PROTECT YOUR ANONYMITY! This site, the chat/meeting room and message board is viewable by the general online public. When registering on the message board use only your first name and last initial to identify yourself. On both the board and in the chat room, use a nickname that others outside of Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families do not know you by.
You and your sister are both welcome here. I suggest that she join us and hang around. We share our personal stories, readings, etc. in the main Forum that you will see when you log in. If she finds someone she relates to she could ask them to be her sponsor.
Hi Hannah!!! Glad you reached out...you adn your sister are both welcome to join us...it doesn't matter if you are AA, Al-anon, or whatever 12 stepper...a lot of recovering alcoholics get into ACA because their drinking often is due to family abuse, abandonment, etc...So don't feel like you are the "lone ranger" if you join up...I think, honestly, that most people qualify for ACA...I go to Al-anon as well...Open AA, yep...I go to a lot of sites......
as to finding a sponsor?? I got on a site, years back and I watched the posts..I finally found a lady whom I resonated with and asked her to sponsor me....now if your sis gets turned down, dn't take it to heart...some folks are busy, plate full with work or family and cannot sponsor at the moment, but not to give up...her higher power will lead her to the right sponsor...
So glad you found us.....HUGS
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ROSIE, a work in progress!!!
Keep it simple__Easy does it__Keeping the focus on me--AND___"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart" ~ Unknown
I hope this post took......I'm on my slow computer, LOL
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ROSIE, a work in progress!!!
Keep it simple__Easy does it__Keeping the focus on me--AND___"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart" ~ Unknown
In ACA we have sponsors, but also a "fellow traveller" programme as an alternative.
Being the new kid on the block ACA is still building up it's stock of seasoned members. Beside that, we often have difficulty with figures of authority-
And so working with an equal has advantages.
Working with someone of the same gender is the norm...
...I really love and relish the group work- there is safety in numbers here... and the advantage of learning, and learning to learn- without fear. ...
Hi Hannah! Welcome to MIP ACA forum! This is a great group. The ACA program is very intensive, but if you put in the work and do it consistently you will see that you will make progress and fulfill the promises.
I am just saying WELCOME to anyone who happens to be "wandering through" this area for the first time. You have no idea how truly delighted we are to have your visit us and we hope you'll pull up an easy chair and get acquainted. There is nothing you could do that would make us reject you. (Well, I guess there are some sane basic rules), but that said, we are open to even "Your" Story, and even "Your" Pain, and even "Your Way" of clearing and healing your life.
This is a very generous-hearted community without judgment. You can be YOU here and we will love you as you are, as you are learning to love yourself too.
Look around, see what's here and see what is not here. Add your unique treasured voice to this community so we can all be blessed by your wisdom grace and light.
And if you share your pain and heartbreaks, you can count on many of us nodding in compassion and agreement (Ah, yes, I remember feeling that way too)...or I'm dealing with that same thing right now...how did you know?
One of the ways we heal and bond is through the commonality of "Identifying" with other's stories. So bring your stories. You'll see you're not as alone as you think you are.
Many of us started isolating as a way to protect ourselves from more pain. People could be so mean!
We aren't mean. You'll see.
Welcome and please check back often.
This can be one of your safe places in this big old world.
Oh, did I say, "Welcome?" I mean it. (Smile)
We all do!
Blessings to you today. It was a holy miracle when I found this place, and I hope you'll feel the same as you begin to join us regularly.
Hello! My name is April. And I'm visiting today for the first time. I was listening to a recovery podcast this morning and I heard some things about ACA that made me cry. Cry like a baby!! I'm an al-anon and had been wondering for years.. just what is my disease. Why do I do the things I do. And this morning it all made sense. I'm a little over-whelmed and emotional right now. But I'm also excited to finally find some relief, some answers, and some hope as my recovery continues. I'm not sure just where to start. So I'll be reading through some things here as I find my way. I'm so happy to be here.
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April
"We were entirely ready to begin the healing process with the aid of our Higher Power" Tony A's Step 6
Welcome April! I am glad you found us! I have been here for about 6 months, and I have found so much support and wisdom here! When I first read the Laundry List I felt like it was written about me. I knew there was a lot for me to learn through ACA. WHat CayceFriend says above is all true in my experience!
Pull up a chair and join our experience, strength, and hope. I'm sure you'll be able to relate to a lot of what you read. Jump in and share when you feel ready!
Hi guys, Im new here. I was suggested this site through my mentor. I deal with lots of anxiety/social anxiety. I lost my bf almost 2 years ago to suicide. Im here because I want to get better and work to create a more positive/meaningful life. Free from unhealthy attachments, negative self talk, and pity. Looking forward to doing the work. Thank you all for creating this safe space.
Hey everyone. My name is Kayla and Im an American living in Germany. I am a newcomer and looking forward to being part of this group as well. Ive heard of Al Anon many times but came across ACA from a recovery podcast and felt the laundry list was like taking an honest look into the mirror. I attempted to go to an English speaking Al-Anon meeting in the area but found no one in the building during the posted time. I was so relieved to find the groups online have lots of availability but would still like to find something to do in person with a group at some point. English speaking ACA groups are even less prevalent in the area but Ill keep looking. I am feeling anxious to start this program but Im driven to start living my life rather than life happening to me. I hope to make lasting connections and appreciate the kindness and support of the group.
It is said that face-to-face (f2f) groups are better, especially for newcomers. But if one is not available, this is a good alternative! We have members around the world in different time zones, but mainly USA.
Pull up a chair and join our experience, strength, and hope!
Hi April! Its great to meet you and glad to know Im not alone in my struggle for the f2f meeting. I strongly believe we are amongst a vast group of people with great insight and resources to help guide us. I look forward to making more connections with you and the whole team!
Alcoholics Anonymous and its 12 Step approach is well-known to most people. It is a more than an 80-
year-old method that is accessible to the addicts throughout the world, however, there are more up to
date approaches for treating addiction and preventing relapse backed by years of research. Non-12 Step Approach for alcohol rehab and relapse looks at recovery in a different light and believes that dependence does play a vital role in the problem, but there are some underlying issues that need to be addressed as well.
Just stopping by to give a big welcome hug to the newcomers and to the ones who are established with us. Whether you are reading or posting, I am hoping that the love and support and validation that you see coming from us helps you feel safe here and want to be a part of us. Thats why we have this newcomer board for the ones who arent sure, but want to reach out and be a part of something safe, something loving, something that will fill all the empty holes left in our lives due to the dysfunction and or abuse and abandonment of our families of origin. Ive been here on this community for at least 10 years if not more and it has literally saved my life being here. Theres no pressure to join us if youre not sure yet, but we welcome you to join when you feel ready and to post on the main board and all the right stuff we have on there I am sure there are posts that will meet just about every need you could have. But I want to be very clear, just having you here browsing and testing the waters is a good thing for you and your first step to a new and better life so as Co moderator I just wanted to say welcome newcomers
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ROSIE, a work in progress!!!
Keep it simple__Easy does it__Keeping the focus on me--AND___"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart" ~ Unknown
...
When I first read the Laundry List I felt like it was written about me. I knew there was a lot for me to learn through ACA. WHat CayceFriend says above is all true in my experience! 
