Alcoholics Anonymous: An Open Discussion Meeting

AA Analysis

Alcoholics Anonymous, AA, is an open discussion meeting with anyone who wants to be a part of it or learn options for help. Many people join AA for the idea that they can relate to others and not feel judged on their past and present life choices. I personally, have a hard time understanding alcoholics and what their need for over use of alcohol. I went to an AA meeting with the hopes of understanding and being able to put myself in “their shoes” so that I can learn to help more. From the beginning I was scared, nervous, and confused with the thoughts of attending an AA meeting; therefore, my brain was constantly racing with thoughts on who, what when, where and why would happen while I was at the meeting. I found an AA meetings
I did not feel like anyone looked at me or judged me. I was not scared at that point because I realized the people in this meeting were not the scary or even close to what I had imagined. As I sat down I tried to just go with the flow of what others were doing: I noticed the coffee and donuts, and looked around a lot to just take in the whole idea. As the meeting began a pledge was spoken amongst everyone and I felt like it helped show that everyone was equal and there for their one desire. I was nervous because people were beginning to speak, I kept thinking what am I going to say. However, as people spoke I was so intrigued with their stories and situations that I lost focus on what I was going to say. I realized I did not have to speak and I would not be
During the meeting there was a break where everyone stood up and got coffee and broke into a small conversation groups. The was where I did most of my observing and began to realize even more these people are people just like me, the only difference between them and I was that their reactions to situations were different than mine. Stories were told of going to birthday parties, dinner and even work situations. These stories were no different than my everyday life, the only difference was that after the situations I like to come home and talk to my children and husband they like to have a drink to relax. As the meeting came to an end another pledge was being spoke and everyone stood up and held hands in a circle for the pledge. It was at that very moment I was no longer nervous and had changed my thoughts. I held hands, I joined the group, and I wanted to help be a part of their recovery