Locate an "open" recovery or support group in your local community (be sure to review "What to Know About the Types of AA Meetings" in the Topic 4 Resources). Attend one of the group's "open" meetings. The group can be for any type of substance or process addiction and does not have to be a 12-step meeting. It does, however, need to be a support group to help with the recovery from any addictive disorder. Ensure that the meeting is considered "open" prior to attending it. If the group has a chairperson or leader, it may be helpful to introduce yourself and the purpose for attending prior to the meeting. It is also important to ensure that you maintain the confidentiality of the participants involved in the meeting.

(I attended an open AA meeting.)

Questions:

1.) Describe the impact of a substance use disorder or behavioral addiction on an individual's life.

2.) Two examples of recovery-oriented goals with examples with descriptions of how they were engaged in their recovery goals.

3.) Describe how and why a referral to a support group or meeting can support achievement of mental health counseling goals. When considering level of severity of symptoms as related to the current version of theDSMdiagnosis, explain what diagnostic level(s) may be the most appropriate for referral to these groups and why.

4.) How experiencing recovery stories has impacted your perception of individuals experiencing substance use disorders. Discuss your role as a clinical mental health counselor to support a client experiencing symptoms of substance use disorders and their family members.

5.) Refer to "GCU Counselor Dispositions" and describe the Patience disposition and the application to your role with this population. Include a faith-based perspective.