Aa Meeting Reflection

The AA meeting I attended took place at a church. The church that holds the meeting has a beginner AA meeting that meets Monday nights at 7 pm. However, I decided to go to the regularly meeting which takes place an hour later at 8 pm. I felt as though I would get more out of the regular meetings and get a sense of what regular AA members talk about. Before arriving at the meeting, I was a little anxious because I felt like as though I would be out of place, and I would be intruding on the members who come to the meetings for support. Also before attending, for some unknown reason, I imagined the meeting would to be similar to AA meeting featured in movies. Contrary to what I thought, the meeting was completely different. When I arrived at

the meeting I felt a little out of place. I was the youngest person there and the only person of color. The age range of the members of the group seemed to be about mid-thirties to seventies. Even though when I initial felt out of place, the members seated next to me welcomed me and were very friendly.
The meeting seemed to be well organized. There were coffee, cookies, and iced tea available. At the start of the meeting, the leader gave a speech welcoming newcomers. He also emphasized that AA is a not a place for any judgment, bias, or prejudice. He stated that everyone in the meeting is in a safe space to freely share and no one can do anything wrong. The goal of the meeting was to have preselected members take turns and share their experience with the group. They have a motto which states, “honesty gives you power and it is the best policy. No matter how tough a person may think their life is, it is best to be honest and share their experience. This not only helps the individuals but it can help another person who may be going through similar issues. Speakers should simply speak from their heart.
The pre-selected members made a commitment to speak to the group about their history, how their lives changed due to alcohol, and where they are currently in their lives. Members of the group, each had turns to share their story. During the meeting personal topics were discussed. Each speaker shared deep experiences about their lives. The first speaker spoke about how alcohol has always been a constant in his life. He started drinking during college. At first, it was during the weekends with his friends, soon after it became more frequent to the point where he would miss classes and sports practice. Eventually, he dropped out of college because he could not keep up. During his marriage, drinking was a problem and he was asked by his wife to leave the household. His marriage soon ended and was left on his own without many friends or family. He is currently four years sober and is grateful for the support of the group. The second speaker way a young woman in her mid-thirties. She discussed her addiction to alcohol which also started during college. She and her boyfriend were drinking buddies. She expressed the pleasure she received from drinking. Her description was that it felt good feeling numb and enjoyed the heat of the alcohol in her mouth. She also enjoyed the thrill of going to bars and ordering various kinds of alcohol. As she and her boyfriend frequently drank they began to abuse alcohol. This results in their relationship turning into an emotional and physically abusive relationship. During college, she has been hospitalized in many inpatient centers. Her mother would have to bail her out of jail numerous times. After college, she continued to drink and get into trouble. When she finally got arrested and sent to prison, she hit rock bottom. After prison, she stated she found a higher power and decided to change her life around. She admitted herself to an inpatient facility and since she has been sober for the past 4 years. The third speaker began to drink at the age of thirteen. During his childhood, his parents were not good role models and his father was an alcoholic and was absent most of the time. He stated he has abused alcohol for 45 years. Similar to his father he was an absent father to his children and not a great husband. He stated that he could never remove alcohol from his life because it has always been the constant denominator in his life. The speaker continues to come to the group as a way for recovery and a reminder of what alcohol has done to his life. He is now 13 years sober and has the goal in continuing to come to the group until he dies. He states knows if he sees a drink he will have no self-control so he chooses to distance himself from anything and anyone associated with alcohol. While listening to all the speakers, I found an interesting pattern in all of the male speakers. Each male speaker was married but due to the alcohol addiction, their marriage ended. Each male speaker stated that they did not know how their wives remained in their marriage as long as they did because they were bad partners.
Everyone at the meeting was very supportive of each other. Whenever someone introduced themselves, the group would greet them back. At the end of each speakers turn, the group would applaud for one another. Everyone listened to the speakers intently. From time to time, I would observe the room and I found that there were no members who were not paying to the speakers. I did not observe any side conversations or anyone appearing disinterested. Everyone listen intently and was respectful. As each speaker ended their turn, the group leader would thank them for speaking and call on another person to go to the podium to speak.
From what I have observed the meeting was successful in welcoming newcomers and making new people feel like they have a safe place to share personal things in their lives. I do not feel anyone felt pressured to say anything positive or give a good speech. Everyone was encouraged to freely speak. No matter what came out of their mouths, they would not be judged for their past. I feel as though each speaker shared from the heart and inspired addicts to keep working on their recovery. I cannot say the meeting was unsuccessful at meeting its goals. Each speaker who was called upon to speak, shared their past with the group and their motivation to continue coming to the group. I am not familiar with how AA usually runs, but I thought newcomers are given the opportunity to speak if they wish. The leader did not give the opportunity for any other non-selected member or newcomer to speak. However, this is probably done on days where the goal of the meeting is for any member or newcomer who wants to speak has the opportunity. Nonetheless, the meeting was successful in maintaining sobriety and helping alcoholics achieve recovery.
At the end of the meeting, I felt that the meeting helped those suffering with alcoholism.

Addicts suffering from alcoholism should make the effort to join an AA meeting. I believe meetings can truly help addicts become successful in their recovery. As evidenced by the members of the group I observed, meeting with fellow addicts who understand and has lived through the struggles of addiction, AA meeting is a great resource. Not too long ago, I had a hard time deciding my feelings of people with substance abuse. I strongly felt that this was a choice, however, at the same time, a small part of myself understood that this was a disease. As I have been learning more about substance use, I have been more on the side that substance abuse is a disease. After attending the AA meeting, it was confirmed for me that addiction is a disease. Although it may start out as a poor choice, it ultimately is a disease that affects that brain. Listening to the speakers, I felt really bad about my negative activities towards substance use. I know longer believe that addicts have the choice to completely stop their addiction. They need help from others to overcome the disease. Programs such as AA provides the fellowship that addicts need in recovering from

alcohol.