ACA Bill of Rights

The ACA Bill of Rights

Many of us come into the Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) program not realizing that we can give ourselves permission to address our most basic needs. The journey of recovery in ACA involves learning to identify our needs, feelings, and ACA rights, as well as taking responsibility for fulfilling those needs in a healthy manner. It is essential to understand that the rights we discover for ourselves do not place the onus on others to meet those rights. With the guidance of these rights, we can cultivate healthier relationships, and with the support of a higher power of our understanding, we can begin to live authentically as our True Selves.

1) I have the right to say no.

2) I have the right to say, “I don’t know.”

3) I have the right to be wrong.

4) I have the right to make mistakes and learn from them.

5) I have the right to detach from anyone in whose company I feel humiliated or manipulated.

6) I have the right to make my own choices and decisions in my life.

7) I have the right to grieve any actual or perceived loss.

8) I have the right to all of my feelings.

9) I have the right to feel angry, even towards someone I love.

10) I have the right to change my mind at any time.

11) I have the right to a spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthier life, even if it differs from my parents' way of living.

12) I have the right to forgive myself and to choose how and when I forgive others.

13) I have the right to take healthy risks and experiment with new possibilities.

14) I have the right to be honest in my relationships and expect the same from others.

15) I have the right to ask for what I want.

16) I have the right to define and honor my own priorities and goals, and to allow others to do the same.

17) I have the right to dream and to have hope.

18) I have the right to be my True Self.

19) I have the right to know and nurture my Inner Child.

20) I have the right to laugh, play, have fun, and celebrate life right here and now.

To submit feedback, please visit: http://litreview.adultchildren.org

Reprinted with permission by ACA WSO, Inc.