Aa Na Reflection

AA/NA Experience-
Name: Erika Felder
Meeting date: 04/01/2022
Meeting time: 09:00-10:00pm
Meeting location: Online
Number of participants not including you: 67
Topics discussed:
They read the twelve steps of alcoholic anonymous, twelve traditions of alcoholics anonymous,
the daily reflection, and the reading from step 12. After the readings, they all took turns telling
their individual battles with alcohol and how they related with the daily reflection and what
steps they were on. The meeting ended with someone reading the AA Promises and the
serenity prayer.
What terminology did hear for the first time? Describe/define.
Crosstalk: giving advice to others who have already shared, speaking directly to another person
rather than to the group and questioning or interrupting the person speaking at the time.
What roles did you observe the different group members play?
There was a group leader/facilitator that coordinated most of the conversation and decided
whose turn it was to talk. There were also co-hosts that oversaw making sure that when an
individual talked, they only took up to 3 minutes so everyone could get a chance to say what
they felt if wanted. The group members essentially all played the same role, they would either
get called on or raise their hand and then they would share their thoughts and feelings about
the daily reflection and how they related to it. There were some key members that talked often
but no one dominated the group due to the co-host and group leader maintaining the rules.
What did you observe about the dynamics of the group? (Were there those who monopolized
the group? Those who were silent or disruptive? How were disruptions handled?)
There wasn’t anyone who monopolized the group or was disruptive. To my surprise, everyone
was very supportive and listened to each other’s stories and viewpoints. Each time someone
finished their story, many people in the chat would type “Thank you” or “I appreciate you
sharing your story”. The group leader kept track of what order individuals were raising their
hands and when no one’s hand was raised, they would pick on someone randomly from the
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meeting to talk. Every member was willing to talk and be honest about how they felt about the
daily reflection and how it related to a personal story they have experienced.
Based on the reading in Halter (pgs 610-620), what characteristics of “groups” are evident in
the meeting?
Based on the reading, there were very distinct roles being played in the group. This group had
one group leader, a couple ho-hosts, and then several group members. The group leader
maintained the task role by making sure that the group didn’t stray too far away from the main
purpose; additionally, they also performed the maintenance role by stating after every time
someone finished their story “Thank you for sharing with us”. They made each group member
feel valuable and included. Finally, the individual roles were played by each group member
because they had different personalities, and desires for having personal needs met by sharing
their own unique stories.
How did the leader of the group conduct the meeting? How would you describe leadership
style?
The leader of the group conducted the meeting very well. She was open herself about being a
former alcoholic and was supportive of everyone’s recovery. She made sure that the meeting
wasn’t solely about her at all and even chose people to read out loud the 12 steps, 12
traditions, and daily reflection and serenity prayer at the end. She let the group lead most of
the conversation and only really took charge to say who was speaking next which was done
fairly by the order their hands were raised.
What were rules or guidelines pertaining to members’ confidentiality?
The only rule/guideline pertaining to the members’ confidentiality was that anyone/anything
mentioned in the meeting does not leave the meeting.
How were the 12 steps (previously reviewed) integrated/evident in the meeting? What did you
learn about the 12 steps?
Which step(s) was discussed?
The 12 steps were integrated/evident throughout the entire meeting. I learned a lot about the
12 steps and how each individual in the program has to accomplish one step at a time going
from the first step (We admitted we were powerless over alcohol- that are lives have become
unmanageable) to the twelfth step (Having a spiritual awakening as a result of these Steps, we
tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs). They
had one individual read aloud the 12 steps to the group. Today’s topic was about financial
status, and how when they were alcoholics often, they had no financial stability due to their
addiction. Several shared that they had often lost their cars, homes, and many things in their

life due to needing to fuel their addiction. Some discussed how it has taken them a long time to
recover from it finally financially and what they enjoy spending their money on now. Others
admitted that they now spend their money shopping for clothes instead of drinks which is
something they are working on improving. One story that relates to the twelfth step that
someone said was “There is a son and father looking at an airplane and the son states that the
plane is small, so they decide to go to an airport to see the planes closer, once the son saw the
plane in front of him, he said the plane was huge”. The man that shared this story said this is
how having a higher power feels, once you get closer and closer to him you realize how
prevalent he is all around you.
What is your impression of how these groups help support sobriety?
After observing this meeting, I can see how these groups help support sobriety. Everyone
shared a piece of personal information about their struggles and their success with the other
group members. Most of the individuals after sharing said “If there is one thing you do, its keep
coming to the meetings, even if you don’t want to, just keep coming”. These support groups
allow individuals to become friends with people who are going through very similar things that
they are. One man stated at the end of his story “I just wanted to let you know I love you guys”.
This was very heartwarming, and I am sure helps each individual feel valued during their own
process with sobriety.
How did you feel as an observer?
As an observer, I felt a little out of place and worried that I might be called on or asked to talk. I
didn’t want them thinking that I was judging them or going to go and share their personal
stories to the public. Before the meeting however, I let everyone know in the chat that I was a
Nursing Student watching in for an assignment. To my surprise, a lot of people welcomed me in
and made me feel like I was welcomed even though I haven’t been through nearly anything as
close to what they have. After the meeting, they even thanked me for coming in and listening.
Share your thoughts and reflections about what you learned and how this group affected you.
(This should be a narrative paragraph that integrates your observation. experience and
reflection)
This meeting was eye-opening to me. Personally, my sister is a recovering addict and goes to NA
meetings often. She is currently working through the 12 steps, and I have watched her grow to
be someone that I respect and admire. Going to this group while also knowing my sister has
been in the same position/role as these individuals made me feel a lot closer and made me feel
like I wanted them to know I support them. One misconception I had before my sister and
listening in was its so easy to just stop. To stop drinking or participating in activities that were
causing harm to themselves and others around them. However, that is far from the case.

Having an addiction is just as equal to an individual with mental health problems. They can’t
just not be sad and call it a day. It takes time, effort, determination and most importantly being
resilient to overcome this battle. I could see how this meeting helps individuals become sober
and help them maintain their sobriety. They let everyone discuss their own stories and
struggles, even if it went a little off topic at times. I felt like there wasn’t a single person in there
who wasn’t being supportive and loving overall. I think the main thing I learned from this
experience is these meetings aren’t just them reviewing the 12 steps and calling it a day but
forming personal relationships and finding a sense of peace knowing other individuals are going
through very similar battles.

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AA/NA Experience-

Name: Erika Felder

Meeting date: 04/01/2022

Meeting time: 09:00-10:00pm

Meeting location: Online

Number of participants not including you: 67

What terminology did hear for the first time? Describe/define.

THM/LLV/RB ADA Compliant 2022

What were rules or guidelines pertaining to members’ confidentiality?

THM/LLV/RB ADA Compliant 2022

What is your impression of how these groups help support sobriety?

How did you feel as an observer?

THM/LLV/RB ADA Compliant 2022

THM/LLV/RB ADA Compliant 2022

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