Alcoholic Anonymous, Essay Example

Attending Alcoholic Anonymous Meeting

The mention of Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) means someone has or had a problem with alcoholism. The traditional setting is a group format that anyone is welcome. My goal as an attendee is the observed the meeting to provide a description of what happens at an AA meeting.

On March 22, 2014, I attended Alcoholic Anonymous at St. Francis Medical Center. The meeting was held at St. Francis Medical Center Behavior Unit where the psychiatric patients could attend. The announcement was made that all patients that wanted to attend the AA meeting should come to the AA meeting room. The meeting was commenced with the AA prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Speakers- Jamil

The speaker was Jamil. Jamil was the moderator of the AA meeting. Jamil set the tone with the rules about AA and the expectations of every member. Jessica spoke first. She is 23 year old, college student, and formal heroin, cocaine, alcoholic addict. She grew up in the craziest and unstable household with both parents were alcoholics. Jessica’s main reasons for drinking was she could not deal with home life, hated school, never learned to deal with problems and issues like a normal person. She now travels to different AA locations to share her story.

Speaker-Lucinda

Lucinda was from the UK and she was 19 years old. She has attended AA meetings since she was 17 years old. She loved drinking and partying but never realized that alcohol played a huge part in her life. She had a distant relationship with her parents, especially her father. The father was always very nonchalant about what Lucinda. He allow her to have her own apartment at age 15. She hit rock bottom when she was raped by a group of 6 guys in the back of a night club. Lucinda kept repeating how AA saved her life and without it, she would be dead.

Speaker-Cindy

Cindy is 55 years old. Recovering alcoholic of 14 years. She claims to be a late alcoholic meaning that she started drinking late. She never really elaborated as to why she drank. Cindy shared she was depressed with high anxiety which led to her heavy drinking. She loved drinking alone. Her husband would always find her past out at her house. Cindy also claimed to be afraid of death. Cindy deals with going to AA meetings and speaking to other about her experience with alcohol. Soft spoken, lovely lady.

What was of interest to you?

It was interesting how each person overcame trials and tribulations in their life. Its takes courage to stand in front of strangers discussing intimate details about how you messed up your life. Most people are private about events in the lives. It was interesting how they were able come back from some incredible odds. The camaraderie of the participants was unique because these strangers came together to gain strength from the others in the group.

What are your thoughts about the meeting?

In the beginning my feeling were mixed because I felt they were sharing too much pain. It appeared they are experiencing the same mistake repeatedly. The awful incidents could be felt and seen in the eyes of the speakers. The atmosphere could have been a better setting that the mental hospital. It was easy to remember you were in the mental health section of the hospital. The meeting was well organized led by the moderator Jamil, who was an experience leader in groups which allowed each group member to feel at home.

How did you feel about the meeting?

My feelings are its too much pain to constant be reminded about your shortcomings. I understand it helped them get well by attending the AA meetings. However, exposing ones soul to strangers is not idea of a perfect atmosphere of healing.

What did you learn?

It was learned that regardless of the dire circumstances everyone can overcome with a good attitude. In addition, I learned that speaker possessed and display was an excellent attitude, courage, unconditional faith, and confidence. I learned that God can overcome a hurdle.

References

Cindy Blankenship, personal communication, March 2, 2014).

Jamil Craven, personal communication, March 2, 2014)

Jessica Jones, personal communication, March 2, 2014).

Lucinda Laver, personal communication, March 2, 2014).