Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is “the most widely used treatment for alcoholism in the world;” it is known as a self-help group, which utilizes a 12-step program (Emirck & Beresford, 2016, p. 463). According to Mark Galanter, “Mutuality,” “is central to the AA fellowship” not self-help (2014, p. 301). The program emphasizes the acknowledgement of “the existence of God and a Higher Power,” as well as “a spiritual awakening” which is deemed crucial for a successful outcome (Ruiz, 2016, p. 801). AA is a “free” support group, with meetings being held “7 days a week” (Stockwell, 2017, p. 709). According to Galanter, there are “two million members’ worldwide and 200,000 weekly meetings” (2014, p. 300).
Expectations
Having never attended an addiction meeting of any sort, I was uncertain as to what the atmosphere would be. Nevertheless, having watched movies that included these meetings, I assumed it would be a formal, organized atmosphere in which affiliates would stand at a podium, introduce themselves, and talk about their struggles with alcohol. However, even this thought did not prove to be fact, we were not in a sanctuary, there was no standing up for introductions, and it was certainly not an organized process.
The Meeting Unfolds …show more content…
There were two men sitting at one corner, for the purpose of identifying them throughout this paper we will label them Member 1 and Member 2. I was accompanied by Member 3, with whom I am friends, and Member 4, whom I had met for the first time in the parking lot. Member 3 introduced me to those already in the room. The gentlemen seemed pleased to see as they put it, “Young blood, attend a meeting.” Previously, I had been informed by Member 3 that the meeting is typically closed; nevertheless, she had taken it upon herself to individually ask each member if they would be alright with my attending. Obviously, everyone agreed that my presence would be
Expectations
Having never attended an addiction meeting of any sort, I was uncertain as to what the atmosphere would be. Nevertheless, having watched movies that included these meetings, I assumed it would be a formal, organized atmosphere in which affiliates would stand at a podium, introduce themselves, and talk about their struggles with alcohol. However, even this thought did not prove to be fact, we were not in a sanctuary, there was no standing up for introductions, and it was certainly not an organized process.
The Meeting Unfolds …show more content…
There were two men sitting at one corner, for the purpose of identifying them throughout this paper we will label them Member 1 and Member 2. I was accompanied by Member 3, with whom I am friends, and Member 4, whom I had met for the first time in the parking lot. Member 3 introduced me to those already in the room. The gentlemen seemed pleased to see as they put it, “Young blood, attend a meeting.” Previously, I had been informed by Member 3 that the meeting is typically closed; nevertheless, she had taken it upon herself to individually ask each member if they would be alright with my attending. Obviously, everyone agreed that my presence would be