Reading assignment:
Yellow workbook pages 7-9 OR Big Red Book (BRB) pages 101-104
Red Book pages 573-575, the “Cross Talk” through “Fixing Others” paragraphs
Recommended weekly reading:
“The Laundry List” or “The Problem,” “The Solution,” and “The Promises” on pages 587-591 of the Red Book or in the first several pages of the yellow workbook;
“The Twelve Steps” on pages 91-92 of the Red Book (also on pages 1-2 of the workbook); and
“The Twelve Traditions” on page 592 of the Red Book
Suggested supplemental reading:
The first 100 pages of the ACA Red Book (to be read over several weeks)
BRB (Red Book) Chapter 7
Tradition Nine (the tradition for the month of September) in depth starting on page 532 of the BRB
The Step One chapter of “A Codependent’s Guide To The Twelve Steps” by Melody Beattie (to be read over several weeks; available used on Amazon.com for around $4.00 USD.)* See ACAWSO’s Literature Policy: “It has always been accepted that ACA should remain eclectic in choosing literature. That is, ACA meetings may draw from various sources without censorship.”
“Days of Healing, Days of Joy: Daily Meditations for Adult Children” by Earnie Larson and Carol Larson Hegarty (available used on Amazon.com for around $4.00 USD.)* See ACAWSO’s Literature Policy: “It has always been accepted that ACA should remain eclectic in choosing literature. That is, ACA meetings may draw from various sources without censorship.”
This week’s step study questions are found on page 29 of the yellow workbook “Twelve Steps of Adult Children” under the heading “Powerlessness”:
7. Am I powerless over the effects of growing up in an addicted or dysfunctional family?
8. Do I use food, sex, drugs, alcohol, work, gambling or some other addictive behavior to an extreme? Am I powerless over these activities? (Give an example of powerlessness.)
9. Do I think I can change my parents or significant other by acting right, saying the right thing, or being perfect?
10. Do I think I caused my parent’s addiction and dysfunction and that I have the power to change it or control it?
11. Have I acted like a victim and acted helpless when in reality I was manipulating others to get what I thought I needed? Have I been rescued? (List an example.)
12. Have I been driven by a compulsion or obsession for another person that overpowers me and causes me to deny my own needs or take care of myself? (If so, detail how you denied your own needs.)
ALSO SEE: Pages 34-43 of the yellow workbook, to be completed over our several weeks of Step One work.
“Copyrighted by Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization.”
Deep Dive questions:
A. What keeps me holding on to the illusion that I have the power to change someone else?
B. In what ways do I continue to struggle with powerlessness?
© Al-Anon’s Reaching for Personal Freedom Workbook
C. How have your own addictions or compulsions diminished your life? Your health?
D. How have your relationships been affected by your own addictions, compulsions, and/or controlling/codependent behavior?
© Podenco Press’ 12 Step Workbook
ACA Workbook Study 