ComLine Archives - Page 31 of 72 - Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families

The Package

by Tom M. | May 15, 2023 | ACA And The Arts, ComLine

THE PACKAGE(A short poem about my struggle to face the ugly truth about family dysfunction.) A package appears on my desk,addressed to me.It’s from my parents.I see the label: Family Secrets. I know the rules:do not open under any circumstance.But the package calls to...

Daily Affirmations

by Kathleen S. | May 1, 2023 | ACA Toolbox

“We are much like other people” in fellowship. In practical terms, the AA program’s view that “we are in this together” and “we are the resources that are there for each other” is a baseline I can make use of, whether I ever was a drinker or addict or not. When the AA...

Fight, Flight, Freeze (Facing PTSD)

by Geneviève R. | May 1, 2023 | ACA And The Arts

ChildhoodFight… to be seen, heard, cared for, respected, understood, protected… No way. That kind of dreams never came true.Flight… Dreams, imagination, stories in my books and in my mind… All that can re-write crude life is welcomed.Freeze… Don’t talk, don’t feel, be...

Tips for Step 10

by Kathleen S. | May 1, 2023 | ACA Toolbox

“Gradual Progress Is Progress.” I face unpleasant circumstances as the motivation for joining a 12-Step program (or going to therapy, where I am referred to one, as a follow-up for that work). Do adverse experiences end when I come to recognize them? Wouldn’t that be...

Woulda Coulda Shoulda

by Tamara P. | May 1, 2023 | Voices of Recovery

Use your brain, that's why God gave it to you.How many times do I have to repeat myself?Who do you think you are?What did I tell you to do?Why aren't you doing that yet?What's between your ears? Air?You don't ever listen!Here we go again!Do as I say, not as I do.What...

Letting Go

by Jon F. | May 1, 2023 | Voices of Recovery

As an ACA, letting go of anything always felt like jumping from an airplane without a parachute. I held on for dear life and didn't let go of anything. It’s how I ran my business, it’s how I was in charge of my family, and it’s how I held on to my traumatizing...