Being a nurse student of the psychology class, I was required to attend a twelve step open meeting. For this purpose I chose Anonymous Alcoholic meeting. This simple experience really opened my eyes to many important issues as a future nurse and as a person.
The twelve steps program developed by the Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) is the main foundation of individual’s recovery from alcohol addiction. It involves the guidelines for the addicted person, one’s family and friends who are willing to support this person in the choice to change. The twelve steps recovery program is designed not only to stop an individual from drinking alcohol; it also serves as a guide towards the new life (Alcoholics Anonymous, 2011).
Attending this meeting was an unforgettable experience. After visiting I came to know more about the addiction itself and about people whose lives have been fully changed after they chose to quit drinking and begin a new life free of the dangerous habit. Most of these people used alcohol to cut themselves off the outside world and escape from some painful experience, resulting in alcohol addiction instead of moving on and leaving their past behind. When I was listening to stories of these people I finally realized how dangerous and painful it is to have an addiction.
I attended a twelve-step open meeting of Anonymous Alcoholics in New York on the 22 October 2012. I arrived around ten minutes early, having the intention of introducing myself to the head of the meeting. I was surprised to see, that it was quite crowded with almost thirty people in the room. I did not notice any particular demographic at the meeting. The room full of very young people who recently reached the legal age to drink with several senior citizens. Some of them were dressed up in nice suits, others in old jeans and T-shirts, which once again proves my opinion that alcohol addiction affects people despite their social class.
I preferred to sit in the back, as I did not really plan to speak. Shortly thereafter, a middle-age man went to the middle of the room, introduced himself, and announced the beginning of the meeting. The first person speaking was a young man named Jay (all names have been changed). When introducing himself he said: “Hi, my name is Jay and I am an alcoholic.” Then the whole room responded “Hi, Jay.” The man started telling his story to the meeting, and people were responding with support and understanding. This kind of communication continued around the room. I realized that it was not possible to maintain a discreet presence any more. That is why, when it was my turn I represented myself and explained that I was a nursing student and that I was there to observe. I asked people if it was ok that I join the meeting. The group welcomed me and their leader said they were glad …