Introduction
One of the purposes of the AA/NA meetings assignment is to experience some of the fundamental stages of the AOD recovery process as well as to learn the basics of Alcoholism and drug addiction. The elaboration of this report is based on personal experiences in conjunction with course content, relevant theories and studies. The main focus is on the relationship of the group processes and important topics of AOD issues.
Some of the primary findings of this assignment are as follow: a) Nobody knows exactly the cause of alcoholism and why some drinkers turn into alcoholics, b) Some alcoholics have an underlying mental problem, they will not recover unless their mental health disorder is treated, c) “Once people have lost their ability
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Both offices were near businesses offices and only one of them had signs to lead first time visitors. Grupo Recuperacion is located upstairs and does not count with handicap access. Although Grupo Recuperacion hold their meetings in a small space with air-conditioning problems, the environment is attractive and inviting, there was a lot of literature available. This group offered me refreshments and snacks. Overall both spaces were organized, and smelled clean. However, I felt more comfortable attending the Grupo Recuperacion in Calexico because I could sense more humility and respect towards the program. In this group people arrived on time and listened attentively to the other members’ testimonies. They acknowledge the importance of group support and believe every meeting has a therapeutic …show more content…
For example, the help in this case alcoholics are obtaining come from the group support and the opportunity of obtaining experimental knowledge. In addition, some of the members mentioned that they are taking medication to treat other underlying psychological problems such as depression and anxiety such conditions might make them susceptible to relapse. The fact that they are not alone in the recovery process gave them courage to continue on and help others by providing them with the information and inviting them to assist the meetings. Although both groups agreed that there is not a specific cause of addiction, they also agreed that the only mechanism for recovery depends on oneself. For instance, it begins with being honest with oneself and recognize that one has a problem and accept or is willing to receive assistance to solve this problem. Those in long term recovery testified that they feel respected, valued and have more control over their emotions and
There are two groups of people pertinent to this project. Members of AA will provide information through sharing their experiences in interviews to those that will read and learn from the project, such as future alcoholics, new AA members, college students, and everyone in between. The members of the Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are the most valuable first-hand accounts, and will be the first to supply information with this project. Though a few members may be less than cooperative to provide personal information, most are more than willing to share their experiences in order to help others in any way possible. In the first visit to the AA meeting, several o...
Robinson, David. From Drinking to Alcoholism: A Social Commentary. London: John Wiley and Sons, 1976.
Alcoholism is as prevalent in my family, as blood is in our veins. When previously asked to observe 12-step groups, I ritualistically flocked to Alcoholics Anonymous, without consideration of the possibility that other groups had any potential to make an impact on me. I always pride myself in my ability to identify as an individual that is not ensnared in alcoholism, but unfortunately am an individual that was highly tormented by alcoholism. Through observation of the group and how it processed, as well as identifying how I felt as a new attendee, I was able to understand why self-help, support groups are so vital for individuals in recovery. I finally realized, I too am in recovery.
Both men immediately set to work with alcoholics at Akron’s City Hospital, where one patient quickly achieved complete sobriety (Pitman 69). In the fall of 1935, a second group of alcoholics slowly took shape in New York. A third appeared at Cleveland in 1939. It had taken over four years to produce 100 sober alcoholics in the three founding groups. That same year, the Fellowship published it’s basic textbook, Alcoholics Anonymous. The text, written by Bill, explained A.A.’s philosophy and methods, the core of which was the now well-known Twelve Steps to Recovery (Pitman 75 & 76). The book was reinforced by case histories of around thirty recovered members. From this point on, A.A’s development was rapidly growing (Wekesser 36).
...meeting was one of awe and some relief. This meeting made me realize that I should really appreciate the things that I have in life because there are others out there who are way off worse. What I learned from the meeting is that the problem is not how much you drink; it’s what happens when you drink. Getting clean and sober is for those who want it, not those who need it. The key step for addicts is to maintain a motivated way of thinking once you start feeling good about yourself from making amends. I believe 12-step sober support groups can be extremely beneficial to the person attempting abstinence. The premise is that one addict can best help another and that by helping another you actually help yourself. AA is a fundamental example of how groups support sobriety in individuals as long as they are willing to follow a program and commit to changing their habits.
Dealing with everyday stresses can be overwhelming for most people, all the more for recovering addicts. If you don’t have access to a support group who can help you manage these feelings in a positive way, you may be pushed to find social connections and coping mechanisms in other avenues. You may seek old relationships or habits that reawaken tempting behaviors.
In the disease of alcoholism, there are many psychological effects on the person. It can cause depression, anxi...
Overcoming an addiction to alcohol can be a long and bumpy road. Many people feel that it is impossible to overcome an alcohol addiction. Many people feel that is it easier to be an addict than to be a recovering addict. However, recovering from alcoholism is possible if one is ready to seek the help and support they need on their road to recovery. Recovery is taking the time to regain one’s normal mind, health and strength. Recovery is process. It takes time to stop the alcohol cravings and pressure to drink. For most, rehab and professional help is needed, while others can stop drinking on their own. Recovery never ends. After rehab, professional help or quitting on your own, many people still need help staying sober. A lot of time, recovering
Substance addiction is becoming an epidemic. While some people can quit using a substance without any help, most people need help to their recovery. Narcotics anonymous is an important support group for our society. There are many different narcotic anonymous programs to join that have meetings throughout the week. The members of the support group all share one thing in common, they suffer from different types of chemical dependency. Members help each other because they have the same problems and worries that everyone in the room has. Though they may be struggling with different stages in their life, for the most part, they all relate to what each is going through. Just as AA, NA focuses on the 12-step program. The members of
Therefore, when I work with substance abusers I will show empathy, encourage and validate their successes and their feelings about any failures. In addiction, I will help the person learn from their failures and normalize the situation. Furthermore, I would attempt to ensure that the person had several coping strategies in place, to help when he or she finds themselves in a difficult situation. Moreover, I intend to ensure the client has all the tools he or she needs to succeed while getting to the root of their problem through counseling.
A person that realizes his problem with alcohol has made an important step towards recovery. Next, they must choose the way in which he rehabilitates himself. One option is one-on-one counseling with a psychologist, alcohol counselor, etc. From the point, alternatives like group meetings or medication may be suggested. Also, a serious alcohol-dependency problem may need special attention in a recovery center. Another option is completely being independent in the sobering process. Often times these alternatives are used in a combination or in a series for more effectiveness.
This research paper will help enable sociologists to determine what the ongoing effects have on an alcoholic and further provides information on the long-term effects that society has to deal with. The significance of alcoholism and sociology is the ability of sociologists to research and discover how human behaviour is affected on many aspects of its effects on a person. An alcoholic can be described as someone who is addicted to drinking alcoholic beverages in excess. What starts out as social drinking can lead to excessive drinking and the many problems associated with alcohol abuse and i...
Alcoholics are all different ages, genders, and races. The disease is not specific to one person and can affect everyone in different way. Self-Help Groups are an important piece of recovery. It does not matter what type of recovery someone is looking for. When someone is in crisis they look to the people who are most likely to understand them and connect with them for support. I believe self-help groups are the most important part of the healing/recovery process. Not only for the person who needs help in the present. It also shows the others in the group why they sought out help in the first place. This group showed how important self-help groups are to the healing and recovery process, I would recommend self-help meetings to anyone looking for support.
... Alcoholism is a serious problem in today's society. It is extremely important that the public, including the large groups of users and abusers of alcohol, gain as much knowledge as possible about the symptoms and effects of alcoholism if we ever want to see the reduction of statics involving fatalities, injuries, diseases caused from the use and abuse of alcohol. Education and realization of the effects alcoholism can have on the different aspects of a person's life are the best ways that we can help control the number of alcoholics in the United States.
According to Institute of Alcohol Studies there is more than one kind of relationship involved between alcohol problems and mental health, such as: mental health problems may be a cause of problem drinking and vice versa; there may be a factor in common, in the genes or in the early family environment, which later contributes to both a mental health problems and alcohol probl...