Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Nursing - Essay Example This is a self-support group , so the chairman must also be an alcoholic. To begin he asked if there were any new comers. There were three of us and we each stood up and told the group our first names. I was told beforehand that the meeting runs on most occasions on a ‘single share’ system. This means that each person can speak for a few minutes and no one voice or opinion dominates, which seems very fair and egalitarian. Another factor is the way in which people speak to the whole group rather than perhaps saying to only one person ‘What you ought to do is†¦..† or to reprimand them This a meeting of equals. One by one members spoke about their experiences for a few minutes. In some cases they were still struggling with their alcoholism, one or two talked about the negative effect upon their health, and others were no longer drinking, but were still taking things a day at a time. Then one lady gave a longer pre-planned talk, outlining the full story of h er descent into alcoholism at quite an early age, because of difficulties at work. She described how things had got so bad that she could no longer care for her family, but did say that her husband did his best to be supportive. The meeting was then closed without discussion and we went our separate ways. Narcotics Anonymous Visit. I found the local chapter of Narcotics Anonymous simply by looking in the telephone book. I was surprised to find that the group met regularly in an anonymous building that I pass frequently. I thought it was an American self-support group, but on the web site and in the leaflet I was given I read:-. Every addict in the world has the chance to experience our message in his or her own language and culture and find the opportunity for a new way of life. This means that these people are just concerned with their own addiction, but are trying their best to help others. They even have a World Convention. Also they do not rely on the medical profession when it comes to writing their literature, but it all comes from members. The meeting began in a similar way to that of the Alcoholic Anonymous meeting in that there was friendly chat and then the meeting was called to order. Although some people did speak for a few minutes each, this was a teaching meeting which went through the twelve step program guide. I was assured that many had found this helpful. I was particularly struck by the first step when those addicted to narcotics come to the point where they can state â€Å"We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable.† The members are encouraged to place their lives into the hands of God, however they understood him to be. They need to make a definite turning round of their lives and search their inner being, something described as making a moral inventory. They are encouraged to share their decision with someone, and also to make amends to those who might have been harmed by their act ions, wherever this is possible. I had had a very negative view of drug users – usually only meeting them in the emergency room when they were at their lowest, but these people were trying really hard to improve. Health Fair . It was however in the main dominated by people and companies who make their living and profits from the Health Care industry, so I did have some doubts about motivation. There was for instance a stall where you could sign up for