Overview
The support group that was being observed was an Alcohol Anonymous for 4 weeks. Each meeting always starts with various people reading the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, the group leader shared their downfalls with alcohol throughout the years and their struggle with sobriety. Different people shared their length of sobriety. There was one person that had over 13 years of sobriety and he shared his chip with everyone, it was like everyone was rubbing it for some sort of good “juju”. From there a donation cup went around the room and informing the group that there was also a QR code for Venmo to donate. After donations and a small coffee break, the lead oped the floor to anyone that wanted to share their “solutions” to maintaining sobriety and here are some of their suggestions: Showing up, trying new things, consistency, meetings, self-help books, one foot in front of the other, refrain from excuses, surrendering and changing your friend group. Before everyone starting sharing their solutions, I noticed some hesitation and awkward staring at the ceiling trying hard not to make eye contact with the group lead in fear of being called on. After about 45 seconds of no volunteers, everyone’s fear became a reality, the group lead started calling on people but I think they were “regulars”. Once the first few people shared, there was tons of engagement.