Continuum of Addictive Behaviors and Optimal Health

Optimal Health	Knows limits Has clear priorities Congruent with Values Rooted in Diversity Supportive Has established a personal system Balanced Orderly Resolves Crises quickly Capacity to sustain spontaneity Shows creative discipline
Stable Solidity	Recognizes human limits Does not pretend to be more than he or she is Maintains most boundaries Well ordered Typically feels competent Feels supported Able to weather crisis
Medium Risk	Slipping Often rushed Can’t get it all in No emotional margin for crisis Vulnerable to slip into old patterns Typically lives as if has inordinate influence over others and/or feels inadequate
High Risk	Living in extremes (overactive or inactive) Relationships abbreviated Feels irresponsible and is Constantly has reasons for not following through Talks one way; lives another Works hard to catch up
Very High Risk	Usually pursuing self-destructive behavior Often totally into mission or cause or project Blames others for failures Seldom produces on time Controversial in community Success vs. Achievement-oriented

Taken from A Gentle Path Through the 12 steps by Patrick Carnes, Ph.D.