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Family of Origin

In the context of Alcoholics Anonymous, the Family of Origin topic examines the foundational psychological and emotional landscapes that often precede the onset of drinking. These speaker tapes highlight the significance of identifying early-life patterns—such as a profound sense of inadequacy, the feeling of being an outsider, or a perceived separation from parents—which contribute to the alcoholic neurosis. Core principles explored in these recordings include the recognition of maladaptive coping mechanisms developed in childhood, such as performance-based identity, deceit, and the taker mentality. Speakers recount how early experiences of fear and self-consciousness created a void that alcohol was later used to fill, often masking a deep-seated feeling of being less than others. Listeners can expect to hear deeply personal narratives regarding the intersection of childhood environment and adult addiction. The accounts detail the struggle to reconcile early behavioral patterns, such as lying and stealing to fit in, with the rigorous honesty required by the Twelve Steps. By analyzing the genesis of their dysfunction, these speakers demonstrate that recovery involves moving beyond the external drama of the past to achieve an internal shift toward connection, accountability, and selfless service. This collection serves as a vital resource for those seeking to understand the root causes of their disease and the path toward emotional sobriety.

386 tapes

All Tapes

Bill D.
Step 11 and the Solitude of Listening to Higher Power – Bill D.
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Scott S.
The Rotisserie in His Head and Low Self-Esteem – Scott S.
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Tim H.
The Difference Between Being Physically Sober and Emotionally Insane – Tim H.
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Mary T.
Applying Spiritual Principles to Solve Problems in Early Recovery – Mary T.
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Janeens A.
The Insanity of Choosing Not to Use the Tools – Janeens A.
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Terry R.
His Emotional Higher Power Was a Detached Bureaucrat in a Gray Suit – Terry R.
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Scott
The Spiritual Tapeworm That Ate Him Up Inside – Scott
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Jay P.
Step 7 and the Prayer That Lifted the Fear – Jay P.
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Sheila A.
Sheila A. on Sponsorship, Family Alcoholism, and the 12-Step House
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Eve M.
The Wall She Built to Keep People Out Also Kept Her In – Eve M.
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Mike C.
Step 12 Gave This Alcoholic a Purpose in Life – Mike C.
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Mickey M.
Mickey M. at the Freedom Trail Convention – 2021
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Francine W.
Dignity Was Not in Her Vocabulary Until 14 Years Ago – Francine W.
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Nancy M.
Sponsorship as a Saving Grace for the Self-Obsessed – Nancy M.
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James L.
The Agnostic Who Fought the Concept of a Higher Power Tooth and Nail – James L.
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Bart R.
The Obsession That Becomes a Power Greater Than Yourself – Bart R.
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Deb H.
Step 6 and the Goals of Recovery – Deb H.
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Francine W.
She Got an Allergy Test to Prove She Wasn’t Allergic to Alcohol – Francine W.
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Ray V.
Step 2 and the Dignity of Insanity – Ray V.
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Mary S.
The Anonymity of Chuck C. and 18,000 White Eyeballs – Mary S.
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Amy D.
Step 11 – FOTS Step 11 Workshop – Part 18 of 29 – 2025 – Amy D.
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Jessica S.
Steps 4 and 5 – Wilson House Big Book Workshop Retreat – Part 5 of 25 – 2023 – Jessica S.
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Jessica S.
Step 1 – Wilson House Big Book Workshop Retreat – Part 4 of 25 – 2023 – Jessica S.
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Chris M.
The Service That Keeps Him From Being an Ideas Guy – Chris M.
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Earl M.
The Emotional Bottoms Are Absolutely Identical – Earl M.
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