THE PROBLEM

1. Lack of Information - about:
      a. Characteristics of alcoholism
      b. Long-term effects on anyone living with addicts
      c. How an adult survivor repeats harmful family pattern
      d. How to live well & comfortably in the 'real' world

2. Repression of Emotions (Es) - because:
      a. Either no emotions or only 'positive' Es were allowed
      b. As a kid, too many Es, overwhelming & contradictory
      c. E's were too painful, & the rage had to be suppressed
      d. ACoAs learned denial by copying unavailable parents 

 

THE SOLUTION


1. Information & Verification
     a. Learn about addiction is all aspects
     b. Learn characteristics of Co-dependence (spouse)
           & Family Roles of the children
     c. How ACoAs reproduce alcoholic thinking & behavior
           patterns in the present
     d. How to actively change old beliefs & therefore
           their consequences, in recovery

2. Support & Safety
      a. Use support systems to validate ALL emotions 
      b. Express any emotion which surfaces in an appropriate
             way, with safe people / places
      c. Learn from healthy people how to accept & love self
      d. Experience trusting caring friends & a loving
            Higher Power (God is not analcoholic parent!)    

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RECOVERY is being able to:

✥ Always be kind to yourself, no matter what
✥ Ask for help & then take it - BUT ask the right people!
✥ Be honest about what happened to you as a kid
✥ Be your own motivator
✥ Care for your own needs, as best you can
✥ Expect to be treated appropriately
✥ Feel all emotions & express them safely
✥ Find & use support systems
✥ Go to any lengths to recover
✥ Include rest, meditation, fun
✥ Know who's safe & who's not
✥ Learn to manage uncomfortable emotions
✥ Live in the present
✥ Read, study, learn
✥ Stick with the winners
✥ Try new, healthy behaviors
✥ Think clearly & accurately.
✥✥ Repeat: "I KNOW WHAT I KNOW!"



For more on TOXIC RULES vs HEALTHY RULES 
go to: www.acoarecovery.com