Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-ANON Research Paper

Introduction

Treatment and support of alcoholism have multiple methods designed to assist those suffering from alcohol abuse together with their families (Room & Greenfield, 1993). As a result, multiple groups have been formed to help battle alcohol effects (Sisson & Mallams, 1981). Such groups encompass persons struggling to abstain from alcohol and groups that encompass family members to those suffering from alcohol abusefor instance, Alcoholic Anonymous, a global support group for persons with alcohol challenges (Room & Greenfield, 1993). The group is a self-supporting organization that includes non-professionals without any education or age requirement (Sisson & Mallams, 1981). Alcoholic Anonymous meetings take place in several areas locally. Within such meetings, individuals get the opportunity to share their experiences and discussions relating to alcoholism. Some meetings can, however, be designated for beginners.

Another group is Al-Anon, which is mainly for the family members of those with alcohol challenges. These groups are framed to help siblings, parents, and spouses with other family members of individuals with alcohol challenges (Room & Greenfield, 1993). Their meetings usually include discussions about topics that connect to having a loved one with an addiction.

Besides, it requires much courage for one to own up to having a drinking challenge and share personal experiences with a group of individuals (Sisson & Mallams, 1981). From the findings of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-ANON Research, individuals with alcohol intake challenges must be able to share their experiences to obtain help (Room & Greenfield, 1993). To complete this research paper, I was to attend two meetings of alcohol support groups, which include Alcoholic Anonymous and Al-Anon Groups, and share my experience as discussed below.

An Explanation of 12 Step Meeting Structure, Purpose, and Process

Alcoholic Anonymous Group Meeting

I attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting organized within one of the community social halls three days ago. The meeting was open to the public with an informal setup. When I got to the meeting, I received a warm reception from the attendees, that greeted me and even showed me a vacant seat (Sisson & Mallams, 1981). I got to my space and began observing the meeting progress as coffee and some light snacks were served. The room was well lit, and chairs were arranged semi-circularly. The meeting kicked off at around 8.00 pm and took approximately one hour and thirty minutes.

The meeting was opened by a word from the leader, who introduced himself by name and informed the attendees that Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship for both women and men with a shared experience, hope, and strength. They aim to solve their challenges, assist others, and recover from alcoholism. The leader also reminded the attendees that the desire to stop alcohol intake is the only requirement to join the group. Further, the leader stated that Alcoholics Anonymous is self-supporting, does not charge any fees from the members, and is not allied to any organization, politics, institution, or denomination, with the only primary mandate to remain sober and assist other alcoholics in attaining sobriety.

After the leaders opening remarks, he invited one of the members to recite the serenity prayer. This was followed by an introductory session where each attendee had an opportunity to say their names and reasons for attending the meeting. When the turn for observers came, I got an opportunity and said that I was a visitor attending for the requirements of a class in substance abuse that I am taking at Saint Leo University. I was pleased to see the kind, warm welcome, contrary to my expectation.

Subsequently, the leader invited another member to lead in reciting the twelve steps. The steps are primarily what members believe in to remain and become sober. During the recitation, members began by accepting that they were powerless over alcohol and that their lives had become uncontrollable. It seemed to be the most challenging because most people do live in denial of recognizing wrongdoing to others. Subsequent steps were also recited, including the promise of the big book, twelve traditions, meditations, and finally, the daily reflection.

After the twelve steps recitation, the leader invited a counselor to open the floor for the attendees to share their personal stories. At this point, I saw and heard both men and women, young and old, come up to give solid inspirational messages on how their lives have been impacted by alcohol. Some cases included those who, due to the influence of alcohol, ruined their university education, divorced their spouses, lost relatives through...…substance abusers about the benefits of 12-step programs and refer them altogether (Donovan et al., 2013) (Laudet, 2003). This is because fellowship associated with twelve-step groups significantly contributes to a shift in ones social life and network with a reduction in the number of persons that endorse drinking to widening networks of persons who encourage abstinence (Donovan et al. 2013). Such adaptive change in social life and network is also associated with reduced exposure to alcohol-taking-related cues and practices.

Further, 12-step self-help groups have standard behavior change processes that promote bonding with other fellowship members, enhancing the sense and structure of goal-directedness and developing coping skills that are more effective with increased self-efficacy (Donovan et al. 2013). Such typical behavior changes, together with a shift in ones social network, seem to result in more benefits of 12-Step mutual support groups.

Upon review of multiple kinds of literature regarding the effectiveness of 12-step meetings in treating substance-related disorders, I remain supportive of 12-step meetings in helping alcohol addicts recover (Laudet, 2003). This is because involvement in 12-step group meetings has been directly associated with better outcomes among alcohol users (Donovan et al., 2013) (Laudet, 2003).

According to studies, one of the vital aspects of 12-step groups is the absence of professional involvement. The group was developed by people dependent on alcohol when no assistance was available for such people (Laudet, 2003). However, even though several studies considered a 12-step group a valuable resource for alcohol addicts recovery process, some studies claim that alcohol addicts are ambivalent and fluctuate in their preparedness to change.

Analysis of Saint Leo Core Value of Respect by Leader

Respect refers to the demonstration of special attention or high regard for ones strive and dignity to foster ones commitment to excellence, or one is a free exchange of ideas, living, learning, and working harmoniously. Every individual of whatever race, station, or origin deserves respect. Some examples a leader can use to show respect include welcoming all ideas, feedback, and opinions.

A leader should remain honest and embrace opposing opinions. Also, one should be compassionate and curious (Thier, 2019). For instance, when a team member makes an error, instead of shame, blame, or raising their voice, a leader should take a moment, take a breath, and…