AA

I am double-dipping today. I just typed up a reflection of the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that I attended for a school assignment. I really enjoyed the hour-long meeting! Afterwards, I was starving and so I indulged in a hamburger from Five Guys. I love that I can sit there at the counter and eat peanuts until my burger is ready to eat. The AA meeting was right off of Wisconsin and if it wasn't so miserably cold, it would have been fun to stroll around Georgetown. As it was, I walked really fast and enjoyed the sights as I went. : )

AA Reflection Assignment

• What was your experience at AA/AL-ANON/NA like?

My experience at AA was like a breath of fresh air. They were welcoming, positive, intelligent, and eloquent. I had never attended an AA meeting before and I was unprepared for how advanced and committed this particular group was to maintaining their sobriety through the AA program. It was inspiring to hear many members of the large group relate how they had overcome their addictions. Everyone mingled well and seemed more like family than individuals from various walks of life.

• How was this similar to or different from your expectations?

I expected that I would enjoy my experience at AA, but what I felt, heard, and saw far surpassed my expectations. There were 40 people in attendance, which was larger than I had expected and people communicated with me and welcomed me. My reception remained warm after I identified myself as a Georgetown medical student. The group included me and made me feel right at home.

• How do you think AA/AL-ANON/NA could be helpful to your future patients?

The positive environment and strong commitment that I felt among the group would provide a powerful support network to my future patients who will be struggling with addiction. The group members were warm and welcoming to everyone and were honest about their problems and their successes. That environment could play a powerful role in helping future patients become sober, too.