Report of AA Meeting, Assessment Example

Introduction

In an open meeting the group leader acts like a facilitator.  The group leader instructs group members to appreciate each other’s subjective world. Group facilitators can stress the actuality of security and constancy through a multiplicity of precise behaviors. The group leader also employs excellent listening skills

Defense Mechanisms

Two defense mechanisms used by participants in an AA meeting are; denial, and rationalization. Examples of denial and rationalization would be when in counseling a client may express that he has no problems controlling his drinking after all everybody drinks , whereas he is in hospital following an accident caused by drunk driving.

Coping Mechanisms

The most appropriate coping mechanisms are attending rehabilitations as well as abstinence from alcohol. An alcoholic encounters several alcohol-related cues in his surroundings. These cues include the smell and sight of their favorite alcoholic beverage. Treatments could provide alcoholics with practice in using coping skills while in the presence of alcohol cues (Monti, & Rohsennow. 112).

Patterns of Interactions With Family Members

Most often unsuccessful attachments in childhood and disastrous relationships subsequently result in shame, an internalized inferiority complex, or worthlessness.

Crisis Situation and Reason for Seeking Help

Most of the participants in the meeting expressed deep remorse for broken marriages, and lost jobs.  These were the main crisis situations that led to them seeking help.

The Social Milieu of the Meeting

The meeting was full of mixed cynic as well as optimistic feelings. Some participants felt that they were on the right path, towards recovery. There were also some participants who still felt that full recovery was not possible.

Self Help Groups

Self Help Groups form a very important social platform whereby individuals can benefit if they are able to tap into the synergies of the group.  They open-up an individual’s mind in that the individual comes to realize that their problems are not unique.

Thoughts About the Meeting

At a personal level, I feel that the meeting is a worthy endeavor in that persons who otherwise fail to receive appreciation have a platform whereby they can freely express themselves amongst other persons who can understand them and their experiences.

Works Cited

Alcoholics Anonymous, Welcome to Alcoholic Anonymous: Information on A.A. http://www.aa.org/lang/en/subpage.cfm?page=1

Monti, P. & Rohsennow, D.  Coping-Skills Training and Cue-Exposure Therapy in the Treatment of Alcoholism P. 112 http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh23-2/107- 115.pdf