MIDTERM ASSIGNMENT 1

Reflection of Alcoholic Anonymous Meeting

by

Alizé Bland

B.S. Program in Psychology: Forensic

Mansfield University

for

Dr. Tiffany Welch

SWK 3327: Addiction: Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention

October 25, 2021

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OPENING PARAGRAPH:
I attended an alcoholic anonymous meeting via zoom on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at
noon (EST time) for my midterm assignment. The Lionrock corporation hosted this alcoholic
anonymous forum. Overall, the Lionrock corporation focuses on recovery and treatment options
for those dealing with Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD) problems as well as several mental health
difficulties.

As the meeting started, the first thing that the host did was introduce herself followed by
“I am an alcoholic." Soon after the host greeted everyone and thanked those who attended and
those who spoke stated their first names followed by “I am an alcoholic.” She expressed that
recovery is a troublesome process but being together and attending these meetings are the things
that will help and keep us on the road to recovery. She went over basic zoom rules such as: do
not talk over someone, mute yourself if you are not speaking, respect everyone’s journey and if
you are a first-time member listen, learn, and mute yourself.

After this, the host shared a quote about strength and faith that seemed very uplifting.
She then shared her screen and explained the 12 steps of recovery. The majority of those who
spoke expressed that they had a tough time dealing with step number 5. The group conversed
some more about their feelings, beliefs, struggles, and triumphs with the 12 steps.

Soon after, the host told everyone that we would be reading from the “Big Book.” The
Big Book is called “Alcoholics Anonymous.” It is the fourth edition of the Big Book and the
basic text for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and recovery. Those who had the book followed
along as she read chapter 5 page 67 aloud. She mentioned the fact that the topic discussed was
controversial; the topic dealt with fear and the solution of fear. The group talked about how they
dealt with their fears of loss, using, and abusing alcohol, living, and dying, struggles with faith,
and experiencing small victories in recovery. The meeting ended with the serenity prayer and
options of other resources available.

STATEMENT:
I thought the meeting had a nice set-up and was very welcoming. While attending the
meeting I felt uncomfortable. I felt as though I did not belong there. Soon after I heard some
attendees’ stories, I felt more comfortable about attending since some of the things that they
experienced I could relate to or know someone that has.

I felt incredibly nervous about attending this meeting because I felt as though I was
invading their personal space, but I soon realized that everyone’s experiences are the same with
and without the use of AOD, it is just amplified because of addiction. For those who shared their
experience with the group, I learned that family structure and family drug and alcohol abuse has
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played a role in their addiction. Not everyone had family drug or alcohol usage but a majority of
those who spoke did. I learned that most dealt with issues around trust with others, God (higher
power), and trust within themselves. That the problems that I am experiencing right now are
trivial and the issues that they face have a lot of baggage attached and weight to bear and a lot to
redeem from.

I did not recognize anyone in attendance since everyone was from various parts of the
country. Some of the stories I heard were very emotional to me and very heartbreaking and
uplifting. I learned that although I shared some of the same problems as them, I am not them and
I do not want to go down some of the paths they took. From what they shared I learned not to
regret things, stand up for myself, and do not do things because others want you to, do not stoop
to other peoples’ level and hate yourself, and talk to someone if it will help you.

I did not come into the meeting thinking about stereotypes and stereotypes dealing with
alcoholics. I came to the meeting to learn, listen, and show respect, but from what I can say,
some stereotypes were confirmed. I saw high-functioning alcoholics and troublesome alcoholics.
Some expressed the lengths that they went through just to get high and drunk. Some were your
typical alcoholic who started drinking at an early age and others were alcoholics who started
drinking and abusing drugs after a traumatic event occurred in their lives.

Overall, I learned that there are many risk factors that one has when it comes to dealing
with AOD usage. This might impact the future of professional counseling towards addiction
since it should be acknowledged that although these people are addicts, they are people, and
every single person should be treated as such, and their stories should be heard. That you may
never know the how and the why someone is the way they are and why they chose to go down
the path of addiction. I think everyone with an addiction can benefit from attending an
Alcoholics Anonymous meeting even those who do not have a problem with addiction.

If I were to refer someone to an alcoholic anonymous meeting, I would prepare them by

telling them that it is a safe space and telling them that they are not alone, and everyone goes
through the same issues, and it would be best if they would attend with an open mind and give it
a chance. Even if they do not share it is okay to just listen so that it can help you on your journey.
Those who would have trouble attending such a meeting are reluctant to do so. Even if they are
required, they will not have to participate if they do not want to. The keys to success in
overcoming alcohol or any other addiction would be trusting in yourself, having the willingness
to accept and embrace change.

BELOW ARE SCREENSHOTS OF MY SIGNED ATTENDANCE SLIP.

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