By Jessica Mitchell
The college’s helping hands extended themselves to people struggling with addiction by the arrangement of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings that are now being held on campus. The meetings are held every Friday from 12 to 1 p.m. in RC 185, students and non-students can meet and discuss their addictions.
The meetings are oriented towards those who are struggling with addiction whether it be alcohol or drugs/narcotics. The normal weekly meetings are described as “closed”, but the first of every month houses an “open” meeting that allows for students, visitors, or anybody else interested.
“The meetings that are closed are for those people that are recovering…for the people who are actually in the group together to help one another take it a step at a time – a day at a time.” said Lill Bajich-Bock, counselor and part of the college’s alcoholism and drug addiction awareness group.
AA as a campus support group, is not actually student-run. A woman from the community offers her time and meets with the members to help support them in their addiction recovery process. The group does not bias from any other addiction. You do not have to be an alcoholic to join or attend the meetings.
“Sometimes the different people in these groups have other addictions or may have had struggles with other addictions.” Bock said. “But the commonality there is addiction.”
Even though the college does not house its students, support groups and programs are always available through the counseling center and are often provided on the campus itself.
“It’s good that there are organizations set up on campus to help students struggling with addictions.” said student, Pat Schaefer. “Sometimes having something in reach makes dealing with personal issues easier. I also think it’s pretty awesome that there are people here willing to help.”
If a student were to need support or help with personal issues, the counseling center is a good place to start for more information on groups and meetings held within the community.
“There are things on campus for people who need ongoing assistance but we also have good referral sources if somebody needs a service that can’t be provided on campus.” said Dana Carr, counselor. “If a student is experiencing homelessness, loss of income or other issues that they are going to need some community support – we keep resource guides or we can start helping them try to make calls and work with them in that way.”
The college’s AA group is a service to help support students with addiction issues. Attending meetings does not cost and can possibly even fill a court-ordered demand.
“Often times when things are forced upon people, they don’t take hold very well. They do what they’re supposed to do and then when it’s over they don’t look back.” Bock said. “The hope is, however, that at some point in time, that plants a seed that could perhaps grow and if these issues return then people can remember that that is an option for them. It’s not for everyone but it’s certainly an option and it’s been successful for a lot of people.”
If you’re struggling with addiction or need/want support, head up to the counseling center on the second floor of the SC. There will also be a Council Addressing Substance Abuse Issues (CASAI) presentation titled “What does an Addict Look Like?” on March 8 at 11 p.m. in Craig Auditorium.
Contact Jessica Mitchell, features editor, at jmitch54@jccc.edu
It’s great that they started another group for support. It’s really hard to cope with addiction all by yourself. Great job!
“The meetings are oriented towards those who are struggling with addiction whether it be alcohol or drugs/narcotics.”
This is just dead wrong.
Tradition Three of AA limits attendance to those “who have a desire to stop drinking.” However well intentioned this college drug counselor is clueless and the “woman from the community” equally so.
Nice to see this!