Translating Recovery

A newcomer's guide to ACA vocabulary.

“When I walked into my first ACA meeting, I didn't understand half of what was being said. This guide is what I wish I'd had from day one.”
— Aaron, Fellow Traveler

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Hi — I can help you understand ACA terms and concepts.

What you may hear

She talked about using Disidentification to separate herself from the voice in her head, surrendering it to a Greater Power — not a religious God necessarily, just something larger than her own spinning thoughts.

What it means

Disidentification

The process of separating oneself from the roles or behaviors learned in a dysfunctional family.

Greater Power

Another term for a Higher Power, used interchangeably.

ACA Word of the Day

12 Steps or "The Steps"

(TWELV STEPS OR THUH STEPS)

The core set of spiritually grounded guiding principles in ACA, outlining the path of recovery.

“

The 12 Steps have provided a framework for my recovery.

BRB: pg. ix, xiii, 91

12 Steps or "The Steps"aaron aca 2 ACA (When referencing oneself)Adult Child Authority Figure

Currently covering ACA. AA, NA, and more programs coming soon.

This is not official ACA literature. It is an independent service project by a fellow traveler.