I sat and looked around the room. A lot of these people were just like me.
Stacey R., Keene State College junior
One woman talked about how she started drinking in college. I thought to myself, what about me?
Sean O., Keene State College junior
In addition to attending parties and abstaining from alcohol, students in our alcohol-education program are required to attend meetings conducted by Alcoholics Anonymous or other Twelve Step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous. Twelve Step groups are support groups for people who are recovering from alcohol and/or other drug addiction. Another type of Twelve Step program is Al-Anon, a support group for friends or relatives of addicts.
Many students report that attending these meetings was one of the most valuable experiences in their college career. Based on the wide range of types of people attending the meetings, they quickly realize that alcoholism and other drug addictions can happen to anyone. They also learn through Al-Anon that the addictions affect not only the addict but also the family and friends of the addict.
Interacting with the people at the meetings provides them with a learning experience they won’t forget. It gives them a first-hand look at the devastation caused by addiction – a devastation that can happen to them if they are not careful about their alcohol and/or other drug use. It personalizes alcoholism. In addition, they learn that there is help and support for those who develop an addiction or who have loved ones who have. Here are some reactions to the meetings:
There were a few who looked like they had been dragged through the field a few times, but other than that, the others looked quite normal. I tried not to stereotype or pre-judge, I just didn’t know what to expect. Television portrays them much worse looking than they really are.
When you enter the meeting, people are accepting you already without even knowing you.
The meetings opened my eyes to what is out there and that “bad” really does exist.
There were young and old people and those that appeared rich and poor as well.
I realized my life has just as much potential for disaster as theirs.
Members picked up chips which represented the number of days they had been sober. They each gave a speech about how sobriety has changed their lives.
There was a woman there who was 23 years old. She said she had been sober for 7 years. This means she was an alcoholic at age 16. She started drinking at age 11. When I saw that, I sat back and asked myself when did I start drinking?
There was a 15-year-old boy there who said he started going to these meetings after his best friend died of alcohol poisoning.
I think I learned a lot from these meetings. When things aren’t going so well for me, I think to myself about those people. They have had some real problems and got through them – so can I.
Everyone was so supportive and respectful of each other.
You could just feel the warmth and acceptance in the air. People helping people. Being there to lend a hand.
You can tell that the listeners really care about what the speaker is saying. They don’t care who you are or where you’re from, they’ll support you no matter what.
I attended a meeting in my hometown. I saw a guy I had graduated from high school with. I thought, “No way, he’s not like this!” I talked to him later. It was interesting to find out how he hid his problem. I mean, he was the type of kid who played a sport and had excellent grades, yet he had a problem.
Some students find the references to God and/or a Higher Power during the meeting disconcerting. They quickly label the program as religious. Although Twelve Step programs are spiritually oriented, they have no religious affiliation at all. You can even be an atheist and follow the program.
I felt uncomfortable because it did seem very religious and I am not a very religious person.
I found it to be a very spiritual experience.
I gained a lot from this meeting. It was spiritual, supportive and confidential.
If you are at all interested in this topic, I urge you to attend one of these meetings. For further information about contacting Alcoholics Anonymous, see the Resources section at the end of this book. Here are a few suggestions if you decide to attend a meeting:
Attend only meetings that are designated as Open Meetings. You can find out if it is an Open Meeting by calling the local AA Hotline found in the front your telephone book. When entering the meeting, double check and ask someone if it is an Open Meeting.
Confirm the time and location. Arrive at least 10 minutes early.
If you go with someone else, only two of you should go together.
Expect to feel nervous before entering. It is natural to feel this way when entering most new environments.
If asked by anyone at the meeting why you are there, simply respond that you are visiting. Remember, your reason for being at the Open Meeting is hopefully a sincere desire to learn more about alcoholism and the support that is available for recovery.
Anonymity is the foundation of AA. Situations and events may be discussed with one another but never discuss people or use their names. Do not take a notebook, recorder or other type devices.
Use only first names, including yours. This protects everyone’s anonymity.
At most meetings a collection basket is circulated to help pay for coffee, cups, etc. A contribution is not expected, but if you do choose to contribute, 25 to 50 cents is adequate unless you would like to contribute more.
At some meetings a raffle is also held to cover the costs of books, flyers, brochures, etc. One dollar will usually get you a raffle ticket. Just like the other collection, you are not expected to participate and can easily choose to abstain.
Be respectful and courteous at all times. This is a matter of life and death for the participants.
Many of my students state that they feel as if they are intruding on the lives of the members when attending the meetings. These feelings are normal and actually make sense. Quite honestly, the things you will hear may sometimes be disturbing. When hearing someone discuss the tragedies associated with their addiction, you may very well feel as if you are intruding on their life. But understand that the act of speaking openly about these tragedies in front of a group of friends and strangers is not only helpful to the audience, but to the speaker as well. Part of the recovery and support process is to share experiences, strengths and hopes with others, including non-alcoholics. This is the AA process. You are not only allowed, but welcome to attend Open Meetings.
People involved in this program focus on balancing moderation, self-management, and personal responsibility to eliminate alcohol abuse.
Rational Recovery
Here is an alternative to the spiritual nature of AA as well as its view that alcoholics are powerless and must submit to God's will in order to recover. Rational Recovery stresses the innate power and strength of individuals themselves to overcome obstacles such as alcohol abuse. It rejects the AA belief that "once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic." Rational Recovery teaches people how to become independent of both alcohol addiction and of organizations dealing with alcohol abuse.
Secular Organizations For Sobriety
SOS is also known as Save Our Selves. It stresses the need to place the highest priority on sobriety and uses mutual support to assist members in achieving this goal. The Suggested Guidelines for Sobriety emphasize rational decision-making and are not religious or spiritual in nature.
Self-Management and Recovery Training
SMART views alcohol dependence as a bad habit and attempts to use common sense techniques to break the habit.
Women for Sobriety
Within Women for Sobriety mutual support groups work to enhance the self-esteem of members. Women for Sobriety groups are non-religious and the meetings also differ from those of AA in that they prohibit the use of tobacco, caffeine and sugar.
Higher Education Recovery Option
Hero House provides a safe, supportive and substance free environment for students in recovery who wish to maintain long term sobriety, continue their education and learn the skills necessary to be positive and productive members of society. HERO House serves college students who have completed treatment, are not quite ready to return to their original campus, but have a desire to maintain their sobriety and continue their education.
- San Juan Capistrano, CA
- Atlanta, GA
