steps Archives - Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families

After School at the Office

by Mari V. | Apr 1, 2024 | ComLine, Voices of Recovery

Toilet, by its many names, takes turds and toots with only a light expectation of care. This device was the seat of my family's shared sense of humor. So surprising was it that my beloved found nothing humorous in potty, poop, or pop-pop-pop. Enameled cast iron sink...

A Sufficient Alternative to The Original Twelve Steps

by Mike S. | Apr 1, 2024 | ACA Toolbox, ComLine

To me, the purpose of ACA recovery is to heal from the effects of trauma related to family or caregiver alcoholism/dysfunction while reparenting ourselves with love. This trauma, inflicted through abuse or neglect, can have situational and/or developmental aspects,...

Making and Taking My Own Steps

by Jill O. | Feb 1, 2024 | ACA Toolbox, ComLine

I worked the ACA Twelve Steps in a “fast” group in the first year I joined ACA. The experience was invaluable, opening my eyes to the big picture of intergenerational trauma and my childhood. Each time I worked a step in the yellow workbook, I wrote Tony A’s version...

Values in Action

by Kathleen S. | Aug 15, 2023 | ComLine, Voices of Recovery

Step Four: Values in action defines me! I can say, “I value honesty.” What strategies do I use to show I am committed to being honest? Faced with a choice between saying “I don’t agree,” and, for example, changing the subject or not responding to someone who I fear is...

Step By Step

by Julie N. | Aug 1, 2023 | ACA And The Arts, ComLine

Requires four readers / actors / dancers from all walks of life:Traveler OneTraveler TwoTraveler ThreeTraveler Four Traveler One: Step One.Own it! - show your powerlessness and surrender!Wiggle that hinny. Shake until you’re tiny.Lay down on the floor, all spent and...