San Francisco ACA Therapy

Did you grow up in a family where your parent or primary caregiver was using or abusing alcohol or drugs, or engaged in an addictive behavior? Do you believe you might have problems related to the addictive behaviors in your family of origin? Are you overly sensitive or aware of how addictive behaviors impact you and others?

If you grew up in a family where a parent was using or abusing alcohol or drugs, or engaged in an addictive behavior, chances are this impacted you. The term "ACA" is typically used to describe some of the consequences of being raised in a family where substances or behaviors were the primary focus. The problems experienced by an ACA can be profound and lasting and can affect your current relationships. Some of the consequences are:

anxiety/depression

low self-esteem

trust issues

all-or-nothing thinking

control issues

intimacy issues

boundary issues

ACAs are more likely to have problems with anxiety, mood, behavior, relationships, and addiction. It can helpful to work with someone who understands the dynamics of growing up in an addicted family if this is something you experienced. The ways you have managed to cope with this type of trauma differs depending on the circumstances, and can sometimes interfere with living a fulfilled, satisfied life.

I work extensively with the dynamics of substance abuse and recovery, including how addiction affects family functioning or the effects of growing up with caregivers who were pre-occupied with substances or behaviors.

If you have questions or would like to set up an initial consultation session, please contact me at 415.401.7180.