ACA: My Journey to Emotional Sobriety

A dear friend relentlessly convinced me to go an AA meeting. I finally gave up my selfish pride and nervously went to a meeting. I’ve been sober since the first day I went: September 4, 2008.

Later, when this friend of mine was staying with me, she was busy in my kitchen typing up an article for the ComLine. I started asking her questions about Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families (ACA). I ordered the Big Red Book and Strengthening My Recovery that very night.

Soon thereafter, someone started an ACA meeting at our Alano Club on July 23, 2017. I immediately joined and that began my real journey to emotional sobriety.

I am no longer the person who gossiped about everybody and bragged about my accolades. By getting a sponsor and working the ACA Steps, today I truly feel I have had a spiritual awakening; I feel my Higher Power has taught me to be a kinder, softer member of the human race.

For anyone out there reading this, I suggest you read ACA’s Laundry List. If any of these traits rings true for you, I invite you to find a meeting, attend at least six, and decide if ACA is right for you.

One thing for sure, I am not the drunk or bossy person I used to be. I have found contentment and peace of mind.

My daughter has gratefully found ACA; my angry son has not, but I pray he opens his heart someday soon to find a meeting. I am concerned for my grandchildren.

The Serenity Pray has taught me to “let go.”

Thank you, God and ACA for the new life I’ve been given through emotional sobriety.