Running head: ACA
ACA
Glendon Morales
Argosy University
ACA
Personal reactions
As a person that has attended a lot of self-help groups, I was expecting something
similar to the AA/NA meetings. The one meeting I attended was ACA, but there was a little more
structure.
Even so, I did have some anxiousness. Because of the type of individual I am, I
focused my attention on the individual speaking and that reduced my anxiousness. I observed
that there were two kinds of individuals at the meeting, new comers like me and those who have
been there for a while. I observed that the individuals who have been in the program for a while
had forgiven and let go, and new comers were working on it, some better than others. The only
stereo type that I observed is that there were more women than men at the meetings, because of
the type of meeting it was. There were more women than men at this meeting, but not a
significant amount to justify that stereo type. One significant emotion came with a learning
experience. I was happy to learn that even though it is called ACA its for all adults that have
some type of family substance abuse issues. The substance does not matter. I learned about
myself, that I like the concept and will use more in my work. There is a 12 step for ACA.
Social, psychological, and spiritual of human principle of human behavior
I see the 12 step program, or self-help group as a sub group in our society, that everyone
for any social class or financial wealth can attend without being judged. The Big Book Bob
Nightmare (1976) expressed being anonymous so it does not affect an individual in society. At
the same time keeping in mind that substance abuse affects society.
The psychological principle in my eyes is that it can help an individual with substance
abuse, if the right frame of mind is developed. Know that I am not alone and someone
understands what I am going through, especially a group of individuals who let me know that
they made it and I can too. It can be a psychological boost for an individual.
The spiritual principal, the higher power is what the self-help / twelve step group is all
about, being able turn it over to your higher power. Understand that we not in control of all
things that happen in our life, being able to accept help and to believe in the power greater than
ourselves. The emotions that I had in the group, while listening to others share, there was sadness
for the events in their lives, but relief and calm that they are moving on from the past. And doing
what needs to be done for the here and now. As I sat there I thought of the book and movie Eli,
Gary Whitta (2010) how by faith by belief and letting go of control, by believing in the Bible
with fate, was the most powerful weapons of all.
Implications for professional practice
ACA
3
In my work I encounter individuals from substance abuse homes who are traumatized in
one way or another, and so many times they only get referred to whatever substance they
themselves are abusing. Sometimes they have faced the issues of the dysfunctional family that
they grew up in. In the book It Will Never Happen To Me Claudia Black (1981) Individuals
seem to emulate the same behavior that they want to get away from. The ACA gets forgotten, I
would definitely recommend those clients ACA..
Individuals that have a hard time facing their dysfunctional family issues, those who have
accepted that they were a substance abuse user in their family for one reason or another, and
those that dont want to let go of the hurt of being a victim will have a hard time in this group.
But the individuals who are ready to move on or once an individual is tired of hurting then
change will come Iyanla Vanzant (1992). This individual will be ready for ACA and will be
useful in it.
The 12 step program fits this class because it is important for the therapist to have
knowledge of all the resources that can help the client accomplish their goals.
ACA
4
References
Black, C. (1981). It Will Never Happen To Me. New York: Ballantine Books.
Nightmare, B. (1976). Alcoholics Anonymous (6th ed.). New York: Alcoholics Anonymous
World Servoces, Inc.
Vanzant, I. (1992). Tapping The Power Within: A Path to Self-Empowerment for Women. New
York: Smiley Books, an Imprint of Hay House In.
Whitta, G. (2010). Eli. Los Angeles: Alcon Entertainment.
