Individuals face a difficult challenge with alcohol addiction, as well as other addictions. This involves an unusual tolerance and reliance on substances such as alcohol or narcotics, both mentally and physically. Assistance for addiction can be obtained through in-person, phone, or online methods. There are various opportunities to participate in Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) programs at different times and locations.
On Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 1:30 p.m., I went to a program at the Stairway Club II in Las Vegas, NV. The club can be found at 3441 N. Rancho Drive and has meetings scheduled daily from as early as 5:45 a.m. to as late as 8:00 p.m. However, there were fewer attendees than anticipated during the meeting I attended. The leader started by reading the AA preamble and then led the group in a prayer.
I was surprised to learn that prayers are said at AA meetings. During the meeting called the 12 steps, the facilitator asked newcomers to introduce themselves by their first name. I am uncertain if she followed the steps in order, but she only discussed one step. Although I cannot recall which step it was, I do recall that she invited individuals to share any experiences related to that step after her discussion.
One of the speakers at the meeting stood out to me – a lady who shared her story. Despite there being many speakers, it was her story that resonated with me. She started by acknowledging that she forgot to introduce herself. The lady then recounted how her friend, who had been able to stay sober for some time, reached out to ask for support with her own drinking problem. What intrigued me was the feeling that compelled her friend to call and invite her to this meeting.
Declining an invitation, the woman stated she couldn’t go because she had no babysitter. Nonetheless, her friend offered to have her own son babysit and arranged to pick her up. Despite feeling ill and unmotivated, she reluctantly agreed to go to her initial AA meeting. It was at this gathering that she finally comprehended the underlying causes of her excessive alcohol consumption.
She used alcohol excessively to suppress her emotions and express anger. While she didn’t disclose the reason for her anger, she noted that attending meetings helped her comprehend its importance, ultimately helping her achieve sobriety. However, she expressed discontent with being sober as it compelled her to confront and feel the emotions she had been avoiding. I remember her mentioning creating a list documenting all the emotions she felt and who they were directed at. She claimed that this method gradually brought relief and progress.
After listening to everyone speak, I realized that attending AA meetings has the advantage of allowing you to hear others’ stories and truly understand why people turn to alcohol. These meetings provide a safe environment for individuals struggling with drinking problems to express themselves without fear of being judged. I believe there is nothing inherently negative about attending these meetings if one is seeking help for their problem, as they simply encourage abstinence from alcohol. Additionally, I believe that recovery meetings effectively support addicted individuals and their families.
After attending one of these meetings, I had a revelation that the people in attendance are regular individuals who depend on alcohol to cope with their problems and emotions. To effectively assist them, it is crucial to understand their perspective and mindset. Online meetings are similar to face-to-face gatherings except for the absence of visual contact – participants can only be heard. In an online meeting, they recite the same prayer as the one spoken at the in-person meeting I experienced.
During the meeting, several activities occur. Initially, there is a moment of silence and then the Serenity Prayer is recited. Throughout the 90-minute gathering, various readings are shared, so it’s crucial to take notes. The chairperson reads an abridged version of the A.A Preamble and provides a summary of the 12 steps and 12 traditions. Additionally, excerpts from an unnamed book with a chapter titled “A Vision For You” are read aloud. Furthermore, the chairperson shares a brief poem called “One Day At a Time”, which I personally enjoyed.
In general, I think this poem applies to everyone, not just those struggling with addictions. People attend online meetings mainly to maintain anonymity. However, from my personal experience, attending an in-person meeting was much more engaging and captivating compared to the online counterpart. Therefore, I am cautious about recommending online meetings as it is crucial for individuals to witness emotions and reactions firsthand. You can find this specific meeting on the Courage 2 Change AA website every day at 10:30 p.m.
The second meeting I attended had similarities to the first one, including the leader’s use of the same prayer. However, there were three noticeable distinctions: it was a regular AA meeting with different attendees and diverse stories. Nevertheless, the second meeting had a notable aspect. It took place at a later time and featured a poem titled “Drunks” read by the leader. Like the initial meeting, this one occurred at the same location and commenced at 7:00 p.m. Ultimately, my initial experience at the first meeting impacted me more significantly than the subsequent gathering, possibly due to it being my first ever attendance at an AA meeting.
The dispirited demeanor of the person in charge during the second meeting was displeasing and failed to capture my attention. Whether the meeting takes place online, over the phone, or in person, it is crucial for everyone to approach them with an open mind due to the unpredictability of these gatherings. It is also important not to be judgmental since you wouldn’t appreciate being judged if you were in their shoes. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed; seeking assistance is perfectly acceptable.
