Self-Help Group Orientation / Reaction Paper:
Each student will attend two 12-step meetings consisting of one open AA meetings plus one NA twelve-step program open meeting and will submit a narrative indicating his/her impressions and significance of each meeting.
For each group provide the following:
Give the group name, location, and date.
Describe your reactions to each group separately not as a combined narrative. Describe your emotional reaction to attending the twelve step meetings and talking to twelve-step members:
· What was your overall impression of the meetings? Describe the setting and atmosphere of the group. Did you feel welcome? Which meetings did you emotionally react to most positively and which did you emotionally react to most negatively and why? Were the participants helpful?
· Would you return to the meeting if you were a recovering person? Was there a particular story that stood out or impressed you? Why? Give any other reactions that you feel are of interest. In addition to attending the three meetings, you should also briefly speak with at least one member at each group attended.
The paper should be no less than 3 pages in length (not including cover page), 12 pt New Times Roman font, and double spaced.
MEETING NOTES (use as reference for paper)
Narcotics anonymous
Name: Tradition Three Group
Date: July 23rd 12:00-1PM
Location: 605 North Maryland Street
· A lot of moving and leaving while others were reading
· Welcoming environment
· Committed. Started with three members, two other members showed up a bit late
· They displayed great team work (hugs and helping each other with readings)
· Very religious based
· All members were misunderstood
· Amazed at how an hour could help each member
· 12 tradition of NA
· 12 steps of NA
· Members relied on the meeting to stay sober
Alcoholic anonymous
Tradition Three Group at First Christian Church
AA Meeting-
· Welcoming environment- a member talked to us after the meeting to show us some pamphlets and give more information on there group.
· The rapport between the members before the meeting started felt like a family. You can tell they were comfortable with one another.
· Predominantly white members
· Had a stand of pamphlets dealing with AA
· The meeting was structured — started and ended on time.
· All members were able to speak and share. They mainly shared their background and how they ended up in this place today.
· One members story stuck out to me that for 3 weeks, his body wouldn’t obtain anything but whiskey
· At the end they had a prayer & they say a little chant to encourage them to keep coming back
· It felt like a judgement free zone
· Every time someone speaks they start off with Hi my name is _ and I’m an addict. — I’ve realized that brings self awareness and accountability to them
· They celebrated the little wins such as not partaking into their addiction for that current day
· “if you did not take a drink today, clap”
SOLUTION
Self-Help Group Orientation / Reaction Paper
Student Name
Course Name
Date
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meeting
Group Name: Tradition Three Group
Date: July 23rd
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: 605 North Maryland Street
Attending the Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting at Tradition Three Group was a powerful and humbling experience. The setting was informal, yet intimate. Although the room was simple, the environment felt welcoming from the moment I walked in. Despite some distractions such as people getting up and leaving while others were reading, the tone of the meeting remained respectful and focused. The group initially began with three members, and two more arrived shortly after. It was clear that despite the small size, the level of commitment among the participants was deep and unwavering.
My emotional reaction to this meeting was one of admiration and empathy. I was especially moved by the mutual support displayed among the members—offering hugs, assisting each other with readings, and encouraging one another with patience and understanding. There was a strong spiritual presence in the room, with religion and faith being central themes in the discussion. Each member appeared to carry a history of feeling misunderstood, and yet in this space, they found connection and belonging.
One of the most impressive things to me was how transformative just one hour of community and support could be for these individuals. The meeting included readings of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of NA, and the members frequently referenced how these principles served as a lifeline in their sobriety. The sense of accountability and reliance on the group for continued sobriety was profound.
I believe that if I were a recovering individual, I would absolutely return to this group. There was a raw honesty in the way members spoke that was both vulnerable and inspiring. The environment made it feel safe to share pain and triumphs alike. Speaking briefly with a member after the meeting confirmed how crucial these gatherings are for staying sober—he mentioned that even on his hardest days, showing up makes all the difference.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meeting
Group Name: Tradition Three Group
Location: First Christian Church
Date: [Insert actual date of meeting attended]
My experience at the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting held at First Christian Church was equally impactful but in a different way. From the outset, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. A member approached us after the meeting to provide pamphlets and more information, which made me feel that they truly welcomed newcomers and were invested in helping others.
Before the meeting even began, I noticed how much the members interacted like a close-knit family. Laughter, hugs, and small conversations created an environment of safety and mutual respect. The demographics of the group leaned predominantly white, but there was no indication of exclusion—every voice was heard during the meeting. It was well-organized, starting and ending on time, with every member given the opportunity to share.
Emotionally, I responded most positively to the structure of the meeting and the emphasis on personal growth. Every participant began their sharing with, “Hi, my name is ____, and I’m an alcoholic,” a ritual that encourages self-awareness and responsibility. One story stood out to me deeply—a man shared how for three weeks, his body could not tolerate anything except whiskey. His vulnerability and honesty were both heartbreaking and enlightening. It showed the devastating power of addiction and the importance of having a support system in place.
The meeting ended with a group prayer and a chant to remind members to “keep coming back,” reinforcing the value of consistency and community. The judgment-free environment was incredibly moving; everyone celebrated even the smallest victories, like not drinking that day. These small wins were met with applause, a reminder that progress is acknowledged and encouraged, no matter how minor it may seem.
Speaking with one of the members after the meeting offered even more insight into the effectiveness of AA. He shared that the fellowship is what keeps him accountable and that he has been sober for several months thanks to the consistent support from the group.
Final Reflections
Attending both NA and AA meetings allowed me to witness firsthand the profound importance of community in recovery. While each group had its own unique dynamics and demographics, they shared a common thread: creating a safe, empathetic, and structured environment for healing and accountability. These meetings are more than just gatherings—they are lifelines for many individuals struggling to maintain sobriety.
If I were a person in recovery, I would find value in both types of meetings. The honest storytelling, spiritual grounding, and celebration of small victories were truly inspiring. Speaking with members from each group confirmed that the support offered in these spaces is not only meaningful—it’s often lifesaving.
References
(You do not need to include references unless you cite outside material, but if you do, list them here in APA format.)
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