FAQs

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 This Wikipedia article says it best: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adult_Children_of_Alcoholics

 A twelve-step program is a set of spiritual principles outlining a course of action for tackling problems including alcoholism, drug addiction and compulsion.

The definition of a cult is: A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. ACA is a 12 Step organization loosely modeled after the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is a spiritual program with no leaders, only service workers. We believe in empowering the individual through healthy relationships and tools that we learn in program. To qualify as a cult, there must be a leader, usually a charismatic individual. In 12-step groups that are operating in accordance with the model, there are no leaders at all. There are only volunteers who serve the needs of the group for a set period of time.

ACA believes in the concept of attraction rather than promotion. Attraction means we share how the program works for us and how it can work for others. We attract when we convey that ACA is friendly and inviting to all. Attraction is drawing others to us by reflecting positive qualities. On the other hand, promotion is selling the program to others.That we don’t do. ACA does not believe in advertising. That’s why most people don’t know about it. One hears about ACA by word of mouth or from their doctor or therapist. Some people stumble upon ACA while researching their emotional symptoms on the Internet. ACA is a worldwide 12-Step organization it is quite small. Most people know each other or know of each other. It pays to be respectful of everyone.

No, you do not have to pay a dime to come to meetings. We do ask for a donation though, but don’t feel obligated to contribute any monies to us. We do not have membership dues or meetings costs that you have to contribute to.

Meetings can be held anywhere, but frequently they take place in public buildings such as churches or schools—accessible locations that usually have plenty of parking.

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) is for people who realize that their lives are not working for them. They are in dead end jobs or dead end relationships, and they feel lost and broken. They are able to get through life, but it never seems to get better for them. Alcoholics Anonymous is for people who have trouble with alcohol and their lives have been devastated by it.

In most ACA Meetings we have a Secretary, a phone list person, a GSR (General Service Representative) etc. The positions last for 6 Months. At that time there will be elections. You can volunteer for these positions. After being at a meeting for awhile you will be made aware of other ways of being of service to ACA at regional and national levels.