ACA co-founder Tony A. adapted the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to help the Adult Child uncover the effects of having been raised in a dysfunctional family.

Having worked the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, Tony A. placed a high value on the program that helped him become sober, but he had concerns about adopting the steps for use by Adult Children of Alcoholics.  Although his suggested steps were not officially adopted by ACA, the concepts have been incorporated throughout the text of the Twelve Steps of Adult Children Workbook. 

Tony A’s overarching concern about using the AA steps as written is that Adult Children experienced abandonment and victimization early in life, and therefore live lives based on shame and fear.

Tony A. explains that:

* We cannot be restored to a sanity we never experienced (Step 2)

* Our parents modeled a Higher Power we couldn’t trust (Step 3)

* We are the victims, not the perpetrators, of the abuse we experienced as children (Steps 4/5)

* Shame and guilt keep us from loving and accepting ourselves (Steps 6/7)

* Adult children should not be directed to make amends to dangerous people (Steps 8/9).

Tony A. explains these principles in his book, The Laundry List: The ACoA Experience, published in 1991. The book is no longer in print, and is now available on Kindle.