Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has become a major treatment approach that has been developed and deemed effective for working with individuals addicted to or abuse alcohol. Alcohol Anonymous (AA) was spearheaded by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith and was officially started in May 1935. Both Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith recognized that sobriety could be attained or maintained through supporting others and themselves. Spiritual beliefs involved in AA were derived from the Oxford Group, which Bill Wilson was a part of. Most Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) meetings are held in church halls or basements where groups are at no cost and are considered community-based resources for individuals in need (Straussner, 2013). Individuals who once struggle with alcohol
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I was privileged to attend my first ever Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting on Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Worcester from 8pm to 9pm. The meeting was located inside the church hall, and started promptly. This meeting was an open speaker meeting which was geared towards clients struggling with addiction and looking for a place to go and for recovering addicts. Approximately 32 individuals attended the meeting. Most of the participants were Caucasian inclusive of approximately four women and twenty-four men, and a total of four African Americans one female and three males. A chairman opened the meeting, introduced the speakers and closed the meeting and the secretary gave out raffle tickets, collected money and announced the winner of the raffle at the end of the meeting. Everyone stood and repeated the pledge and 12 steps at the start of the meeting. Some participants appeared withdrawn, did not show much emotion on their faces during the meeting, and walked back and forth from their seats to the coffee table. Other participants seemed excited when they saw individuals they knew and quickly shared a smile and greeted each …show more content…
Also, exploring the perceived severity of substance use and perceived benefits of and barriers to participating in 12 step or mutual support groups would be instrumental. Social workers play an integral role in helping to manage the rise in addiction and substance abuse. I recognized further the importance of becoming culturally competent, educated and gaining awareness regarding the drug problem across the United States and within my community. As a social worker and based on my experience at the AA meeting, it is critical that I am able to provide referral to the right treatment facility, utilize effective treatment approaches and educate individuals, families and communities about substance use
I was privileged to attend my first ever Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting on Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Worcester from 8pm to 9pm. The meeting was located inside the church hall, and started promptly. This meeting was an open speaker meeting which was geared towards clients struggling with addiction and looking for a place to go and for recovering addicts. Approximately 32 individuals attended the meeting. Most of the participants were Caucasian inclusive of approximately four women and twenty-four men, and a total of four African Americans one female and three males. A chairman opened the meeting, introduced the speakers and closed the meeting and the secretary gave out raffle tickets, collected money and announced the winner of the raffle at the end of the meeting. Everyone stood and repeated the pledge and 12 steps at the start of the meeting. Some participants appeared withdrawn, did not show much emotion on their faces during the meeting, and walked back and forth from their seats to the coffee table. Other participants seemed excited when they saw individuals they knew and quickly shared a smile and greeted each …show more content…
Also, exploring the perceived severity of substance use and perceived benefits of and barriers to participating in 12 step or mutual support groups would be instrumental. Social workers play an integral role in helping to manage the rise in addiction and substance abuse. I recognized further the importance of becoming culturally competent, educated and gaining awareness regarding the drug problem across the United States and within my community. As a social worker and based on my experience at the AA meeting, it is critical that I am able to provide referral to the right treatment facility, utilize effective treatment approaches and educate individuals, families and communities about substance use