Twelve Steps to Recovery

Adult Children of Alcoholic and Dysfunctional Family (ACOA) Incest Survivors

ACOA Incest Meeting

12 Steps to Recovery

1. We became aware that we were powerless over and blameless for the circumstances of our childhood, and that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. We admitted to the truth of our origin, and came to trust that a Power greater than ourselves would nurture, love and restore us to sanity.

3. Made a decision to begin a process of recovery and change, trusting in a Higher Power of our own understanding to care for us and guide us in our journey.

4. Began an inventory of all that happened to us in our childhood, acknowledging how it affected us then, and how it affects us now. We also allowed ourselves to uncover and experience the feelings we had repressed and denied for so long.

5. We admitted to our Higher Power, to ourselves, and to another appropriate person, the truth of our feelings, attitudes and behaviors, and began to feel validated and accepted for who we are at this moment.

6. Became willing to allow changes in our attitudes and feelings, and to make changes in our choices, decisions, and behaviors, with the help of our Higher Power.

7. Made a list of all those who had hurt us, identified what was done to us, and allowed ourselves to validate, own, and understand the resulting feelings.

8. Became willing to forgive those who had harmed us, and to let go of the past.

9. Recognizing that our own attitudes and behaviors were imitative of our dysfunctional caretakers, and harmful not only to ourselves but to those around us, took responsibility for them and made appropriate amends where necessary.

10. Continued the process of discovery and recovery, making changes in our lives when necessary, and, recognizing and celebrating our specialness and uniqueness, became capable of self fulfillment.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with our Higher Power, striving to allow that will and ours to become one and the same.

12. Having achieved a Spiritual Awakening, characterized by a balance and harmony with ourselves, those around us, and our Higher Power, we became willing to share our experience and hope with others like us, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Michael Farrell

In association with books, music and videos recommended by Don't Fall Until You See the Whites of Their Lies.

ACOA Redondo Beach incest survivor MBW Family known for genealogy, Harry Potter Easter Party, wedding pranks, divorce pranks, redhead jokes, the Oh No A Bear Picture, Colorado resident Marvin the Martian, Spirituality Stories, Casper, Amaryzingrace's Tweety, Angela's Taz, Brittny's and Drew's Angelica and Tommy from Rugrats Playground. The guys won't want to miss my co-worker and model Marina Blackwell's photo gallery.