FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to come from an alcoholic home to come to ACA meetings?
No. Anyone who was raised in a dysfunctional family that was chaotic, unsafe, and/or lacked appropriate nurturing is welcome to attend our meetings, whether alcohol was a problem in the family or not. Often our members had an alcoholic grandparent(s) who passed on the dysfunction. Other members cam from homes with dysfunctions such as an absent parent due to workaholism, ultra-religiousness, militarism, sexual abuse - whether overt or covert, eating disorders, and anything along these lines. Unfortunately, there’s no end to the number of issues that can cause us to feel “less than.” Many foster children, now adults, also related to ACA.
Is ACA a religious organization? When I read the 12 Steps, there are a lot of references to God.
ACA is a spiritual, not a religious program, We refer to a Higher Power, which is a self-defined concept for each member. The word “God” is meant to be generic for any belief. Each member’s beliefs are a personal matter, and we do not discuss recovery in terms of any specific faith. Specific religious views should not be promoted.
How do you define “Higher Power”?
Higher Power is something greater than ourselves that aids us in our recovery. It can be a spiritual being or not - it’s whatever you decide it is.
Is ACA available to agnostics?
Yes. Agnostics are certainly welcome.
A lot of meetings are held at churches. As they affiliated with those churches?
No. ACA is not affiliated with any churches. Meeting are often held in churches because they offer very reasonable rent.
What does it cost to attend an ACA meeting?
There are not dues or fees for ACA membership. However, there are expenses related to our meetings that include rent to host facilities and literature. Additionally, our Seventh Tradition states that “Every meeting ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.” Therefore, our meeting do pass a basket and ask for voluntary contributions for operating expenses.
Is ACA part of A.A. or Al-Anon?
No. ACA is an independent organization and is not affiliated with any other 12 Step program. However, our 12 Steps and 12 Traditions are adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous, and we cooperate with all other 12 Step programs.