Culture of addiction/recovery.

Select an addiction related meeting to attend, at the end of this document are suggestions. If you are aware of a meeting for a specific addiction that is not on this sheet, you will need to email me and receive approval prior to attending the meeting. It is your responsibility to identify a specific addiction related meeting to attend based on a location and time that works for you. Some meetings allow the public to attend and some do not. For instance, in Alcoholics Anonymous, meetings are designated as being either open or closed. Open meetings are available to the public, whether they be visitors, newcomers, regular members of AA, family, or friends. In contrast, only those with a drinking problem may attend closed meetings. Open meetings may follow any number of formats as determined by the local groups that host them, and might not differ from closed meetings except in relation to those who may attend. Formats- One format is the open speaker meeting, in which a designated individual shares his or her story of alcoholism and recovery, generally employing a storyline that describes what they used to be like, what happened, and what they are like now. Another format involves meetings where, groups that may hold open discussion, which generally address a specific step or topic. Other kinds of open meetings may be dedicated to the study of AA literature, such as the Big Book, or Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. With whichever meeting you decide upon, note the format of the meeting you attended and be sure to provide that information in your reflection paper. Basic information about local recovery meetings are often provided via Web sites or pamphlets, including the days, times, and locations at which meetings are held, whether they are open or closed, nonsmoking or smoking, and other aspects related to format, or the availability of certain services, such as childcare. Additional considerations are also given to special interest groups, including meetings that are held primarily for young people, men's meetings, women's meetings for individuals who identify as gay or lesbian, and others.        

Sample Solution