My first experience at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting was an enlightening one. I, along with two of my fellow students, attended an open, "Big Book ", non-smoking, wheelchair accessible meeting at the First Presbyterian Church in the city of Passaic, New Jersey. .
Upon arriving at the church, we were quickly greeted by an older gentleman who asked us if we were visitors. We told him we were the nursing students who had called ahead asking for information and he smiled and welcomed us inside a small room. The room consisted of a long table at which one woman and six men were seated, including the group leader who was seated at the head of the table and who had a large book on the table in front of him. Around the perimeter of the room were more chairs, with about three other men seated. Everyone was quiet, and the man who welcomed us in, asked us to have a seat along the wall so that we may observe. He offered us coffee and/or tea, and I felt that was a warm gesture, however I declined. Some members helped themselves to coffee, tea, and pieces of pie. The members seemed quite at home, and I wondered for how long each of them had been attending these meetings.
At this point the group leader introduced himself as "George* alcoholic ", and asked if there were any new attendees in the meeting tonight. The man who welcomed us in, who seemed to me to be the coordinator of the group, let everyone know that there were nursing students in attendance today, which the members all seemed very happy about. We took turns introducing ourselves as nursing students, and after each introduction, all members said "welcome " in unison. It was very interesting to see how organized the group was. The group leader also asked for donations, but members were not required to give anything. A few men donated a few dollars into a woven basket.
The group leader then stated it was time to get started and asked if anyone had any experience they wanted to share that they felt was a threat to their sobriety.
