AA Experience
The experience of attending an online Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting was eye-opening on the tools and measures individuals use to minimize the negative effects of their alcohol-use disorders. The participants have engaged in dialogue concerning their status correlating with the substance use, the emotional context of their recovery or relapse, as well as the control dynamic between them and their substance of choice. The role of the moderator was observed as neutral, which, arguably, is at the core of support groups. Overall, the experience was fascinating in terms of the perceived goal of the participants as well as the value of support, which has been identified as the primary target.
The initial point that was identified is whether the goal of AA meetings was ultimately achieved during the observed online session. AA is a program designed to address the lack of support between individuals acknowledging alcoholism as a problem and willing to combat it (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). During the meeting, it was clear that the individuals not only acknowledged the condition but also agreed with the premise that one can never fully overcome the recovery stage.
To a certain extent, it was observed that the moderator and the meeting participants took on the role of therapists. However, their personal experience with addiction facilitated the provision of advice that aligned with the state of mind or the individual seeking support, as well as the first-hand understanding of alcoholism as a general issue. Researchers highlight the importance of evoking motivation, hope, and confidence in individuals willing to combat a substance-use addiction (Rollnick & Miller, 2013).
The elements were indeed present during the meeting I attended. For example, the individual informing others about a recent relapse was motivated by other attendees to continue on the journey towards recovery, reassured that success is possible, and informed on their potential to make positive changes. Needless to say, the AA program operated based on the principle of the 12 Steps (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020).
Hence, the participants acknowledge that they do not hold power over their addiction. During the meeting, spirituality was discussed in relation to the core support for the person who relapsed. This was met with a positive attitude, giving the individual in question confidence that the support group, as well as a higher power they believe in, will facilitate recovery alongside their individual effort to improve.
Al-Anon Meeting
Witnessing an Al-Anon group meeting online was similarly interesting. The support system implemented for people impacted by the alcohol-use disorders of their friends or family members allows people to share their first-hand experiences and receive assistance from like-minded individuals living in a similar paradigm. In contrast with the attended AA meeting, Al-Anon was centered around the support of individuals indirectly affected by excess alcohol consumption.
The meeting centered on the theme of acceptance. Specifically, the participants, guided by the moderators, discussed the importance of acknowledging the problem while, at the same time, understanding the inability to inherently change it unless the loved ones are willing to put in the necessary effort. Multiple individuals attending the online group shared their experiences and thoughts, which coincides with the literature on the nature of the practice (Timko et al., 2021).
It was certain that a variety of opinions were expressed, with some individuals taking the blame for their loved ones’ addictions. However, the meeting helped encourage us to accept reality instead of subconsciously fighting against it or not realizing the problem for what it is. Similarly, the group assumed specific responsibilities typically held by therapists, encouraging participants to remain motivated and grounded.
It was clear that the group members had personal experience with one-on-one therapy. The notion correlates with literature highlighting that most individuals attending these meetings have been referred by a mental health professional (Baloh et al., 2022). Hence, while addressing issues based on evidence-based patient-centered initiatives, the participants require an additional support group with people who relate to them emotionally. It was interesting to observe that the attendees did not share the experiences of their loved ones with alcohol, but instead solely focused on how it made them feel. This implies that the goal of the initiative, which is to provide support, has been achieved.
Instead of focusing on the alcohol problem itself, the people attending the meetings centered their discussions around its effects. As a result, the received motivation also correlates with an informal form of counseling in the case of substance use disorders (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). All the participants expressed the value of having a support system consisting of people who were going through similar problems. The meeting was not a replacement for therapy, but rather an additional tool for connection and support, rather than professional advice and therapy.
NA Meeting
The attended meeting of the Narcotics Anonymous (NA) group has been relatively similar to AA in a variety of ways. However, individuals with drug-use disorders were communicating instead of the people whose substance of choice is alcohol. It has been determined that the experiences shared by the two groups were relatively similar, including both coping strategies and the emotional context of recovery, as well as relapse. On the other hand, it was observed that NA attendees did not find the required support in online groups dealing with alcohol use.
NA meetings are support systems for people with drug-related addictions. Literature highlights the benefits of attending such initiatives, which have also been observed during the online session (Day et al., 2019). Mostly, individuals expressed how important it was for them to have online assistance from people sharing their views and struggles. It was also identified that most of the individuals attending the meeting were relatively new and had no previous experience with AA.
They have expressed that AA meetings did not cover their support needs, as they could not fully relate to people with alcohol use problems. It was mentioned that the general understanding was that drug users are more likely to have social issues, as alcohol is generally more accepted than illegal substances. However, individuals who had long histories with support groups and therapy, in general, have pointed out that the root of the problem and the consequences cannot be compared due to their inherent similarities.
It was identified that by the end of the meetings, individuals were more likely to express commitment to recovery. The phenomenon is mentioned in related literature as one of the ways in which group sessions are effective (Rollnick & Miller, 2013). The topic of the meeting was identity and how drug use has minimized an understanding of oneself. The attendees have mentioned numerous times that, especially during their relapses of the active part of their drug use, they have lost a sense of identity.
It was highlighted that the attendees were not only viewed by others through the lens of their addiction, but also that their self-perception was similar regarding personality becoming the use disorder. The revelation is indeed covered in the literature, highlighting anonymous meetings as a means of realizing and fostering a positive sense of self (Dekkers et al., 2020). The attendees have provided positive overviews of each other and have been motivated to describe themselves in a positive light.
References
Baloh, J., Curran, G. M., Timko, C., Grant, K. M., & Cucciare, M. A. (2022). Al-Anon Intensive Referral (Air): A qualitative formative evaluation for implementation. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 132, 108520.
Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2020). Foundations of Addictions Counseling. Pearson.
Day, E., Kirberg, S., & Metrebian, N. (2019). Affiliation to alcoholics anonymous or narcotics anonymous among patients attending an English specialist addiction service. Drugs and Alcohol Today, 19(4), 257–269.
Dekkers, A., Vos, S., & Vanderplasschen, W. (2020). “Personal recovery depends on NA unity”: An exploratory study on recovery-supportive elements in Narcotics Anonymous Flanders. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 15(1).
Rollnick, S., & Miller, W. R. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change. Guilford Press.
Timko, C., Grant, K. M., Han, X., Young, L. B., & Cucciare, M. A. (2021). Al‐Anon intensive referral to facilitate concerned others’ participation in Al‐Anon Family Groups: A randomized controlled trial. Addiction, 117(3), 590–599.