Cultural Excursion

Cultural Excursion

1. Why did you choose this excursion? What other options did you consider?

I chose to attend an AA meeting for my excursion because it hits me an in a very personal way. My dad is an alcoholic and has never sought out help, and I wanted to know what it was like for people going through wanting to be sober. I also considered an NA meeting as well for similar reasons.

2. What were your preconceptions about the cultural group? Who or what shaped them?

My perception about this cultural group for some reason was maybe that the people attending the meeting were going to be very sad and depressed. This was not the case at all. I think that due to how the media portrays the meetings in shows and movies.

3. What did you learn about others? What did you discover that you didn't already know?

I learned that many people attending these meeting count on them as being their lifeline. It is a big social and accountability aspect that helps people get through hard times. I did not know that there was a book that a lot of meetings revolve around and most people who attend have.

4. What did you learn about yourself?

I learned that many people are in the same position as me and my family and not to be embarrassed about talking about it. I also learned I need to be more compassionate and understanding to people that have this disease and not be so judgmental. It is a very tough thing to try to start and keep being sober and many people have hiccups along the way.

5. How did your experience relate to the concepts, theories and topics covered in this course? (Note: This last question must be answered in detail. Be as specific as possible and be sure to reference the concepts or theories by name)

By attending the AA meeting this relates to most recent topic we discussed in class. Topic 11 was going over people’s abilities, culture, and health. Specifically, substance use disorders. Alcoholism is highly stigmatized and the response to death is by overdose and alcoholism. We did discuss the huge issue that is going on right now which is Heroin and Fentanyl. It is affecting people in ways with addiction like never before and is really an epidemic with so many people dying and falling into using these drugs.

6. In what