Self-Destructive Behavior — Tag Meaning
A canonical tag for characters harming themselves indirectly: reckless missions, refusing care, drinking to oblivion, burning every bridge. It is distinct from Self-Harm in method but adjacent in spirit, and fandom applies it to half its favorite martyrs.
What to Expect From "Self-Destructive Behavior" Fics
A character treating their own life carelessly while others watch in alarm; intervention arcs are common. The behavior may include substance misuse tagged separately.
How to find Self-Destructive Behavior fics on AO3
On AO3, click any tag to see every work that uses it, then refine with the "Filters" sidebar — combine it with your fandom or ship, set a rating, or exclude tags you don't want. See our AO3 filtering guide for the full walkthrough.
Browse "Self-Destructive Behavior" works on AO3Related Tags
Self-Harm
A canonical warning tag for on-page depiction of a character deliberately injuring themselves. Responsible authors pair it with additional tags clarifying tone, since the same warning covers both raw vent fic and carefully handled recovery narratives.
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Self-Hatred
A canonical tag marking active self-loathing rather than mere low confidence: characters who blame, punish, or despise themselves. It often accompanies guilt-heavy backstories, particularly characters who believe they caused others harm.
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Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism
The canonical tag for alcohol dependence and destructive drinking, as opposed to casual social use. Stories range from active addiction spirals to sobriety journeys, and fandoms with canonically hard-drinking characters use it constantly.
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