46 List of Character Defects in AA [PDF]

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is not just about putting down the bottle; it’s about digging deep into the root causes of addiction and working to overcome them. Central to this process is identifying and addressing character defects—the flaws in our personality that fuel destructive behaviors. In this article, we’ll explore the list of character defects in aa their role in recovery, and how the 12 Steps can help us address them.

What Are Character Defects?

Character defects are personal traits or behaviors that hinder our growth, harm our relationships, or contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse. These defects can manifest as attitudes, habits, or thought patterns that keep us stuck in a cycle of addiction.

In AA, character defects are addressed primarily in Step 6 (“Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character”) and Step 7 (“Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings”). Identifying and being willing to work on these flaws is a crucial part of personal transformation.

Download the 46 Character Defects PDF Here

List of Common Character Defects in AA

Here are some common character defects acknowledged in the AA recovery journey:

1. Pride

• Excessive self-importance or arrogance.
• Difficulty admitting faults or accepting help.

2. Greed

• An insatiable desire for more—money, power, recognition, or material possessions.

3. Lust

• Using others for personal gratification or engaging in unhealthy, obsessive behaviors.

4. Anger

• Frequent outbursts, resentment, or holding grudges.

5. Envy

• Jealousy toward others’ successes, possessions, or happiness.

6. Gluttony

• Overindulgence or excess, not just with substances but in other areas of life.

7. Sloth

• Laziness, procrastination, or avoidance of responsibilities.

8. Fear

• Paralyzing worry or anxiety that prevents growth and change.

9. Dishonesty

• Lying to oneself or others, manipulating situations, or hiding truths.

10. Self-Pity

• Dwelling on one’s struggles to gain sympathy or avoid accountability.

11. Resentment

• Holding onto past wrongs and letting them control your emotions and actions.

12. Impatience

• Difficulty tolerating delays or frustrations, leading to impulsive behavior.

13. Selfishness

• Prioritizing personal needs above others, often to the detriment of relationships.

14. Perfectionism

• An obsessive need for control or achieving unrealistic standards.

15. Judgmentalism

• Criticizing others to feel superior or mask personal insecurities.

How Character Defects Fuel Addiction

These defects often serve as coping mechanisms, helping us avoid uncomfortable feelings or situations. For example:

• Fear may lead to avoidance behaviors, such as drinking to escape anxiety.
• Resentment can fuel a cycle of anger and self-justification for harmful actions.
• Dishonesty keeps us trapped in denial, making it hard to confront the reality of addiction.

Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking free from them.

• Visit our Find a Meeting page to locate AA or NA groups near you.
• Track your progress with our Sobriety Calculator and celebrate milestones.
• Start fresh every day with Daily Reflections.
• Discover recovery lessons at Spiritual Principles a Day.
• Stay motivated with today’s Just For Today reflection.

Addressing Character Defects in the 12 Steps

Step 4: Making a Moral Inventory

• Conducting a fearless and honest inventory helps identify character defects and patterns of behavior.

Step 5: Admitting Faults

• Sharing your inventory with another person fosters accountability and reduces shame.

Step 6: Readiness to Change

• Acknowledging that these defects hold us back and becoming willing to let them go.

Step 7: Humility and Action

• Humbly asking a higher power for help in removing these defects encourages spiritual growth.

Practical Tips for Overcoming Character Defects

1. Self-Awareness
   • Regularly reflect on your actions and motivations. Journaling can help.
2. Accountability
   • Share your struggles with a sponsor or trusted friend in recovery.
3. Practice Opposite Actions
   • Replace harmful behaviors with positive ones (e.g., practicing gratitude to counter envy).
4. Seek Feedback
   • Be open to constructive criticism and guidance from others.
5. Spiritual Growth
   • Engage in prayer, meditation, or other practices that help you connect with a higher power.

Benefits of Addressing Character Defects

Working on character defects isn’t just about staying sober; it’s about creating a life of fulfillment and integrity. Some benefits include:

• Improved relationships.
• Greater self-esteem.
• Enhanced emotional stability.
• A deeper sense of purpose and connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The list of character defects in AA serves as a roadmap for self-improvement. By recognizing and addressing these flaws, we not only support our recovery but also build a life rooted in honesty, humility, and compassion. Remember, the goal isn’t to become perfect but to strive for progress one day at a time.

If you’re struggling with addiction, reaching out for help is the first step. Support groups like AA provide a safe space to grow and heal with others who understand the journey.

Explore More Resources

• Visit our Find a Meeting page to locate AA or NA groups near you.
• Track your progress with our Sobriety Calculator and celebrate milestones.
• Start fresh every day with Daily Reflections.
• Discover recovery lessons at Spiritual Principles a Day.
• Stay motivated with today’s Just For Today reflection.

Official AA and NA Resources

• Learn more about the 12 Steps at the official Alcoholics Anonymous website.
• For support and resources, visit the Narcotics Anonymous official website.
• Find virtual meetings on the AA Online Intergroup.