Understanding The Principles of RCA (Recovering Couples Anonymous)
Recovering Couples Anonymous (RCA) acknowledges that addiction redefines entire relationships. For couples and spouses facing recovery, it takes more than a committed relationship; it also takes accountability, communication, and support.
RCA meetings help cover these needs by creating a structured fellowship program where partners can work through recovery and rebuild trust and connection.
At Ingrained Recovery, our team understands that 12-step meetings provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for couples to share their experiences, strengths, and hopes. We recommend 12-step programs as an integrated treatment component of an aftercare plan, depending on each client’s specific recovery needs.
RCA meetings are free. While RCA offers in-person groups, Georgia couples would attend remotely; check their web page for updates and newly-added meetings.
Keep reading to learn more, and remember, we are only a confidential call away to provide immediate support and treatment options that will accept couples.
What Is Recovering Couples Anonymous (RCA)?
Recovering Couples Anonymous (RCA) is a peer-led, 12-Step fellowship focused on healing relationship issues like addiction and communication breakdowns.
These meetings provide a safe, confidential space for couples to share their experiences and support each other.
Many couples in RCA share personal stories of overcoming challenges such as addiction and dysfunction. In RCA, members learn the importance of mutual responsibility for the health of their relationship.
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How RCA Applies the Twelve-Step Program to Relationships
The 12-Step Recovery Process for couples includes a focus on commitment, communication, and caring as essential components of a healthy relationship. Couples work the steps together, offering a unique experience that’s different from individual recovery programs.
- We acknowledged that addiction had harmed our relationship and that we could not repair it on our own.
- We came to believe that help beyond ourselves could restore balance and health to our partnership.
- We chose to place our relationship and recovery completely in the care of a higher power (God), as we understand it.
- We took an honest look at how our behaviors and patterns affected our relationship.
- We shared our relationship mistakes openly with a higher power, ourselves, and a trusted person.
- We became willing to let go of habits and actions that damage our partnership.
- We asked for help in changing the behaviors that undermine our relationship.
- We recognized the people our relationship had harmed and prepared to make things right.
- We make amends when possible, being careful not to cause further harm.
- We continued to reflect on our actions as a couple and noted when we fell short.
- We practiced reflection, prayer, or meditation to strengthen guidance and purpose in our relationship.
- As our relationship healed, we committed to living these principles and supporting other couples in recovery.
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The Purpose and Structure of RCA Meetings
RCA meetings help recovering couples restore trust and stability in their lives. Each meeting follows a predictable, consistent structure that supports couples’ recovery while also including the flexibility to deal with the common problems of everyday life. The only requirement to participate is for partners to remain committed to the relationship and the recovery process.
RCA sometimes uses an example of recovery as a three-legged stool: sobriety, relationship health, and spiritual growth. If any leg weakens, the structure becomes unstable. Meetings help couples address imbalance, self-pity, and shame, replacing those with tools to support progress.
The RCA program includes ‘Meetings of Two,’ where couples can have private meetings to resolve conflicts according to RCA guidelines.
Core Principles That Guide Recovering Couples Anonymous
RCA was founded in 1988 to support couples in restoring communication and intimacy, and RCA adapts the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to address the unique needs of people in relationships.
RCA focuses on acceptance, honesty, and responsibility instead of blame or shame. Couples must listen to each other without interruption, communicate with clear words, and set healthy boundaries to protect each other.
RCA literature reinforces that recovery isn’t about fixing one another but about changing the patterns that don’t serve the relationship. They learn that growth demands humility, a willingness to change, and a desire to serve something greater than the self.
How RCA Supports Healing for Couples and Spouses
RCA creates space where couples can safely express feelings of guilt or fear. Hearing the stories of other recovering couples can help them resolve conflict and reduce isolation. Over time, couples (whether in a marriage or not) can develop intimacy based on honesty.
RCA offers specific tools for managing conflict, including ‘I’ statements and safety guidelines to avoid cross-talk. The only requirement for RCA membership is a desire to remain in a committed relationship.
While working the Twelve Steps, the couple may complete optional workbooks that include effective writing prompts.
RCA Meetings Compared to Individual and Family Recovery Programs
Individual recovery is important. But the RCA meeting focuses on the couple as a unit. Unlike traditional programs that focus on a parent-child dynamic, RCA looks at how members solve problems and stay committed despite facing distinct challenges.
Recovering Couples Anonymous (RCA) meetings provide a safe, confidential space for couples to share their experiences and support each other in restoring healthy communication and intimacy.
Couples in RCA often express that the program has helped them restore communication and intimacy in their relationships. And, as with effective therapeutic approaches, RCA members often highlight the significance of practicing the principles learned in the program in all aspects of their lives.
Who Can Benefit Most From Recovering Couples Anonymous?
RCA membership is made up of many types of couples. They welcome married couples, long-term partners, and LGBTQ partners.
Everyone can be represented, from traditional husbands and wives to same-sex or non-binary people. The program absolutely welcomes any couple walking through difficulty and in need of practical support.
Many participants in RCA find that sharing their experiences with other couples provides hope and encouragement.
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Contact Ingrained Recovery to Learn More About Relationship-Focused Recovery Support
Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation, and relationships often require extra care after addiction. If self-help or 12-step programs have left you feeling negative, rest assured, you haven’t failed. Instead, you haven’t found the program to support and complement your recovery.
Call our team now to learn about our addiction recovery programs and couples treatment options. All calls are confidential, so please reach out to see how we can help you, together, today.