Introduction
Alcoholics Anonymous is an initiative based on the 12-Step Program aiming to assist individuals with substance use disorder in their recovery. The fellowship includes both men and women who support each other, share their experiences, and discuss various issues related to their alcohol use or sobriety. It is an excellent platform that is not only helpful in information sharing but also in the establishment of like-minded people.
Needless to say, individuals are more likely to be motivated to change their lives when they see examples of others successfully doing it or having a support system that understands their struggles and efforts. Attending the AA meeting has highlighted the support and encouragement present during such gatherings, while the scientific evidence assessment has exemplified that self-help groups are, indeed, effective in minimizing negative outcomes.
Evidence
Researchers have extensively studied the impact of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings on participants. Self-help groups as a whole have been found to be both effective on a personal and national level (Bond et al., 2019). From an individual perspective, the person becomes empowered to change. On a country level, such enterprises are linked to reduced spending on healthcare.
One aspect that was found regarding alcohol-based interventions specifically was the correlation with reports of hope and meaning (Wnuk, 2022). Attending AA gatherings allows individuals to see their lives from the perspective of motivation to grow as they see real-life examples of sober individuals after years of recovery. Additionally, as addictive substances often become the core of existence for users, support platforms encourage a different perspective.
Research supports the incorporation of 12-step-based sessions either generally or based on a specific condition. In certain instances, they have been shown to be more efficient than Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Kelly et al., 2020). The method has been implemented for almost a century, yet its historical background may have been compromised due to the more severe stigma and discrimination.
Self-Help vs. Professional Therapy Group
While AA is similar to professional therapy groups from the perspective of growth, there are differences that are to be discussed. In terms of professional meetings, the therapist guides the conversation, structures the activities and interactions, and includes formal training in the flow of the sessions (Rosendahl et al., 2021). An opposite approach can be illustrated in 12-step gatherings, as the participants are the ones managing the interactions. Such initiatives have been proven to be effective in increasing the positive outlook for individuals attending the program level (Bond et al., 2019). In this case, sharing feelings and events can feel more organic while lacking professional insight.
Communities are formed in a more flexible manner and encourage individuality. To an extent, the core of self-help gatherings has a biblical connotation similar to the importance of community and support. For example, prayer is a form of healing one’s soul, and when it is done in a church, the effort unites believers. In 1 Thessalonians 5:14, it is said, “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” (New International Version, 2011). The significance of helping others is a major Biblical motive and one of the pillars of AA.
Conclusion
When it comes to addressing substance use disorders and alcoholism specifically, external support can be imperative. Individuals can choose to attend 12-step-based programs, such as AA, to receive help and meet individuals who are experiencing or have gone through similar troubles. Evidence emphasizes that the initiative generates beneficial outcomes for those deciding to join it. AA meetings are a platform where one can discuss one’s deepest worries and struggles while receiving non-judgmental feedback and encouragement to continue on the path of recovery and have a sober life.
Personal Reflection
The AA meeting that was attended was a discussion session in which participants shared their stories, thoughts, and emotions. The particular gathering that was witnessed has 13 participants, all of whom either currently struggle with alcohol addiction or are in recovery and sober for a certain amount of time. The purpose was assessed as mutual support as the details that were being shared resembled either a cry for help or, in other cases, an urge to inspire others. It was certain that most members were highly involved and motivated, especially the sponsors and the members who have been attending for a long time. However, the welcoming tone motivated even individuals who were struggling to stay sober to speak up and share.
As a first-time “participant,” I felt uplifted. It was truly encouraging to witness people provide so much help and be emotionally involved in the well-being of their peers. The aspect that I liked the most was the openness of the discussions that were happening. It was clear that the members trusted each other and were not trying to hide information, which was liberating. The group members interacted in a polite manner while, at the same time, maintaining a direct tone. It was both informal and informative at the same time. The comments that were significant were related to people’s regret when it comes to the pain they feel they have inflicted on loved ones, which was a prominent topic during the AA gathering.
The spiritual issue that was addressed was the feeling of unworthiness of forgiveness from a higher power. Other areas that can be discussed include the shift in what gives life purpose. I expected to see homeless people, but instead, I saw inspiration and drive. The group interaction was highly positive, and the sense of solidarity was palpable, which means that the members are receiving reassurance of recovery. The perspective is mentioned in Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (New International Version, 2011). Hence, AA meetings, by nature, are directly linked to the Christian dogma.
References
Bond, B., Wright, J., & Bacon, A. (2019). What helps in self-help? A qualitative exploration of interactions within a borderline personality disorder self-help group. Journal of Mental Health, 28(6), 640–646. Web.
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.
New International Version. (2011). Biblica, Inc.
Rosendahl, J., Alldredge, C. T., Burlingame, G. M., & Strauss, B. (2021). Recent developments in group Psychotherapy Research. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 74(2), 52–59. Web.
Wnuk, M. (2022). The beneficial role of involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous for existential and subjective well-being of alcohol-dependent individuals? The model verification. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(9), 5173. Web.
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