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COMMUNITY REFLECTION

12-step Programs and Community Reflection

Kapiolani Community College
Reid Kaneko

COMMUNITY REFLECTION
Alcoholics Anonymous

On February 3, 2015, I attended an open Alcoholics Anonymous meeting entitled,

A Spiritual Awakening at New Hope Kahala Mall. The meeting started promptly, as
the facilitator rang the bell at precisely 6:30am. As people continued to arrive, I was
struck by how many people were present. In total, my estimate was approximately fifty
people in attendance. I later learned from one of the attendees that this daily meeting is
particularly popular, and that 50-60 people is common.
The facilitator (or secretary, as he referred to himself) made his introduction and
explained the ground rules of the meeting. This was continued with a group recitation of
the 3rd step prayer. Each attendee was then asked to introduce themselves and share
whether they are an alcoholic (or addict, as several indicated) and how long they have
been sober. These ranged anywhere from 5 days to 30 years. The group then recited the
7th step prayer, and followed it with readings from 24 Hours a Day and Daily
Reflections. The topic of discussion was in reference to step four from 12 Steps and 12
Traditions, which asks you to make a moral inventory of yourself.
Several people introduced themselves and shared personal stories of their
challenges and triumphs against alcoholism. One person likened the challenge of it to
putting yourself on a t-ball stand, and constantly beating yourself up. Another person
animatedly talked about the importance of knowing what to share in an open meeting and
what to share only to your sponsor. Some of the stories were very personal, while others
were much more generalized.
Just as the meeting began promptly, so did it end promptly at 7:30am. Everyone
recited the 11th step prayer, and we all gathered in a circle, hand-in-hand. Together, they

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said, Keep coming back. It works if you work it. The meeting was ended with a
recitation of the Lords Prayer.

The set-up was very similar to how I imagined it would be. The only difference is
that rather than having a podium at the head of the room, a main table was set up in a
rectangle, with additional chairs set up around it. This gave it more of a discussion feel,
which I think encourages more people to share. Several people approached me and
introduced themselves, and everyone was friendly and encouraging to one another. I think
the biggest insight I received is how non-discriminatory alcoholism can be. There were
young and old, casual and nicely dressed, men and women (some of whom brought their
children). No matter what, though, they all share this common thread. I think knowing
that you are not alone and being able to share your challenges and triumphs (and to give
and receive that encouragement) is what gives people the strength to overcome their
addiction.

Narcotics Anonymous
On February 5, 2015, I attended a Narcotics Anonymous meeting entitled Were
In There Like Swimwear at the Church of the Crossroads. It was held in a small room,
with chairs set up in a circle. There were about eleven persons, including myself, that
stayed for the whole meeting.
The meeting began with the facilitator introducing himself and leading the group
in the Serenity Prayer. He then asked for any newcomers to introduce themselves to the
group, and so I introduced myself and informed the group that I was a nursing student
from Kapiolani Community College. Some of us were handed a different passage to

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read to the group that explained different aspects of Narcotics Anonymous. The passage I
read was entitled Why am I here? These were followed by the Thought of the Day
for February 5th, after which the meeting was opened up for discussion.
There were four attendees that spoke in our allotted time, each of whom touched
on a different aspect of their narcotic use and recovery. One person explained how his
upbringing introduced him to drugs. Another explained how drugs led up to his divorce.
And yet another explained why he keeps coming back to the meetings. While each of
them revealed different stories of their time using, the common thread was how they need
to take responsibility for their actions.
Unlike alcohol or overeating, there is a particular stigma to narcotic use, likely
because it is in itself illegal. So, the general public myself included has a difficult
time distinguishing these individuals from common criminals. We often view their
addiction as being different from other addictions, and so we lose that compassion that
we might have for others. One of them expressed their appreciation that I am going into
nursing because theyve experienced the kindness and compassion of healthcare workers
who have helped them in the past. I think as nurses, we have to remind ourselves that no
one should be beyond our willingness to help.

Overeaters Anonymous
On February 6, 2015, I attended an Overeaters Anonymous (OA) meeting at
Central Union Church. There were a couple observations I noticed about the
demographics of the attendees. First, there were only six in attendance, not including
myself. Also, they were all Caucasian women, varying from college-age to senior

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citizens. Whether this is a significant observation that is representative of the group as

whole or just a coincidence, Im not sure. However, I do think that their members are
primarily female. In our mental health resources, however, there is indication that more
men are being diagnosed with eating disorders (i.e. anorexia nervosa and bulimia
nervosa), so perhaps the trend will follow in their seeking treatment or support groups, as
well.
Another observation I made about this meeting is that, while they follow the same
traditions as the other 12-step meetings Ive attended such as opening with the Serenity
Prayer there are notable differences. For instance, they seem much more lax in their
structure, which I attribute most likely to their limited attendance. Everyone who spoke
read a passage from one of their many pamphlets and books, and followed it with a
personal story related to that particular passage. Beyond that, they really didnt seem to
have specific stories to share about their compulsive eating.
Another difference I noticed is that the underlying satisfaction people get from
compulsive eating is different from that of alcohol or narcotics. While I held this
sentiment going into the meeting, what surprised me is that the stories I heard reinforced
this even further. Their compulsive eating seems more of a response to stress or as a selfesteem issue, rather than an addiction such as alcohol or narcotics. And in relation to
this, it seems difficult to identify what constitutes compulsive eating. Part of this
reasoning can be attributed towards the possibility that the members I heard from dont
demonstrate that extreme level of self-destructive behavior that others may display.
Perhaps there are some people who do compulsively eat in a way that is comparable in

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the destructive nature such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. I just didnt associate
that level of severity in the members I spoke with at the meeting.
One thing that struck a chord with me, however, was one persons story about
how overeating was just a part of her self-destructive behavior. So whether someone is
an alcoholic, takes narcotics, or eats compulsively, it really requires taking control not
only of that action, but of your entire life. I recognize now how one aspect of your life
affects every other aspect of your life simply because it is a part of you as a whole.

Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse

On February 18, 2014, I had the opportunity to visit the Waipahu Oahu
Clubhouse and learn about the services they provide to the community. The staff gave us
an orientation and background of their program, and we spent the day working side-byside with the members. It was really insightful to see the camaraderie between the staff
and the members, and to see how self-sustaining they are when they work together.
The day began with a group meeting, in which they discussed old and new
business. Everyone then headed to their respective areas - the kitchen, the clerical office,
and the facilities management where individual assignments were handed out. I was
assigned to help set up the sprinklers throughout the backyard and to water the plants in
the front. After this, I worked with another member to create get-well cards for
members who havent come by in awhile. I thought it was great how they create such a
familial environment for their members, regardless of how involved they are with the
club.

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Another aspect of their services that left an impression on me is how the staff help
their members achieve as much independence as they can. They really go above and
beyond what I expected to help their members live productive lives. At the most basic,
they assign daily tasks to help upkeep the club. On the far end, though, they help their
members find temporary or permanent jobs in the community. And as wonderful as the
staff is in supporting and guiding them, its the members that keep the spirit of the club
going. My experience here is really the silver lining of mental health that Ive only now
begun to see, and Im glad I have.
River of Life Mission
On February 25, 2015, I went to the River of Life Mission to volunteer. Upon
arriving, I helped to prepare the utensils that would be used during breakfast. I was then
tasked to help put together the sack lunches that were to be handed out in place of serving
lunch for that day. When they told us that they would be needing about 200-250 sack
lunches, I was amazed because I didnt expect them to serve that many people.
Although a faith-based institution, River of Life Mission opens their doors to
anyone who asks for their service. The staff is very friendly and they worked diligently
along with the volunteers to provide great service. It was really nice to see the
friendships that have been established among the visitors and the staff. I observed that
many of them know each other, and that coming to River of Life is a place for them to
enjoy a great meal and socialize with others in a safe environment, with no judgment.
I think what I took away from this experience in particular is how mental health is
more than psychological. When youre dealing with alterations in cognition, everything
else that depends on it must be treated as well. Unfortunately, this includes everything in

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Maslows hierarchy of needs. From physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and

self-actualization everything is in some way dependent on cognitive function. As
nurses, we are taught to holistically care for our patients. So to treat patients with mental
health issues is to acknowledge their physical and emotional needs as well. Part of my
misperception of the function of a place that hands out food to the homeless is now
corrected. We learned in mental health that it is really up to the patient to want to seek
help. And while many may not be ready, we as nurses should still hold that obligation to
ensure their physical and emotional wellbeing. River of Life Mission helps to fulfill this
service.

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