Support Group meetings PDF

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Summary

Journal written following attending Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery ...

Description

Running head: REFLECTION

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Reflection Sara Kahler Indiana Wesleyan University

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REFLECTION Alcoholics Anonymous was similar, but also dissimilar to what I had anticipated. Initially walking into this new experience I was very nervous; it was outside of my comfort zone. It was a group of people I do not typically spend time with. I walked up to the building, there were many people outside smoking. Inside I felt uncomfortable that I was invading the attendees’ privacy. I was attending something that was personal and I could not relate to, as I had never struggled with drinking let alone alcohol abuse. It began with an introduction of the rules of the twelve-step program next an introduction of everyone attending, handing out of chips, a reading from the Alcoholics Anonymous handbook, and subsequent discussion on the material and personal experiences. Conversely Celebrate Recovery was held at a church, we were greeted at the door and began with a time of light refreshments. Following that a time of worship, prayer, a brief sermon on the particular step that was discussed, then a break down into individual groups based on recovery and separated by gender. Although we were not able to attend an individual group for the privacy of the attendees, we were able to go to the initial introductory meeting for newcomers. I was surprised at the wide variety of issues that people attended Celebrate Recovery for. I felt very at ease in their environment and was glad to not invade the participants’ privacy. Celebrate Recovery and Alcoholics anonymous were both focused on individual healing and recovery from addiction and both utilized the 12-step method. The approach was different; Celebrate Recovery was very intentional and focused on God as a healer and redeemer of hurts, habits and hang-ups. Alcoholics Anonymous also had a spiritual component but it was less focused on God and more general spirituality—whatever the attendee considers as spiritual. Although Alcoholics anonymous does not officially any spiritual component except for “Anonymity”-- I am unsure of how that is a spiritual component (Anonymity, n.d.). I was

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pleasantly surprised to discover that there was a spiritual component. I had originally thought it was a secular program. While attending I learned that the materials of the twelve-step program incorporates a spiritual component as well. Some members attributed part of their healing to God. At Celebrate Recovery we were able to worship as a body of Christ. It is through Jesus that the healing occurs and The Body coming together to help each other heal. Celebrate Recovery uses Jesus Christ, prayer and scripture for recovery. In addition to the 12-step program there are eight spiritual steps, shortened into the acronym: recovery. The week that I attended focus was “E” evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others when possible, except when to do so would harm them or others”. God has been working in my life this semester on forgiveness, how amazing for God to orchestrate me to attend a meeting where forgiveness is the focus. A verse from Matthew has repeatedly made itself present to me especially in the course of studying mental health this semester. Matthew 6:14-15 “ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (New International Version). Celebrate Recovery has had a very high success rate, their website proudly states that 85% of participants stay with the program and nearly half of the attendees’ will serve at celebrate or another ministry (Celebrate Recovery, n.d.). A leader spoke with us regarding Celebrate recovery, she stated that the program is very successful speaking from her personal experience of attending and watching and helping others through the program as a leader. I enquired if she felt that there were any issues that Celebrate Recovery was unable to handle. It was her opinion that there was no issue that Celebrate recovery would be unable to heal because the program is using the power of Jesus Christ. Celebrate Recovery specifically calls to those who struggle with,

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hurts, habits and hang-ups. Those 3 “H’s” incorporate such a wide variety of issues it seems to me that anyone could be an attendee and benefit from Celebrate Recovery. Attending the meetings allowed me the opportunity to see into the window of those who struggle with addiction. I work on an intensive care unit, when alcoholics come in with esophageal varices and complete liver failure along with many other issues resulting from alcohol abuse I found myself angry with the patient. I was upset that they originally had a healthy and functioning body and abused it. To me this experience allowed for a window into the life into those who struggle with an addiction—to see it as a disease rather than a choice. Undoubtedly this experience grew empathy in me for those who struggle with addiction, not only for alcoholics but for those who struggle in different areas as well. It is through this experience that I will be better able to understand and sympathize with friends, relatives and patients to better connect and be a beacon of restoration in the path of healing.

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References: Anonymity - A Vital Spiritual Principle. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/anonymity-a-vital-spiritual-principle

Celebrate Recovery. (N.d.). Middletown Indiana. Retrieved from: http://www.celebraterecoverymiddletown.com/?page_id=1888

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Indiana Wesleyan University School of Nursing Reflections Paper Rubric – Support Groups Experiences

This Rubric must be included with your paper. See the detailed instructions above. Description of experiences

Possible Points 10

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Analysis: Significance of the experiences * Included in-depth, relevant, & insightful Reflection & Self Discovery

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Christian Worldview *Included pertinent scripture reference. *Included your perception of experience in terms of being a World Changer.

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*Compared and contrasted 12-Step Group and Celebrate Recovery Groups – see the criteria in the instructions. *Referenced Resources cited in your paper OR Current evidence related to Community Agency Formalities & Organization

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Points Earned & comments

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*Attendance Validation Paper is included. *Submitted on time *Rubric was attached *Clear, logical, structured, systematic *Spelling, grammar, scholarly vocabulary reflective of mental health nursing terminology used; **APA format utilized correctly PASS (7.5/10 points)

Comments

FAIL (< 7.5 points)

10...