self help reflection paper needed for social work class had to attend an online chemical self-help group alcoholics Anonymous (AA), I did this online by going to https;//aa-intergroup.org/ For Part 1: Paper should include inquiry and analysis of the group attended. what does the literature say about self-help group in general ex: what does it say about self help group interactions, what does it say about AA efficacy? is there research to suggest 12step self-help groups are helpful or not, what are some of the historical elements on chemical dependency self-help meetings, what are the differences between self-help and a professional therapy group? In what ways can a biblical perspective be integrated with self-help groups? for part 2: following questions must be answered : what type of meeting was attended, how many people attended the group, what is you identify as the purpose of the group, how involved/motivated were the group members, how did you feel as a first-time “participant” in the group, what did you like ,dislike about the functioning of the group, how did the group members interact with one another, what were some of the significant comments and feelings expressed or implied, what spiritual issues were addressed or shared, what would you say are the possible areas for further discussion and exploration in characteristics were you surprised to experience, include a summary and analytical statement about the overall group interaction, what would be a biblical perspective of the self-help group? my experience : Addiction is a complex disease that millions of people suffer from. There can be many causes of addition that can range from emotional, social or psychological. individuals who suffer from addiction may find different ways to cope with their problem. One way an individual may deal with their addiction is attending self-help meetings. these groups consist of people sharing common problems and are all trying to meet the same goal, which is overcoming addiction. I had a pleasure of attending an online AA meeting and it was very beneficial. meeting attended an online. the AA self-group was a discussion meeting that offers the 12 step program. AA is a free long-term recovery oriented program, frequently offered to individuals in need. this is my first time attending any self-care program I was nervous in attending , but once in the atmosphere and the greeting of other people attending made me less anxious. the group was small only 10 people attended, the purpose of the meetings are to support and encourage each other. Many individual are unable to communicate with family or friends because their level of understanding is not the same when the person hasn’t gone through the same issues. therefore people in these meetings have much more in common. many who attend have created friends with each other as well as personal relationships. they were all welcoming and shared many personal insights, some share shy they started using, from being lonely to feeling unhappy within their lives. for some this support group has given them the motivation, the belief that they can over come and be better, that there are many who care for them and when they accept and understand this they take steps to overcome. some in the group are new and others have been there for many years who are clean but still attend the meeting for the urge is still an on going process – temptation never fully goes away. some stated that when they feel the urge, they pray to the higher power – an important step to overcome addiction. From what i have observed each induvial was motivated and dedicated and staying clean and changing their lives around. I was surprised how open and vulnerable they were, how willing they were to share their personal experiences with everyone else. How they were so welcoming. they shared how sobriety has changed their lives which was a good topic for future meetings. Sobriety includes changes in their lives as well as the repaired broken relationships from family and friends. I wouldn’t mind going to another meeting for i have become comfortable and have seen how addiction can affect anyone, how it can destroy loving relationships and their own lives. when someone spoke, there was a mutual understanding of respect that none would talk but simply listen to their experience with addiction. these self-help groups are wonderful for they may be the last hope for many. For some individuals families have turned their backs and they are alone , these groups help give the support these individuals need to go fourth on the road towards the recovery process.