SOUTH UNIVERSITY

NSG 4059
NA Support Group Experience Clinical Learning Tool
Directions: Complete and submit to your clinical faculty member as assigned in your
syllabus. Submit your completed paper to ecompanion Dr. Kaweckis drop box NA.
Attach file title your last name NA.
Student name: Melissa Thompson-Ewan Date: 01/17/2017 Time: 7:30pm
Support group name and meeting place: Gift of Life, St Michaelss Church
1925 Birkdale Drive, Wellington Florida 33414
(Must attend one AA, ALNON, NA and one community support group of choice with faculty approval)

1. Describe the differences you noticed between the NA group and the previous
support groups you attended.
The differences that I noticed between this NA group and the previous
support groups I attended were that the NA individuals were extremely
friendly, I saw some therapeutic communication, very welcoming, but you
could tell that their situation was much more difficult than the prior groups. For
example, when I first went into the facility a few members approached me and
introduced themselves. As I stretched my hands to give a handshake they
said, We give hugs here. The initial interaction was because they had never
seen my face before at the meeting and wanted me to feel welcomed. I was
able to distinguish more pain in expressions as they told there stories but I
also felt that coming to the group meetings definitely has impacted them and
kept them on the right path. The sample size was 37 members, female and
male of all ages.
2. How was the Twelve Steps utilized in this group?
The focus in this group was to follow the Twelve Steps program but the main
discussion was that you cannot do this program alone, get a sponsor and be
committed. As we went around the room we read different paragraphs out of
a book; A few words that were mentioned repeatedly are commitment,
choices and hope. As I sat and listened to each individual tell their stories one
member stated, If it wasnt for hope and my faith I would have given up a
long time ago. Observing the group and their actions has made me realize
how serious drug addiction is, but what was more incredible was that they
were all headed in the right direction by making the choice to not give up and
being committed to the steps.
3. Identify common problems participants identified in recovery.
Some common problems that was identified in the group meeting were being
around friends that still use while trying to be clean, still living in the same
environment where they are still able to get whatever drugs they wanted, fear

of relapse and not being able to control temptations and losing everything
including family. One guy talked about always using everyday and would do
whatever it took to get a fix. He recently moved out of that toxic environment
and its a challenge for him each day. Today was day 4 of being clean; he
struggles with withdrawals and also the thoughts of not being able to be
functional not only for himself but his family. He stated, I quit several times
but this time I saw my daughters faces flash in front of me and the thought of
not being around really hurts. I have to get well and take care of them and be
committed, thats why I decided to move from Broward County and try a
different support group. Coming here tonight gives me hope and thats where
I am at.
4. Describe your personal thoughts and feelings before, during and after the meeting.
What did you learn that you could incorporate into your own life?
Before going to the group meeting, I really had to research and try to
understand what NA group was about. I wanted to know how a person gets to
this level, so I went in with an open mind. During the meeting I think I broke
down a couple times, not because I could relate, but just hearing the horrific
stories and learning about how the existing problems associated with drug
use can affect a person physically and mentally, and how it can destroy a
person and their family is heartbreaking. I felt awful during the meeting
because I had never experienced anything like this until this semester.
Learning something can be easy but actual initiation is another. I give these
members a lot of credit because these are not simple problems, these are
real life problems and it is a hard habit to kick. My rule everyday is always to
be respectful and show empathy because you never know what someone is
going through. When I walked in this facility, they all welcomed me with a hug
and a smile although they were going through such difficulty. Wow, I was
blown away by their approach because they all seemed pretty normal until the
stories were told. Remember in life keep an open mind, be kind, show
support, and reach out if someone needs help. Save a life by simply sharing
any resources you can.