book Twelve steps
Alcoholics anonymous is an arrangement committed to helping its members live a sober life as well as helping alcoholics in attaining sobriety.
The name of the meeting was Friday night as Bill sees it, and it was located at the Torrance-Lomita Alano club on 1645 Arlinghton Aven, Torrance, CA The gathering took place on a Friday at 7:30pm and is held every Friday. The rationality behind picking this location was because it was near my house. When I got into the room I was expecting a meeting that resembled those on the movies, where chairs are set in a round shape and no other furniture’. In this meeting there were plenty of chairs and space. Members sat in a way they were able to see each other. I was nervous because I did not know how the reception will be like. My anxiety left the moment I realized that people are dealing with difficult situations in their lives. It takes bravery to attend these meetings and decide to change. The audience varied in age, ethnicity
and gender. I was requested to introduce myself. I let them know that I was a student and on a research mission. Members were understanding, but I felt out of place since I did not want to impose. One member disclosed to me that other students had visited the meetings before me. There was also a new member that attended the gathering. She introduced herself and outlined her motive for coming. There was no clear cut leader but roles such as secretary was designated. The meeting started with an introduction and reading words of honour. The meeting focuses on reading the, book Twelve steps. T Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
I was not surprised with the encouragement she received from the other participants. I was specifically impressed by a middle aged man who offered to be her sponsor. I learnt that sponsors maintain constant contact with the sponsees and offer guidance and support. The support increases the recuperation prospects. I also learnt from a female member that intense comprehension comes from substantial training and not questioning the group’s belief and language. The members I gathered form new connotations of terminology, which fit the group’s objective. The female participant also praised the Twelve Steps for helping her not to lose hope in life.
I also had a new experience with another participant who said that conformity, which he described as changing personal confidence to concur with the group. However, he cautioned against excessive risk-taking. He also urged old members to follow the laid down procedures so that new members can conform. The man said that alcoholics’ suffer from low self-esteem, and means that members will conform to the norms of the program.
During this research, there was an old woman who did not participate much in the discussion. I was surprised when she raised her hand and addressed the members by telling them to begin by changing their behaviours’ and attitudes. She continued by telling members to avoid their old networks and embrace new networks that include their sponsor.She continued by persuading the new member not to give up along the way because all the members present were once in her predicament. At that moment I thought that the old woman was an expert. She finished by telling the new participant to follow the process thoroughly.