Overview
“Character defects” is a phrase that comes up often in recovery circles that are based around a 12-step model of facilitating a spiritual awakening, in part through moral introspection of personal wrongdoings. The term is considered interchangeable with “shortcomings.” The website for the AA of Cleveland umbrella organization enumerates some typical ones:
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Resentment
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Anger
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Fear
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Cowardice
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Self-pity
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Self-justification
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Egotism
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Self-condemnation
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Guilt
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Dishonesty
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Evasiveness
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Impatience
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Hate
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False Pride
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Denial
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Jealousy
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Envy
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Laziness
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Procrastination
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Insincerity
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Negative Thinking
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Immoral Thinking
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Perfectionism
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Intolerance
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Criticism
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Gossip
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Greed 1
Commentary
Although 12-step models call substance use disorders a disease, the steps heavily weave moral threads into the medical model. Personally, while I think self-reflection over one’s moral values and making amends can be very helpful for some people, I generally oppose the idea of moralizing disorders, especially when there are physiological and social components to them.