Paper details:
The purpose of visiting an AA meeting is to provide opportunities to hear people tell their stories, and thereby gain insight into the nature of addiction and recovery. The purpose is not to “convert” you to a 12-Step orientation. The instructor’s view is that there are many paths into and out of problematic use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD), and there should be choice available to all people struggling with AOD regarding the best path for them. Because 12-Step programs are widely-available (especially Alcoholics Anonymous) and provide a mechanism for persons who are not “in recovery” to become familiar with their program (via “open” meetings), the assignment requires attendance at A.A. meetings. The assignment also requires you to visit the websites of several alternatives to 12-Step programs, the most practical and accessible way to become familiar with these resources.
If you are already a member of AA, try visiting an alternate 12 step meeting such as NA, Gamblers Anonymous, or Al-Anon and completing the assignment based on that experience.
Guidelines for Assignment:
Attend at least one AA meeting.
Attend only OPEN meetings (unless you are in recovery). You may prefer SPEAKER meetings, which tend to be larger and less intimate for newcomers and visitors, but DISCUSSION meetings and other types are also acceptable if they are open. Meeting schedules provide some guidance on this.If you have experience in 12-step fellowships, choose groups that will provide new learning for you.
You must respect the anonymity of the people there.Therefore, if you encounter someone you recognize, you must not disclose this to anyone.
If asked why you are there, explain that you are a student and you want to learn more about 12-step programs. Do not characterize your reason for attendance as “an assignment.”This fails to honor the people you are visiting or your higher purpose to learn from them.
Once you attend the meeting, prepare a 2-3 page reaction report regarding your experience.
What were your thoughts prior to attending the meeting?
Describe the content of the meeting. Do not use any names of persons there
What did you observe? How did you feel after attending the meeting?
What did you learn about AA that you were not familiar with before the meeting?
If you wanted to send a client to AA, how might you describe the experience to them?
