Poor coping skills – this is almost always a trigger factor for the additive personality to withdraw or take a defensive stand in any situation. Not being able to accept change or cope with it, is usually what causes the individual to shun from the prevailing circumstances and shut themselves out from having to face the problem at hand.
The need for immediate gratification – the need to buffer or shield one’s self from any adverse situations or feelings would require the “quick fix” action that usually includes substance abuse, alcohol of turning to other equally negative distractions. Such relief is only temporary and ineffective as the individual is not really dealing with the situation and instead choosing to shut it out by replacing it with a temporal good feeling aura. This of course is not only an unproductive recourse but also one that will eventually bring forth further negative complications. Addictive personalities also usually seek ways to numb themselves from rejection or go all out to seek approval at every juncture. The substance abuse gives them the perception of either of these options unfolding thus satisfying them temporarily. this form of perceived protections is how additive personalities are able to function within society comfortably.
