ACA vs ACOA

[Peggyannvt]

I attended a group in Montpelier, Vermont. We called ourselves ACOA but included, many of us, whose parents did not drink, but did not raise happy mature adults.

I am new to Cyberrecovery and would like to know more about this part of the forum?

Thank you

Peggyann

[Carol87]

Hello Peggy - I got my start in 12 step recovery many years ago in what was known as ACA in my area. However, ACA and ACOA are the same program ... Adult Children of Alcoholics is a Twelve Step, Twelve Tradition program of women and men who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes.

I hope that answers your question ... ???

[Peggyannvt]

Thank you Carol. I did not think that all groups included us kids from other dysfuntional homes. I attended ACOA in Montpelier Vermont for 10 years. Not quite from it's first month but definitly it's last.

I need to work on myself, not the drink or the drug or the A.

Thank you for your flower.

LOVE
Peggyann

[clean42day]

Hi PeggyAnn, my parents did not drink alcoholicly, however, they themselves grew up in alcoholic/dysfunctional homes. it is my understanding that the disease of alcoholism is so pervasive and damaging, that years after the alcohol has been removed from the family system, without treatment or recovery, the dysfunctional behaviors live on......and are passed down from generation to generation. They are dysfunctional coping skills and defense mechanisms that cause us to live inauthentically and in unhealthy ways. ACOA or ACA breaks that chain of dysfunction and not only helps us, but also helps us to raise healthier children too. we no longer have to live by the ties that bind us.

light and love and glad you are here

Gail