helpful tip in working Step Two involves replacing the word “sanity” with “clarity.” By working Step Two, we gain clarity about how our family dysfunction affects us in our lives as adults. We gain clarity about our abandonment and internal shame. Many of us find Step Two sanity through clarity.

When the breakup comes, the adult child experiences intense feelings of abandonment, which are linked to the childhood days of neglect and abandonment.

1. By attending ACA meetings and working with my sponsor I am being restored to clarity and sanity. 2) I am understanding the effects of addiction and family dysfunction in my adult life today. 3) I am coming to believe that it was insane to think that I caused my parents’ addiction or dysfunction. I was the child. They were the parents. 4) I am not u

helpful tip in working Step Two involves replacing the word “sanity” with “clarity.” By working Step Two, we gain clarity about how our family dysfunction affects us in our lives as adults. We gain clarity about our abandonment and internal shame. Many of us find Step Two sanity through clarity.

The insanity we speak of in Step Two refers to our continued efforts beyond all reason to heal or fix our family of origin through our current relationships.

Of all the issues facing adult children, control is an issue that seems to take more time and patience to lessen. As children growing up in dysfunctional and sometimes dangerous homes, we had to stay in control of our emotions and thoughts to survive. To show emotion or make the “wrong” move could mean harm or humiliation. Letting go of control can

We often do not believe we deserve happiness.

we had carried the disease with us in the form of persistent fear and distorted thinking. This is para-alcoholism as we know it.

We mask our efforts to control another person by appearing helpful.