The core set of spiritually grounded guiding principles in ACA, outlining the path of recovery.
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An individual who was affected by growing up in a dysfunctional home of alcoholics (with alcohol present).
Similar to an ACA, an individual raised in an environment where addiction (other than alcoholism) or dysfunctional behavior was present. Examples are...
An individual who holds power or control, often causing triggers for adult children.
The family member is often viewed as the troublemaker or outcast. Black sheep often carry the family shame.
An individual affected by another's behavior or addiction, often adopting unhealthy coping mechanisms.
The shame enforcer. This is the internalized voice of an external parental figure that often presents as self-critical or judgmental thoughts towards...
In meetings, giving advice to others, interrupting, or referring directly to others' shares. Virtually anything of the like, depending on motive.
Separating oneself from others' issues without losing empathy or love for them.
When referring to oneself: ACAs grew up with alcoholism, while an Adult Child grew up in another dysfunctional environment that yielded similar result...
The process of separating oneself from the roles or behaviors learned in a dysfunctional family.
The psychological process of disconnecting from one's thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity, often as a coping mechanism.
An individual no longer drinking alcohol but still exhibiting dysfunctional behavior patterns. An individual not or no longer drinking alcohol but sti...
A state of emotional health where feelings are neither suppressed nor out of control.
Families where personal boundaries are blurred, they are overly involved in each other's lives. This often starts with a dominant family figure whose...
The facade or persona created to survive in a dysfunctional environment. The True Self is a combination of the physical, mental, and emotional aspects...
The family member who assumes responsibilities and tries to make everything appear fine. Also known as Hero Child.
The family unit one was born or adopted into, often where dysfunction first occurs.
Refers to another individual in ACA. The term emphasizes mutual support and equality in the recovery journey. Unlike traditional hierarchical sponsors...
Recalling and understanding past experiences and emotions that were often buried, a key step in recovery.
Another term for a Higher Power, used interchangeably.
The family member who takes on responsibilities and tries to hold the family together. Also known as the Family Hero.
A spiritual entity or principle that is greater than oneself, often used for guidance and support in recovery. Often called a Greater Power.
A term describing someone who bases their worth and identity on constant activity, productivity, or achievements, rather than simply existing and conn...
This refers to the aspect of your psyche that holds onto your childhood experiences and emotions. It's your Inner Child at play when you find yourself...
Refers to the various parts of your psyche, each representing a version of yourself at different ages or stages of childhood. These Inner Children may...
This term refers to our internal emotional states, reactions, and even brain chemicals produced that mimic the highs and lows often sought through sub...
The process of recognizing and accepting both the functional and dysfunctional traits within.
The family member who avoids attention to minimize conflict or stress.
The family member who withdraws or isolates to avoid family dysfunction.
An inner nurturing voice developed in recovery, offering support and encouragement.
The family member who uses humor or distraction as a coping mechanism.
Informal gatherings and conversations held after ACA or AA meetings, where members continue discussions, share insights, or talk openly about topics t...
An individual displaying alcoholic behavior without consuming alcohol, typically found in codependent relationships.
Individuals or entities we choose as role models or guides in our healing process to help us along the way.
This term refers to the process of passing down dysfunctional patterns and behaviors from one generation to the next. The goal in recovery is to lesse...
Another person or trait (see Laundry List), or combination of traits that suggest a person is eligible for recovery. Recognition/admission of behavior...
The difference between uncontrolled fury often from past hurt (rage), and a valid emotional response to current situations (anger). Rage is an accumul...
The difference between reacting out of past programming vs consciously acting in the present.
The process of providing oneself the guidance and nurturing missed during childhood.
The family member blamed for the family's problems. AKA Black sheep. Carries the family shame.
The tendency of ACAs to recreate environments or situations that mirror those of their dysfunctional upbringing, often subconsciously, because it give...
Similar to reparenting, it's the act of nurturing and caring for oneself in a parental role.
The peace and calm that can be achieved through recovery. Breathing, present moment living.
The internal voices that represent past influences and messages, both positive and negative.
A list of 14 common characteristics shared by adult children who grew up in dysfunctional or alcoholic homes. Created by ACA founder Tony A., this lis...
A nurturing force, external or internal, that offers unconditional love and guidance.
Your authentic identity that emerges when you've worked through your past traumas and shed self-destructive behaviors and defenses. This is the aspect...