The Principles of Alcoholics Anonymous - Assignment Example

? Group Dynamics Grade As stakeholders in the healthcare industry continue to redefine nursing roles, one of the items that have come under strict focus is the ability of nurses to work with and in groups. Nurses require good interpersonal skills to optimally interact with patients, colleagues and other groups they encounter while performing their duties (Nunnery, 2008). However, as Nunnery notes (2008), it is difficult to work with groups without having clear understanding of group dynamics. In this regard, this paper discusses group dynamics with the aim of outlining important elements for group functioning. The discussion is based on Alcoholics Anonymous group meeting attended by the author. Focus is given to the purpose, leadership, membership, decision making process and the general functioning of the group. The main reason for formation of Alcoholics Anonymous group was to rescue members from abuse of alcohol and similar substances (Mckellar, Stewart & Humphreys, 2003). Although the group was started in Ohio in 1935, it has grown to all other US states and beyond (Mckellar et al., 2003). As the name suggests, one of the principles of AA is that its membership should always remain a secret (Mckellar et al., 2003). Apparently, the main purpose of this principle is to shield members from public ridicule that can easily compromise rehabilitation process. The AA has been very effective in helping people abandon alcoholism (Moos & Moos, 2006). According to Moos and Moos (2006), the group does not use scientific therapies but rather members come together to help each other deal with the problem of alcohol and drug abuse. In this regard, new entrants are linked to already recovered members for assistance. As noted by Moos and Moos (2006), in addition to helping members to quit unhealthy drinking habits, AA also creates conducive environment to enable them cope with their new life. Some psychologists have suggested that AA can become more effective if scientific medication is incorporated in the group’s traditional methods of fighting alcoholism (Moos & Moos, 2006). The functioning of AA group is based on a program of twelve steps that start with entry of addicts and end with exit of fully recovered individuals who are ready to assist other alcoholics (Sharma & Branscum, 2010). According to Sharma & Branscum (2010), there are twelve traditions used as the constitution of the group. The traditions guide members on how to relate with each another. Some of the most embraced values include group unity, fear of God and self-support (Sharma & Branscum, 2010). Since the group is open to any person willing to fight addiction, there is no minimum or maximum membership requirement (Sharma & Branscum, 2010). The meeting attended by the author was held on Saturday evening in a four walled room. The timing of the meeting was designed to avoid inconveniencing members as most people are free during Saturday evenings (Harrison, Price, Gavin & Florey, 2002). In addition, Harrison et al. noted that meeting at the time when most people are free ensures that members are occupied and won’t find time to engage in unhealthy drinking (2002). The seating arrangement was similar to a learning classroom where learners sit in rows facing one side. Unlike most meetings where group officials sit in front, there appeared to be no distinction between leaders and other members in the AA meeting. This arrangement was designed to discourage any feeling of authority by perceived leaders. It is believed that a sense of equality among members encourages free flow of information within the group. In this regard, the group did not have official leaders. Whenever there is a meeting, any member can volunteer to lead the group through the process (Moos & Moos, 2006). As Moos and Moos notes, the volunteer is only a coordinator rather than a leader (2006). Decisions are made through deliberations of the entire group. However, decisions that only affect certain individuals are made by such individuals but other members may indirectly play advisory roles (Moos & Moos, 2006). The meeting attended by the author was coordinated by a young man in his thirties. There were thirteen members in attendance and the observer (author) was the fourteenth person. The number is deliberately kept low to ensure each member gets a chance to fully participate (Kelly & Yeterian, 2011). It should be noted that there are several similar meetings in the neighbourhood to ensure that every person who desires to fight alcoholism can be helped (Moos & Moos, 2006). The number is also kept low to avoid keeping members for long while waiting for all willing individuals to contribute. It should be noted that sometimes groups in the neighbourhood hold joint meetings to enhance intergroup support (Moos & Moos, 2006). All the attendees were male, three among them new entrants. The meeting started at 6.00 PM. The day’s coordinator introduced him-self and thanked members for making it to the meeting. He used statements that depict the atmosphere of resilience. One such statement was, “good evening fellow survivors?” From this greeting, one can tell that the coordinator is a recovered alcoholic. Such statements are used to encourage starters that it is possible to recover (Moos & Moos, 2006). The coordinator gave each member a chance to introduce himself. He then requested a volunteer to read out the twelve AA traditions. Members showed their willingness to read by standing up and the coordinator picked the person who stood first. From the members’ prompt response, one could tell that it was the group’s norm to recite the twelve traditions at the beginning of every meeting. The coordinator invited members to share their stories. This also seemed to be the norm because members appeared so prepared to address their colleagues. In this regard, only those who voluntarily wished to talk did so. Voluntary talking is used to avoid scaring individuals who shy from public speaking (Moos & Moos, 2006). However, even those who did not have much to talk about stood up to at least greet the rest. This was an indication of cohesiveness in the group. In their speeches, members avoided calling on their comrades to quit drinking. It was believed that asking members to avoid drinking intimidates those who were finding it hard to stop the habit (Moos & Moos, 2006). Therefore, members concentrated on their success stories designed to encourage others. They talked about how alcohol abuse had jeopardized their lives and how they had struggled to end the menace without success until they joined AA. Everyone appeared to be focused on the main objective of fighting addiction and some of the testimonies were so encouraging. In fact one of the new entrants stood up to say that much had changed in his life for the few minutes he had been in the meeting. Members appeared to be in full support of each other. Every achievement was applauded and all members behaved like brothers on the verge of winning a long battle. Although the meeting started on a low note, there was hope on every face including the new entrants towards the end. Before the meeting ended, some veterans were assigned to assist new members go through the recovery process. Members were also allowed to make financial contributions to the group but this was optional. The meeting ended at 7.30 PM with a prayer from a volunteer. In conclusion, AA group members are strictly driven by the desire to end alcohol and substance abuse. In this regard, membership is open to any person willing to be freed from addiction. Although members are guided by the twelve traditions of the group, most decisions are left to the affected individuals. Group activities are coordinated by volunteers rather than formal leader. Owing to its effectiveness and cohesiveness, the AA group has been very successful in freeing people from substance abuse. References Harrison, D., Price H. K., Gavin H. J. & Florey A. (2002). Time, Teams and task performance: changing effects of surface and deep level diversity of group functioning. The Academy of Management Journal. 45(5), 1029-1037. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org Kelly, J., & Yeterian, J. (2011). The role of mutual-help groups in extending the framework of treatment. Alcohol Research & Health, 33 (4), 350-355. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com Mckellar, J.D.; Stewart, E.; & Humphreys, K. (2003). Alcoholics Anonymous involvement and positive alcohol-related outcomes: Cause, consequence, or just a correlation? A prospective 2-year study of 2,319 alcohol-dependent men. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 71(2):302–308. Moos, R.H., & Moos, B.S. (2006). Participation in treatment and Alcoholics Anonymous: A 16-year follow-up of initially untreated individuals. Journal of Clinical Psychology 62(6):735–750. Nunnery, R. K. (2008). Working with groups. In advancing your career: concepts of professional nursing (4th ed). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Sharma, M., & Branscum, P. (2010). Is alcoholics anonymous effective? Journal of Alcohol & Drug Education, 54(3), 3-6. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com Appendix Room Set-up The Front Coordinator Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Observer Read More