(Name)

(Instructors’ name)

(Course)

(Date)

Meetings for Families of Alcoholics

I attended a meeting held for the families and friends of the alcoholic people, and it was held in the evening. I realized that this meeting had fewer members than the other meeting with more women in attendance than the men. They were alert that a stranger had joined them when I entered and that shook me a little. There were not so friendly and smiling faces and this got me to wonder whether this was the best way to admit and invite new members. To me, it was a little bit scary and unwelcoming. However, with a slight nod from the leader I located a bench and sat down to take note of the proceedings. I realized something peculiar at once. The meeting for the parents and friends was on how to cope with alcoholics. However, the leader was the one asking questions and directing them to specific people and people were not participating.

I was feeling a little frightened in this meeting because I did not feel as welcome and I felt frightened and apprehensive.

I observed my surroundings and I could notice some tense people wondering and fearing when their turn to speak up would come. I was feeling the same tension too, as I was not feeling ready or prepared to introduce myself in this meeting. I was feeling discouraged to become a part of this group and I could feel a small voice telling me this was not a helpful group for these people. The tension I observed in the room, as a result, of the method of interaction used did not look so helpful to me for helping people. This is because it made the surroundings and the environment unfriendly to share experiences, to pose issues and contribute to concerns with the other members of the group and the leaders. This is extremely detrimental especially when an organization is planning to start a group like this one. An environment that is welcoming, warm and friendly is essential for better outcomes. At the conclusion of the gathering, I was not feeling better at all and I felt that the members did not receive much help from this group. Meetings like these should be designed a way that reaches all individuals and that helps address the concerns of the members.