Reading assignment:
Red Book pages 6 through 9, under the heading titled “Adult Children, Codependents;”
Red Book pg. 335, under heading titles “What is Codependence?” and “What is Para-Alcoholism?;”
Red Book pages 355 – 358, under the heading titled “Pain, Shutdown, and Survival”
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:
Tradition Twelve (the tradition for the month of December) in depth starting on Red Book page 549
Coda.org’s “Recovery Patterns of Codependence” on the “Meeting Materials” link at http://www.coda.org.
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.”
“A Codependent’s Guide To The Twelve Steps” by Melody Beattie, Step Two chapter (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.”
“Codependent No More” by Melody Beattie (available used on Amazon.com for around $4.00 USD), chapters titled “Codependency” and “Codependent Characteristics.” 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 52 of the yellow workbook under the heading “Dependence and Codependence”:
- Do I tend to get involved in relationships with an addict or another compulsive personality such as a workaholic or sex addict?
- Do I mislabel violent and chaotic relationships as “passionate” and “complex?”
- Do my relationships show a pattern of intensity, indifference and fits and restarts? Is blaming others a theme in my relationships?
- Do I mask my need to control others by appearing cheerful or helpful?
- Do I try to get my needs of love and happiness met by people, who cannot do enough for me or who cannot meet my expectations?
“Copyrighted by Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization.”
Deep Dive questions:
A. Have you been trying to exert power or influence where you may, in reality, have none? Have you been trying to control someone or something, trying harder and harder with less and less beneficial results?
B. What is the current state of your relationships with family, friends, coworkers? Do you have any relationships, or are you feeling alone and isolated?
C. Does your mind feel clear and consistent? Who are you holding responsible for your emotions, finances, and health? Who are you holding responsible for the state of your relationships?
© Melody Beattie’s Codependents Guide To The Twelve Steps
ACA Workbook Study 