the magnificent spiritual solution that we do.