- Co-Victim(KOH VIK-tim)
An individual affected by another's behavior or addiction, often adopting unhealthy coping mechanisms.
“As a Co-Victim of my mother's addiction, I developed unhealthy coping mechanisms.
- Critical Parent(KRIT-ih-kul PAIR-nt)
The shame enforcer. This is the internalized voice of an external parental figure that often presents as self-critical or judgmental thoughts towards oneself. It is generally developed from negative childhood experiences with parents or caregivers. The critical parent is a projection of external experiences (parental figures, external conversations, teachers, bosses, coaches, ministers etc) these are learned criticisms that we internalize and use on ourselves.
“Whenever John makes a mistake, he hears his critical parent telling him he's not good enough, a voice he's working to quiet in his recovery journey.
- Cross Talk(KRAWSS TAWK)
In meetings, giving advice to others, interrupting, or referring directly to others' shares. Virtually anything of the like, depending on motive.
“In ACA meetings, we avoid Cross Talk to ensure everyone feels heard. Save all cross talk for discussion after the meeting ("the meeting after the meeting").
BRB: p. 341, 564, 573
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.”
ACA Glossary
A newcomer's guide to common ACA vocabulary and jargon
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TR
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