Translating Recovery

A newcomer's guide to ACA vocabulary.

“When I walked into my first ACA meeting, I didn't understand half of what was being said. This guide is what I wish I'd had from day one.”
— Aaron, Fellow Traveler

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Hi — I can help you understand ACA terms and concepts.

What you may hear

He said his dad had thirty years sober but was still a Dry Drunk — and that the real goal in ACA was Emotional Sobriety, which is something totally different from just not drinking.

What it means

Dry Drunk

An individual no longer drinking alcohol but still exhibiting dysfunctional behavior patterns. An individual not or no longer drinking alcohol but still exhibiting the dysfunctional behavior patterns of an alcoholic.

Emotional Sobriety

A state of emotional health where feelings are neither suppressed nor out of control.

ACA Word of the Day

Black Sheep

(BLAK SHEEP)

The family member is often viewed as the troublemaker or outcast. Black sheep often carry the family shame.

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Being the Black Sheep of the family, I often felt blamed for problems I didn't cause.

12 Steps or "The Steps"aaron aca 2 ACA (When referencing oneself)Adult Child Authority Figure

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This is not official ACA literature. It is an independent service project by a fellow traveler.