Alcoholism runs in my family as much as blood runs in our veins. When I was once asked to observe 12-step groups, I ritualistically flocked to Alcoholics Anonymous, without considering the possibility that other groups had the potential to impact me. I am always proud of my ability to identify as a person who is not trapped in the trap of alcoholism, but who, unfortunately, is a person who is very tormented by alcoholism. Through observing the group and how it unfolded, as well as identifying how I felt as a new participant, I was able to understand why self-help and support groups are so vital for people in recovery. I finally realized that I too am in recovery. I attended Al-Anon meetings on Sundays at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. Meetings began at 11:45 a.m. and ran until 1:00 p.m., depending on the progress of each small group. I was present from January 19, then January 26 and February 2. The groups first met in one room, then divided into smaller groups to process. The initial meeting room is a nursery room in the church. It had lots of natural light coming from the windows and was decorated with children's religious artwork. The room was far too small for all the participants. There were on average thirty-five participants at each meeting. Often people who arrived late had to stand at the door and listen, because the room was literally filled with people. There were never enough chairs, forcing some individuals to stand up, until the large group split into smaller groups. The group itself was composed entirely of middle-aged, white people. There were on average around thirty-five participants each week. The average age of gr...... middle of paper ......http://apt.rcpsych.org/content/6/5/348.fullGifford, S. (2011). Differences between outpatient and inpatient treatment programs. Psychology Center. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/lib/differences-between-outpatient-and-inpatient-treatment-programs/0007531 Galanter, M., MD (2008). Spirituality, evidence-based medicine, and Alcoholics Anonymous. PsychiatryOnline. Retrieved from http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleID=100364Peele, S., PhD. (2004, August). Is AA's psychology of loss a gain for the psychology of loss? American Psychological Association. Flight. 35 NO. 7 pp. 86 Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug04/jn.aspxMcGovern, MP, PhD, & Carroll, KM, PhD. (2003). Evidence-based practices for substance use disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. Retrieved from http://www.dartmouth.edu/~dcare/pdfs/fp/McGovernMark-Evidence-BasedPractices.pdf