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Alcoholic anonymous experience group
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As part of my community outreach makeup, I attended an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting in my hometown. It took place at the La Puente Center: 15911 Main Street, La Puente at 10:30 AM. I got to the La Puente Center and took a seat amongst the people that usually meet at this time. I introduced myself as a nursing student from Mount Saint Mary’s. I let everyone know that I was currently in a Mental Health class and as part of it I was to attend an AA meeting to see how these meetings were conducted and what their goals were. It was a group of individuals all looking to maintain their relationships, occupations, and lives in conjunction with their struggles with alcohol problems. It was important to me because it as an international fellowship, it is open to any men and women who have a drinking problem and want to do something about it. In addition, there is no age or education requirement to attend these meetings. I observed people at different stages in their lives, of different ages, and definitely both men and women. It was important to me to observe that all individuals that attended were open to each other regardless of their background …show more content…
What was also surprising to me was the level of honesty these individuals instilled. I’m sure that this is pivotal to the quest of being sober but it was raw honesty. These individuals acknowledged that they were different and not like other individuals who were not alcoholics. Their constant use of the term alcoholic was a clear effort to become accepting of their nature and remove stigma from the word itself. I was not only surprised, I was happy. These individuals brought a lot of perspective to my own life. It was eye opening in the sense that there are so many factors, faces, and situations that may represent a mental
...ethnicity or culture; it happens to anyone such as, doctors, lawyers, teacher, judges, students and many more. My observation of the meeting was that every member seemed to really listen to each other’s sharing, where each member shared an experience, and others could relate to that particular experience or had similar experiences, such as struggling with promiscuous behavior or relapses in attending meetings, but they still stuck with the program because they wanted change in their lives. No one was rushed in their sharing, and everyone was opened and friendly. It was a cohesive group. I felt a sense of that openness, when I was introduced to everyone, and included at close of the meeting, where everyone one formed a circle, held hands and recited the serenity prayer. Overall, it was a new and knowledgeable experience Another Chance gave me.
I introduced myself. I learned that the facilitator for the night is actually a member, a 30-year sober member. I was asked to enjoy refreshments and was greeted cordially by present members. The meeting was held in a church reception hall and the room was set up with 3 tables parallel from each other. I participated in this group as an observer, although, I did introduce myself at the beginning. The issue of this group was alcoholism and how to stay sober. The purpose of the group is to be a support system for those who are struggling with sobriety and those who have been successful in sobriety. The group focuses its healing around the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. This support group is open and provides no limit to the attendee
... middle of paper ... ... Prior to this experience, my knowledge was limited as to how one would successfully regain sobriety. I left the center feeling blessed, thankful that these men allowed me to witness a transformation in progress.
Alcoholism is as prevalent in my family, as blood is in our veins. When previously asked to observe 12-step groups, I ritualistically flocked to Alcoholics Anonymous, without consideration of the possibility that other groups had any potential to make an impact on me. I always pride myself in my ability to identify as an individual that is not ensnared in alcoholism, but unfortunately am an individual that was highly tormented by alcoholism. Through observation of the group and how it processed, as well as identifying how I felt as a new attendee, I was able to understand why self-help, support groups are so vital for individuals in recovery. I finally realized, I too am in recovery.
The mutual group attended was Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It consisted of about 15 to 20 people. There were teenager to older adults. Women and men attended. It was officiated by a female who is an alcoholic. Some of the group gave hugs and some gave handshakes. One female made sure that I had each one of the pamphlets that was offered to new beginners. Everybody respected each other during the meeting. One individual came in the meeting that had some drinks. The group members did not disrespect the individual, but took time after the meeting to meet to talk. They believed that each member should have a sponsor. Sponsor ship was important to the group, because it held them accountable for each other. Moos and Timko (2008) mention the significant of having individual have a sponsor in AA.
The AA meeting I attended took place at a church. The church that holds the meeting has a beginner AA meeting that meets Monday nights at 7 pm. However, I decided to go to the regularly meeting which takes place an hour later at 8 pm. I felt as though I would get more out of the regular meetings and get a sense of what regular AA members talk about. Before arriving at the meeting, I was a little anxious because I felt like as though I would be out of place, and I would be intruding on the members who come to the meetings for support. Also before attending, for some unknown reason, I imagined the meeting would to be similar to AA meeting featured in movies. Contrary to what I thought, the meeting was completely different. When I arrived at
Before I attended an AA meeting, I did not realize the significance of AA and the twelve-step program. Now I understand how these group meetings were designed to influence an individual to remain sober, but also it was meant to use your voice and ask for help when needed. I was glad that I had the opportunity to attend an AA meeting because I was able to see first hand an alcoholic’s point of view. It helped me understand that the negative stereotype of an alcoholic is not true and that because of their disease, they are living in a world that they cannot mentally comprehend because of their inability to refrain from drinking.
However, rather than treating an addiction like a disease, society treats addiction by stigmatizing the person like a failure, and criminal. Those who suffer with this disease, both the addict, and their friends and family, are usually isolated by judgment and embarrassment from others, who are unaware and ignorant to the issue. As a result, the disease sadly often goes unrecognized and untreated, especially among the poor, and those who are unable to get proper treatment. Once again, I am very happy after attending my second meeting, and it has an overall great experience. I wish more people were open to meetings to see how great and beneficial they are to all kinds of people, and this summer that is my goal to open others up to attending meetings that could help benefit
I do not regret it because it was an experience that taught me something. After attending the A.A meeting I realized/learned that everyone was there for the same reason. Everyone was on a road to recovery, everyone had a desire to stop drinking and everyone was trying to stay sober. I learned the stories of those who had an alcohol dependence problems. Some stories where sadder than others. I learned the stories of why the people chose to get sober. Some stories consisted of trauma that occurred, some stories consisted of children and some stories simply consisted of change. I learned that it is important to share and express your feelings at A.A meetings. Most importantly, I learned that the people at the A.A meeting were not judgmental and they are very accepting to others. Attending an A.A meeting gave me an inside feel of how an alcoholic or recovering addict may feel when attending their first meeting.
I’m not the only one who experienced these feelings, as I talked to other attendees I got a sense that they gained courage, optimism and a set of cognitive tools to
On Thursday January 21, 2016, I watched Lori Hart present on alcohol safety in the Student Union Auditorium. I had mixed emotions going into the presentation. On the one hand, I was a bit disappointed with the topic. It is very redundant, especially for freshman due to Alcohol Edu and the S.W.A.T. presentation first semester. I understand that it is a truly necessary and popular topic on college campuses because of the tendency of underage and excessive drinking. On the other hand, I was open-minded and excited. I can always learn something new from each opportunity given to me if I am willing. Plus, I had no plans that evening, my homework was done, and I got to spend time with my favorite Levis Leadership friends.
My assignment was to attend an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting and write my observations and thoughts on the meeting, its structure and philosophical beliefs. I was extremely uncomfortable about attending such a personal meeting. Would individuals welcome me or feel as if I would judge? Even though I was uncomfortable, I am glad I attended the meeting as it was a very enlightening experience for me.
Therapy Analysis The purpose of this paper is to examine the efficacy of my work as a co-therapist during the fifth session with the simulated couple Katy and Michelle. I will discuss our therapy agenda and the goals we hope to attain during the session. It is prudent to begin by giving a brief outline of the couple’s present problem and the patterns of dysfunction that I have identified within their relationship. In my opinion, it is the therapist’s job to recognize patterns and behaviors that disrupt the intimate bond between the partners.
A situation that involves nursing based on the family as a component of society includes a man, his wife, and two daughters. This man was admitted to the hospital for an alcohol problem that required treatment. The wife and daughters were suffering emotionally from this man’s illness and wanted him to seek help to better himself. As the nurse, I offered support to the family and provided information for community assistance along with resources regarding Alcoholic anonymous. According to Timco, C., Cronkite, R., Kaskutas, L., laudet, A., Roth, J., Moos, R. (2015.), Alcoholic Anonymous is used to create a better way of life with less stress. This is what this family needs in order to continue to function as a family. A few months later, I ran into this family and heard what a success their family has been due to the use of community resources. This family feels their lives are on the right track now and feel they have this man as a husband and father instead of the drunkard he used to
I continued on the twelve step recovery program and had decide to create a list of all the people I had harmed in the past and tried making amends as best as I could to each and every single one of them. I also had begun reading a lot of AA books which I believe really benefited me. Now I can honestly say that I have found a true peace of mind because I have a better understanding of what’s important in life, and I owe all my thanks to AA. Because of AA I have something to belong to, I have found new meaningful friendships. I have discovered that I can solve, or at least deal with any problem that may come along my way by using the wisdom I’ve found in the fellowship of AA. The people in AA really care about one another and I feel like I’ve