By RANDY CROUCH

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — A Marquette-based support group, Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families, is now holding meetings every week.

The organization is a 12-step program that aims to create a safe, anonymous place for anyone struggling with the effects of growing up within a dysfunctional home.

A member of the group says that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of what makes for a dysfunctional home. Some people struggle having parents who have substance issues, others come from abusive homes.

“Children from these kinds of homes grow up thinking that’s just how life is. Some of us, like myself, recognize as a child that ‘this isn’t right, this isn’t normal,'” she said. “Whether you think it’s normal or not, going through it as (a) child, you struggle through it, you grow up, you become an adult, you do the best you can stumbling through your life and making yourself better and whole from that experience. You don’t even think that there are long, deep-running characteristics in you that go through to your bones that affect every decision you make and every action you take in life. Including your own parenting and your own relationships.”

Another ACA member says that many people don’t realize that issues they have been having their entire lives stem from the environment they grew up in.

“Feeling alone, feeling like a failure at work, feeling that toxic shame from childhood,” he said. “When you get your examinations of physical things, you don’t have a way to make a diagnosis of childhood trauma of a wounded inner child. That’s what ACA is about: taking care of your wounded inner child who is clueless about their wounds. They think ‘How come I’m all alone? How come I can’t seem to have a good relationship with a partner or with my colleagues?'”

The meetings allow for individuals to express themselves in a safe, no-pressure environment with people who have dealt with similar struggles.

“You isolate yourself because of low self-esteem. When you realize there is a community, you think ‘Oh maybe I can fit in there’ because you don’t fit in anywhere else. When you realize you’re not alone and you don’t have to hurt, it’s hopeful.”

The meetings are held in the downstairs library of St. Paul’s Church at 201 E. Ridge St. in Marquette at 7 p.m each Sunday.

The group encourages anyone who thinks they may benefit from the meetings to attend. If you would like to speak to a member of the group, feel free to email rcrouch@miningjournal.net, who will be able to put you in touch with a member of the ACA.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.