Adult Children of Alcoholics is a Twelve Step, Twelve Tradition program of men and women who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes.
The ACA program was founded on the belief that family dysfunction is a disease that infected us as children and affects us as adults. Our membership also includes adults from homes were alcohol or drugs were not present; however, abuse, neglect or unhealthy behavior was.
We meet to share our experience and recovery in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We discover how alcoholism and other family dysfunction affected us in the past and how it influences us in the present. We begin to see the unhealthy elements of our childhood. By practicing the Twelve Steps, focusing on the ACA Solution, and accepting a loving Higher Power of our own understanding, we find freedom.
Adult Children of Alcoholics is a Twelve Step, Twelve Tradition program of men and women who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes.
The ACA program was founded on the belief that family dysfunction is a disease that infected us as children and affects us as adults. Our membership also includes adults from homes were alcohol or drugs were not present; however, abuse, neglect or unhealthy behavior was.
We meet to share our experience and recovery in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We discover how alcoholism and other family dysfunction affected us in the past and how it influences us in the present. We begin to see the unhealthy elements of our childhood. By practicing the Twelve Steps, focusing on the ACA Solution, and accepting a loving Higher Power of our own understanding, we find freedom.
Adult Children of Alcoholics is a Twelve Step, Twelve Tradition program of men and women who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes.
The ACA program was founded on the belief that family dysfunction is a disease that infected us as children and affects us as adults. Our membership also includes adults from homes were alcohol or drugs were not present; however, abuse, neglect or unhealthy behavior was.
We meet to share our experience and recovery in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We discover how alcoholism and other family dysfunction affected us in the past and how it influences us in the present. We begin to see the unhealthy elements of our childhood. By practicing the Twelve Steps, focusing on the ACA Solution, and accepting a loving Higher Power of our own understanding, we find freedom.
Adult Children of Alcoholics founded circa 1978 is a fellowship of people who desire to recover from the effects of growing up in an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional family. ACA membership has few formal requirements. ACA does not accept any outside contributions and is supported entirely by donations from its members. The organization is not related to any particular religion and has no political affiliation. Tony A. was among its co-founders and is the author of The Laundry List, 12 steps for adult children of alcoholics (known as “Tony A’s 12 Steps”), The Problem, which are all published in his book, The Laundry List: The ACOA Experience (co-authored with Dan F.)
Here are some key aspects of ACA:
- Understanding Dysfunction: Recognizing how alcoholism and family dysfunction affect emotional and psychological development.
- Identifying Patterns: Acknowledging recurring behaviors and patterns that stem from childhood experiences, such as low self-esteem, difficulty with relationships, and fear of abandonment.
- Healing Process: Emphasizing the importance of recovery through self-awareness, self-acceptance, and emotional healing.
- Supportive Community: Creating a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, fostering understanding and connection with others who have similar backgrounds.
- Twelve-Step Program: Utilizing a framework similar to Alcoholics Anonymous that encourages personal growth, accountability, and spiritual development.
- Focus on Change: Encouraging members to work towards breaking the cycle of dysfunction and developing healthier coping mechanisms.
- Commitment to Growth: Advocating for ongoing personal development and self-care practices.
- Personal Responsibility: Encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their own actions and feelings. This includes recognizing that while they may have been affected by their upbringing, they have the power to make choices that lead to healing and growth.
- Understanding Dysfunction: Recognizing how alcoholism and family dysfunction affect emotional and psychological development.
- Identifying Patterns: Acknowledging recurring behaviors and patterns that stem from childhood experiences, such as low self-esteem, difficulty with relationships, and fear of abandonment.
- Healing Process: Emphasizing the importance of recovery through self-awareness, self-acceptance, and emotional healing.
- Supportive Community: Creating a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, fostering understanding and connection with others who have similar backgrounds.
- Twelve-Step Program: Utilizing a framework similar to Alcoholics Anonymous that encourages personal growth, accountability, and spiritual development.
- Focus on Change: Encouraging members to work towards breaking the cycle of dysfunction and developing healthier coping mechanisms.
- Commitment to Growth: Advocating for ongoing personal development and self-care practices.
- Personal Responsibility: Encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their own actions and feelings. This includes recognizing that while they may have been affected by their upbringing, they have the power to make choices that lead to healing and growth.
Member Experiences
- Common Challenges: Members often discuss challenges like perfectionism, difficulty in setting boundaries, and struggles with intimacy and trust in relationships.
- Personal Transformations: Many members report significant changes in their self-perception and relationships as they work through the recovery process.
Therapeutic Techniques
- Inner Child Work: A significant aspect of ACA is the concept of healing the “inner child.” This involves acknowledging and nurturing the parts of oneself that were neglected or wounded during childhood.
- Communication Skills: Members often learn effective communication skills, helping them articulate their needs and feelings in healthier ways.