Isms’ are described as transference of addictive patterns of dysfunctional behavior, passed down from generation to generation. For instance, if a mother was an alcoholic who never made it into recovery, her behavior would leave a mark on her children, husband, etc. Unless her adult children join some sort of recovery program and adopt the mindfulness practice, they will have very similar behavior traits to their mother but minus the alcohol abuse. There is a strong possibility that they will become codependent and form relationships with other codependents or alcoholics.

The Kindness Habit: Transforming our Relationship to Addictive Behaviours