Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families (ACA)

Many of us have ended up in complex relationships that are similar to our dysfunctional upbringings. ACA offers support groups online, in-person, and via phone conference. Visit adultchildren.org to find meetings, access literature, and learn more about the organization.

What is ACA?

ACA is a 12 Step program that focuses on emotional sobriety.

We were all profoundly affected by the dysfunction in our families of origin, whether alcohol was present in the home or not. Consequently, we developed a set of “laundry list” traits that helped us survive that experience. These traits may have been adaptive at the time, but have now come to substantially disrupt our lives.

We recover by “working our program.” This means attending ACA meetings and working the Twelve Steps. The Steps are not meant to be worked in isolation, which is why we work with more experienced members, a twelve step group, and/or our fellow travelers (others in ACA).

ACA is a spiritual program, not a religious program. The only requirement for membership is a desire to recover from the effects of growing up in an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional family. ACA has no membership fees.

Since each meeting is autonomous, and each meeting can be a different experience, we recommend that if your first meeting is not a fit for you, try other meetings before deciding if the ACA program can be helpful in your journey from discovery to recovery.

Meetings are intended to be a safe place. We share our experience, strength, and hope; we offer compassion and understanding. We also have the right not to share, unless we are ready. We welcome you to join us.

Please note that ACA is not a replacement for addicts working an abstinence program in other Twelve Step fellowships. Adult Children of Alcoholics works best for people that have obtained a level of sobriety in their other program(s).