George Mason University A Personal Experience in Alcohol Anonymous Discussion

Overview: You are to attend one meeting of the 12-step group (i.e., Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, etc.) and write a brief discussion paper about the experience.

Directions: Select a 12-step group meeting to attend. Make sure that you are attending an open (not closed) meeting. Should someone ask, be honest about your reasons for being there. People are typically appreciative of your interest in the organization, but remember that you are there to respectfully observe, not interview participants. Above all, respect the anonymity of the people you meet there. You may see people you know, and if so, respect their anonymity. Do NOT take notes or bring a tape recorder. Schedules of 12-step group meetings will be made available by the instructor. The discussion paper is to be a compilation of your reflections following attendance at the meeting, combined with information from the assigned readings and class presentations. Begin with a short description: name of group, place, type of meeting, a brief description of the demographic characteristics of the group, physical surroundings of the meeting, and atmosphere, and emotional tone. The remainder of the paper should focus on:

• Your personal reactions as an individual attending for the first time. What did you observe/learn about yourself by attending? Were you nervous? Why or why not? Did you have any stereotypes or biases that were confirmed or shattered? What emotions did you experience?

• What social, psychological, and spiritual principles of human behavior are the 12 step programs based on? How do they contribute to its success?

• What are the theoretical underpinnings of the 12-step group you attended? How do the foundational principles impact the potential for recovery?

• What key components of effective non-pharmacological treatment standards did you observe during the group experience? How do they contribute to the potential for recovery from substance use non-substance use disorders?

• Implications for your professional practice. Who do you think would benefit from such a group? How would you go about preparing a client for such a group based on your initial experience? Who might have a hard time participating in such a group? What do you think are the keys to the success of this approach?

• The paper should be single-spaced and a maximum of 3 pages.

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