I observed an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group in Paterson, NJ, which is a self-help group that helps alcoholics in the recovery and treatment phase. It’s an open group for anyone who wants to change their drinking habits. They have the meeting every Friday at 7:30 pm. There’s no specific qualifications to attend this group. No age limit, specific race, or education is required to become a member. The program is free for any individual who wants to stop their alcohol assumptions. The group’s main purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve the same goal. It’s a nonprofessional organization, the facilitator did not have any degree or certificate required to lead the group such as a degree in counselling or teaching. However, the
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The speakers shared with the group how their life was when they were alcoholics and how attending the groups and wanted to change their life is making them a better person. They were 55 members present at the meeting I attended and most of them were men. One of the speakers spoke about how he faces many obstacles everyday but with a good support system is what keeps him going. He stated that his life was miserable when he used to drink and he realized that he was hurting his family; he felt like he didn’t know who he was anymore, his family didn’t know who he was and that was painful for him. The AA group is what’s helping him stay sober and finding himself. By sharing his story with peers, he wishes to make a difference in someone’s …show more content…
Before the group started they offered coffee, some people didn’t want to get up to go get something to drink and I noticed they were others who voluntarily went to served them and they also remind the late comers about the refreshment as they walk in. They had three members who went up to the front to speak, first they said their first name and then stated that they are an alcoholic. After they state their name everyone would reply “what’s sup” and state the speaker first name. I notice when others were sharing their personal stories everyone was attentive and supportive. They were no side talks and everyone would clap after each
The speakers shared with the group how their life was when they were alcoholics and how attending the groups and wanted to change their life is making them a better person. They were 55 members present at the meeting I attended and most of them were men. One of the speakers spoke about how he faces many obstacles everyday but with a good support system is what keeps him going. He stated that his life was miserable when he used to drink and he realized that he was hurting his family; he felt like he didn’t know who he was anymore, his family didn’t know who he was and that was painful for him. The AA group is what’s helping him stay sober and finding himself. By sharing his story with peers, he wishes to make a difference in someone’s …show more content…
Before the group started they offered coffee, some people didn’t want to get up to go get something to drink and I noticed they were others who voluntarily went to served them and they also remind the late comers about the refreshment as they walk in. They had three members who went up to the front to speak, first they said their first name and then stated that they are an alcoholic. After they state their name everyone would reply “what’s sup” and state the speaker first name. I notice when others were sharing their personal stories everyone was attentive and supportive. They were no side talks and everyone would clap after each