Introduction
The three meetings attended for this assignment were an open Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a SMART Recovery, and an Al-Anon Family Group meetings. AA is a 12-step program founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith (Worrall et al., 2018). The program is based on the idea that alcoholism is a disease that can be overcome through a spiritual experience and that the support of other recovering alcoholics is essential to achieving and maintaining sobriety.
SMART Recovery is a non-twelve-step self-help recovery group developed in 1994 by Dr. Joe Gerstein and Dr. Tom Horvath (Worrall et al., 2018). It is based on the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy and focuses on self-empowerment and self-reliance rather than reliance on a higher power. Additionally, the Al-Anon Family Group is a support group for the friends and family members of alcoholics. The group was founded in 1951 by Lois Wilson, the wife of AA co-founder Bill Wilson (Worrall et al., 2018). Al-Anon meetings are based on the 12-step program and provide support for those affected by someone else’s drinking.
Expectations and Assumptions
The initial assumption that twelve-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous would be more structured and formal compared to a non-twelve-step group like SMART Recovery is based on the fact that AA follows a specific set of steps and principles outlined in the program. The structure of AA meetings is typically formal and consistent, involving a leader who guides participants through the twelve steps, readings from literature, and personal sharing (Pagano et al., 2011). This consistency fosters a supportive environment for recovery. \
In sharp contrast, SMART Recovery is a non-twelve-step program built on psychotherapy that promotes self-dependence and empowerment, without invoking a higher power. Consequently, SMART meetings tend to be less formal and structured than AA, emphasizing practical tools and techniques for overcoming addiction.
One expectation was that the Al-Anon Family Group meeting would be centered on members detailing their lives with an addicted loved one. As it is designed as a safe space for the family and friends of alcoholics, it was assumed the meetings would enable individuals to share feelings, exchange coping strategies, and gain support and insight from others who understand their specific challenges (Kelly et al., 2020).
Actual Experience
Attending the meetings provided insights into the diversity of individuals who attend self-help recovery groups. A diverse group of individuals attended the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting regarding demographics and addiction experiences (Kelly et al., 2020). The SMART Recovery meeting was smaller, but the individuals present had a shared desire to improve their lives through self-empowerment and self-reliance. The Al-Anon meeting consisted of individuals who had a loved one struggling with addiction, and the focus was on learning to cope with the effects of addiction on their lives.
Attending addiction recovery groups also provided insight into the importance of community and support in the recovery process. Many individuals shared that the support and understanding they received from the group were crucial in their journey towards recovery. They also highlighted how being around people who have gone through similar experiences helped them to feel less alone and more motivated to continue working on their recovery. Additionally, the group setting provided an opportunity for individuals to learn from others’ experiences and to gain different perspectives on how to approach their recovery.
Comparison
Comparing and contrasting the meetings can give a better understanding of the different approaches and formats used in different recovery groups. The Alcoholics Anonymous meeting had a more structured format, with a designated leader guiding the discussion and sharing personal experiences (Pagano et al., 2011). The meeting format typically includes readings from AA literature and the sharing of personal experiences, intended to provide a consistent and supportive environment for recovery. The emphasis is on the 12-step program and that it relies on a superior power, like God, in overcoming addiction.
In contrast, the SMART Recovery meeting had a more open format, with individuals taking turns sharing their experiences and insights. The focus is on practical tools and techniques to overcome addiction rather than a structured approach. The Al-Anon meeting had a more intimate atmosphere, with individuals openly discussing their personal experiences and emotions.
Conclusion
This experience of attending different meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, and Al-Anon Family Group has informed me that addiction recovery can take many different forms. Individuals may have different preferences when it comes to self-help recovery groups. It has highlighted the importance of being aware of the various self-help recovery options available and understanding that one size does not fit all when it comes to addiction recovery (Kelly et al., 2010).
As an addiction professional, it is crucial to understand that different individuals may have different needs and preferences and that different recovery programs may work better for different people. Familiarizing oneself with the different types of recovery groups and their philosophies can help professionals make informed recommendations to clients.
Moreover, it is critical to realize that addiction impacts the addicted person’s loved ones and themselves. It can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, as well as financial and emotional strain. As a result, it is important to seek help and support from family and friends and to reach out to treatment professionals. For them, services like Al-Anon support groups are invaluable. They can assist family members and loved ones in comprehending the disease of addiction, learning how to deal with the difficulties of coexisting with a person with an addiction, and obtaining emotional support from those who have experienced similar circumstances.
References
Kelly, J. F., Humphreys, K., & Ferri, M. (2020). Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs for alcohol use disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Web.
Kelly, J. F., Stout, R. L., Magill, M., Tonigan, J. S., & Pagano, M. E. (2010). Mechanisms of behavior change in alcoholics Anonymous: Does Alcoholics Anonymous lead to better alcohol use outcomes by reducing depression symptoms?Addiction, 105(4), 626–636. Web.
Pagano, M. E., Post, S. G., & Johnson, S. M. (2011). Alcoholics Anonymous-Related Helping and the Helper Therapy Principle. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 29(1), 23–34. Web.
Worrall, H., Schweizer, R., Marks, E., Yuan, L., Lloyd, C., & Ramjan, R. (2018). The effectiveness of support groups: a literature review. Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 22(2), 85–93. Web.