Defense mechanisms are a way that alcoholics deal with uncomfortable feelings created when their behaviors are in conflict with what they believe to be right and wrong. Defense mechanisms are classified into four categories from most harmful (Level 1) to least harmful (Level 4).

These defense mechanisms are usually severely pathological. They allow a person to create a reality based upon fictitious facts and allow a person to forego coping because there is nothing to cope from. They are considered psychotic defense mechanisms with two exceptions; dreams and childhood.

Most common in adolescents these defense mechanisms are formed to allow a person to minimize distress associated with threatening situations and people. These defense mechanisms leave a person socially inept due to the perception that others will see him or her as juvenile.

Neurotic defense mechanisms are common in adults and are formed as short-term coping mechanisms but cause long-term problems in relationships, work and quality of life.

These are considered the most mature defense mechanisms because persons exhibiting these behaviors are considered to have virtues. They allow a person to deal with conflicting emotions but still remain effective in life.