What Is Addiction According To Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

Addiction is a problem for societies around the world. It affects the lives of people who care about us. But, it’s a very complex problem in which genetic, social, familial, and other factors create an illness that is hard to overcome.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a non-professional American organization founded in 1935 dedicated to helping people overcome alcohol addiction through support groups.

AA’s teachings have a strong spiritual component that reflects the religious beliefs of its founders. In this article, we’ll explore how AA’s definition of addiction differs from other health organizations and why it can provide value to people trying to overcome their alcoholism.

The Traditional Definitions Of Addiction & Alcoholism

The National Health Service (NHS) defines addiction as “not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.” This definition is most commonly associated with behaviors such as gambling, drugs, alcohol, and smoking.

However, people can be addicted to almost anything, including internet use, work, shopping, and more.

The NHS also defines alcohol misuse as drinking “in a harmful way, or when you’re dependent on alcohol.” To minimize the health risks of alcohol, the CDC recommends moderate alcohol consumption, which means 2 drinks or less in a day for men and 1 drink or less in a day for women.

One drink, according to the CDC, means:

12 ounces of beer (5% ABV)
8 ounces of malt liquor (7% ABV)
5 ounces of wine (12% ABV)
1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (40% ABV)

*ABV means alcohol by volume.

Alcoholics Anonymous’ Definition Of Addiction

AA has a three-part definition of addiction. This doesn’t mean it’s “better” or “worse.” It’s a different perspective that may be useful for some people struggling with alcoholism.

AA (and similar groups such as Narcotics Anonymous) has a definition of addiction that involves the following elements:

Physical
Mental
Spiritual

Let’s explore them.

Physical Allergy

The first part of AA’s definition refers to the physical experience of being addicted to alcohol (and other substances).

In general, people who abuse alcohol tend to have poor physical health, suffer from anxiousness, poor cognition, dizziness, a higher risk of high blood pressure and liver disease, and more.

AA defines these physical symptoms as an “allergy.” An allergy is a condition that makes people sick or causes skin or breathing issues due to eating or being near substances they have become hypersensitive to.

This classification may, however, not be correct. Alcohol allergy or intolerance is a rare condition that causes adverse reactions after drinking alcohol, like a stuffy nose and skin flushing. It’s caused by the body’s inability to process alcohol. Alcoholics typically don’t suffer from alcohol intolerance.

While it may be helpful for some people to think of alcohol as something they must avoid, like a substance that makes them allergic, it’s important to recognize that alcoholism is not the same as having an alcohol allergy.

This idea was proposed in the 1930s, almost 100 years ago.

We know much more about allergies today and can confirm that classifying alcohol addiction as an allergy is incorrect.

Mental Obsession

The second part of AA’s definition is the mental fixation with consuming alcohol.

This “mental obsession” refers to the addict’s inability to see their substance of abuse as something harmful to avoid, but rather something good that makes them feel alleviated. They ignore or refuse to recognize that this comfort comes at the cost of their overall health.

“The Big Book” of AA describes the person struggling with alcoholism “at certain times has no effective mental defense against the first drink.” They cannot stop themselves, and all logical reasons why drinking is not a good idea are ignored.

In this sense, AA and modern medicine are an alignment. Scientific associations, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA), both recognize addiction as a “brain disease.”

Also, the DSM-V classifies addiction as a mental health condition called substance use disorder.

Spiritual Malady

This is the part of the definition where AA’s religious and spiritual background shows the most. According to AA beliefs, addiction is, at its core, a spiritual disorder, disease, or ailment.

The spirit is often understood as the characteristics of a person separate from the body, which is the seat of our emotions and overall character. In this sense, AA’s definition of addiction may be considered an illness of the soul, which spreads through all other aspects of our lives.

AA’s strong emphasis on spirituality may be problematic for some people, and it’s one of the reasons many may have trouble following the 12 Steps.

But for people who have spiritual beliefs or are willing to engage with that side of themselves, it can be powerful to know that AA’s methods connect closely with their values.

Finding Help Beyond Definitions

Whatever your definition of addiction is, it must recognize that it is a challenge that needs to be overcome. The method you use to overcome it should take into account the multiple factors that come to play in addiction and help address them to achieve long-term sobriety.

If you or someone you know is dealing with alcohol addiction, consider talking to a professional about it. Alcoholism is a progressive disease that can cause many disturbances in your private and professional life and can also be fatal when not treated. Consider speaking to an addiction specialist to discuss treatment options.

What Are the Treatment Methods for Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol abuse is among some of the most common addictions in the world with many people struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD). When the habit of drinking starts affecting a person’s daily life and their health, it is classified as alcohol addiction. In 2017, it was estimated that 19.7 million people battled alcohol use disorder in the US. The WHO informs us that alcohol abuse claims almost 3.3 million lives all around the world. These statistics show the alarming level of harm that alcohol abuse poses. In order to protect yourself and combat AUD, professional help should be sought out. The best way to protect yourself against alcohol addiction is to seek professional help. The following are the treatment options for those who battle alcohol addiction.

Medication

Medication is an effective treatment for alcohol abuse disorder (AUD).. There are certain medicines that have been approved by the FDA that are employed in this type of treatment. Primarily, three of the drugs have been approved:

Disulfiram
Naltrexone
Acamprosate

Alcohol treatment Drugs like acamprosate can aid in lowering alcohol consumption. They are prescribed by a primary care physician or another healthcare provider and can be taken alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy. However, it is important to get help from other treatments, such as therapies.

Detoxification

Alcohol detoxification, commonly addressed as detox, is the process in which toxins left by heavy alcohol usage are eliminated from the body. t. It is usually the first step when a treatment is sought out. This is done to reduce withdrawal effects and clear the body of whatever hazardous items remain inside and keep pestering the body. In a therapy context, alcohol detox is often supported by medicine, medical monitoring, and counseling. Therapists are available in the addiction clinic to assist those who may start to experience withdrawal symptoms while undergoing alcohol detox.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies are crucial for people who deal with alcohol addiction or any other form of addiction. They help the patients develop skills and attitudes that help them stay away from drugs and alcohol. They also assist individuals in adhering to a healthier lifestyle. There are various therapies that are offered to individuals and are usually part of treatment plans. The following are some of the therapies that are also found in outpatient alcohol addiction treatments:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This type of therapy assists patients in identifying, avoiding, and resolving situations where drug use is most likely to occur. The core tenet of the CBT paradigm is the interconnectedness of your ideas, emotions, and actions. For instance, if you are self-conscious, you may feel alone and unhappy, which may encourage you to drink alcohol to dull the pain inside of you. The purpose of CBT, which is a problem-focused treatment method, is to discover healthy solutions to your present difficulties rather than concentrating on the underlying causes of these problems. By addressing the root cause of a problem, CBT can be an excellent way to provide long-term recovery and reduce the risk of relapse in people.

Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT)

Addiction can be a hereditary issue, and this therapy can be effective for people with co-occurring disorders because it addresses a person’s underlying issues. To address issues in this way, a holistic therapy known as multidimensional family therapy and an outpatient counseling technique is also well known. Using a combination of family therapy, drug counseling, and personal and multiple-systems-focused intervention techniques, MDFT is an integrated outpatient treatment. The interventions focus on the interrelated areas of development of an individual and, within them, the situations and activities that are known to cause and/or maintain dysfunction.

Support Groups

Support groups, such as Alcohols Anonymous (AA) meetings or 12-step rehabs, are one of the treatments that may be opted by the people who struggle with AUD. These support groups cater to people who are looking to relinquish or reduce drinking habits. With the assistance of medical expertise and mutual-support groups, most efficacious results for AUD can be attained. As the name suggests, these organizations operate anonymously. However, this is exactly why researchers find it challenging to evaluate the likelihood of success of mutual-support groups. Organizations for the treatment of alcoholism and support groups may be crucial components of the trip. These organizations can help individuals who are looking to minimize chances of relapse.. These organizations persistently assist with “step work,” which is the process of going through all 12 AA stages in order to become sober and keep it that way.

Alateen

Some unique support groups, such as Alateen, are also available. Alateen caters to those whose parents struggle with alcoholism. People share their experiences and traumas in this support group. Lessons and directions are given less attention. Alateen can link you with other young people dealing with comparable difficulties. It can aid in both finding support and becoming more comfortable asking for help.

There are plenty of treatments for those who struggle with alcohol addiction. The journey is not always easy, and alcoholism is not easily cured. It requires years to break the drinking habit. However, help is available, and with some effort, there is a great chance that you will live a more fulfilling life.

Is Alcohol a Depressant?

There are a lot of different ways to classify drugs, such as their chemical structure or how they’re used (i.e. crushed and snorted, swallowed, or injected as a liquid). One of the most common classifications is based on the way the drug affects the body, whether it speeds your body up or slows it down. Drugs that perk you up are known stimulants or “uppers”; those that slow you down are depressants and aptly nicknamed “downers”.

Most drugs fall neatly into one category or the other. Alcohol, however, is a special case. It has the qualities of both stimulants and depressants which makes it difficult to classify, and an unpredictable drug in guessing how it might affect someone.

Where does alcohol, the world’s most widely used psychoactive drug, fall in these groupings? We dive in to answer once and for all if alcohol is a depressant or stimulant.

How Depressants vs. Stimulants Affect the Body

To accurately assign alcohol with the label of ‘depressant’ or ‘stimulant’, you’ll first need a better idea of what these two classifications mean. Both affect the central nervous system (CNS), but do so in opposite ways. By speeding up or slowing down the way the spinal cord communicates with the brain, related organs or brain functions that are controlled by the CNS will be similarly affected. It is this chain of events that results in the most widely-known symptoms of both uppers and downers.

What are depressants?

Depressants slow down the responsiveness of the spinal cord and brain function. They do so by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter called GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid. GABA is a neurochemical that specifically reduces central nervous system transmissions. Short-term symptoms of a depressant include:

Confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Drowsiness
Feelings of calmness or relaxation
Low blood pressure
Loss of coordination
Slowed heart rate and breathing

Types of depressants include opioids like heroin and fentanyl, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines (also known as ‘benzos’ and include the like of common anti-anxiety drugs such as Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin).

What are stimulants?

Stimulants also affect the central nervous system, but do so in a completely opposite manner. They speed up the messages sent between the spinal cord and the brain, causing the organs to work overtime and the brain to become overstimulated. Stimulants affect different neurotransmitters than depressants do. Instead of GABA, stimulants increase levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline).

Dopamine is a part of the brain’s reward system and plays an important role in regulating feelings of pleasure (this is the neurochemical largely responsible for eliciting the euphoric “highs” that some drugs cause). However, dopamine also is a key player in controlling cognition, impulse control, coordination, and motivation.

Serotonin is in charge of mood regulation and is nicknamed, ‘the feel good’ hormone. The majority of the body’s serotonin is actually in your GI tract where it plays a big role in gut health and digestion. When serotonin levels are too high it causes nausea and vomiting.

Norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline, is a part of the body’s fight-or-flight response. When activated, it increases blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar, while overall increasing stress on the body’s organs. But those are just the physiological side effects of norepinephrine, there are also key behavioral effects that occur as well. The primary one is increased aggression, unsurprising given the fight-or-flight’s role as an evolutionary defense tactic. Other disruptive behaviors include wandering, hostility, and uncooperativeness.

Together, the combined effect of increased levels of these neurotransmitters can cause:

Alertness
Difficulty sleeping
Euphoria or sense of well-being
Higher libidido
Increased energy
Increased blood pressure and heart rate
Increased aggression
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting

Is Alcohol a Depressant or a Stimulant?

It’s clear that several of alcohol’s key side effects have similarities to those in both the stimulant and stimulant categories. However, alcohol is technically categorized as a depressant. Here’s why:

The stimulating effects of alcohol occur first after consuming alcohol (increased blood pressure and heart rate, feelings of well-being, and increased energy). However, once a person’s BAC is over 0.08, the depressant effects such as a loss of coordination as well as other cognitive functions, and sleepiness, take place. The energizing effects you experience during the first stages of intoxication are temporary and the sedative effects are much longer lasting.

Although alcohol is legal to buy, it’s still a powerful drug that can cause significant long-term damage to one’s physical and mental health. It’s also one of the most addictive substances on the planet. If you have a loved one with a drinking problem, find an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting near you, today.

Adult Children of Alcoholics: Finding Recovery Support

The Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) program is a 12-Step program that focuses on emotional sobriety. It focuses on the family system, addressing common behaviors and personality traits that result from childhood trauma. The program provides a safe space for people to share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other to help them heal and find freedom. While a considerable portion is focused on alcoholism, ACA or ACoA is a program that helps people who grew up in dysfunctional families. ACA is a program that helps people who grew up in homes where abuse, neglect, and trauma were prevalent.

Understanding the Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) Program

The ACA program began in 1986. It’s based on the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) principles as adapted for people struggling with the effects of growing up in an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional family. ACA is not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or any other 12-step organization; it’s simply one of many groups that have adopted AA’s principles to address a different kind of addiction: one that many children inherit when they grow up in an alcoholic home.

ACA is a 12-step recovery program for people who grew up in dysfunctional families. Dr. Janet Geringer Woititz initially started the program. She identified the three basic characteristics of children raised in these environments: fearfulness (fear of abandonment), low self-esteem, and perfectionism.

The ACA Literature

Similarly to AA, the ACA program bases its teachings on the literature that outlines the program and helps members navigate through concepts, steps, and guidance to find long-lasting recovery:

The Laundry List: 14 traits that define an adult child of an alcoholic.
The Problem: Explains how children in alcoholic or dysfunctional households protect themselves by becoming people-pleasers and adapting other personality traits that continue to affect their adult lives.
The Solution: To teach people how to become their loving parents.
The Promises: Bits of hope and promises to help motivate people to focus on recovery.

The 12-Steps

The 12-Steps are adapted from the initial steps of AA:

We admitted we were powerless over the effects of alcoholism or other family dysfunction and that our lives had become unmanageable.
We believed that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
We decided to turn our will and lives over to God’s care as we understand God.
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
We admitted to God, ourselves, and another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except would injure them or others.
We continued to take personal inventory and promptly admitted it when we were wrong.
We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understand God, praying only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out.
Having had a spiritual awakening from these steps, we tried to carry this message to others who still suffer and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

What to Expect from ACA Meetings

ACA has the adult child and family members attend separate meetings held throughout the week and weekend schedules at several locations. ACA also offers an online group where you can talk with others about your experiences growing up in an abusive/dysfunctional home.

Meeting types and formats are designed to help members feel comfortable and safe. Some meetings are open to anyone, while others have restrictions such as men-only, women-only, young adult, or teen-only.

Each meeting starts with an introduction to the meeting and a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer.

A member might read a portion of The Problem or an item from The Laundry List. Another one will read The Solution, and a third member will read an item from The 12-Steps. The meeting’s host will also explain the style of the meeting and will talk a little bit about what to expect.

Most meetings focus on learning about the steps, identifying The Problem, and learning how to live with The Solution, one day at a time.

The idea of these meetings is to reinforce the learnings of ACA:

I didn’t cause the addiction
I can’t control the addiction
I can’t cure the addiction

These are huge lessons for many and can take quite some time to understand. The ACA was created to help people identify the problems that have arisen from their upbringing and offer a path to a solution.

Consider Joining an ACA Meeting Near You

The Adult Children of Alcoholics program is designed to help you find your way out of the pain and confusion of being raised in an alcoholic or dysfunctional family. It will give you tools to break the cycle of abuse, neglect, and abandonment that has been passed down through generations. It can bring you peace and joy in your life and the ability to live free from fear, guilt, or shame.

If you or someone you know grew up in a household with substance use disorder, consider seeking an ACA meeting near you to start your recovery journey.

Why Attend AA or NA 12 &12 Meetings?

You wouldn’t think twice about going to the doctor when you’re sick, or going to the gym if you want to get in shape, right? Well if your goal is to stop drinking or using drugs with the philosophy of the Twelve Steps as your guide, then it’s obvious why going to 12 Steps and 12 Traditions meetings is the logical choice.

What’s the 12 & 12? The different AA and NA meeting formats

12 & 12 meetings are just one of several different formats held by 12-step-based support groups. These focus specifically on—you guessed it—the 12 Steps that originated from Alcoholics Anonymous.

But aren’t all AA and NA meetings based on the 12 Steps?

While the discussions may always have an underlying theme of the 12 Steps, the 12 & 12 is a type of meeting that is devoted to studying these steps, principles, and other core concepts. They’re ideal for individuals who are working through the steps for the first time or people who are struggling to work through a particular one. Other types of meeting formats will have a different emphasis and structure.

Speaker meetings

Speaker meetings are ones where the majority, if not all, of the meeting time is dedicated to one speaker or presenter, typically chosen by the group’s chairperson. This is the single speaker format.

Sometimes a portion of the meeting will be used to discuss what the speaker said. This is the speaker/sharing format. Note that the goal isn’t to have everybody weigh in or talk about their own experiences.

Discussion meetings

Discussion meetings are topical and encourage input from members. Meetings of this format may take place as a round-robin discussion where everyone speaks (typically 3-5 minutes maximum) or one that’s guided by the chairperson and other members speak up as they so choose.

Meditation meetings

Unlike all the other AA meeting formats, the focus of this type is silence. Meditation meetings may also be referred to as 11th Step meetings, as this step encourages the strengthening of people’s connection to their higher powers (“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out.”)

However, these meetings start and end the typical way as all other AA meetings and there will likely be a portion after the silent meditation to share with the group.

What happens at 12 Steps and 12 Traditions meetings?

Affectionately known as 12 & 12 meetings, it is one of several different AA and NA meeting formats. In these types of meetings, the discussion centers around a passage or chapter from the organization’s literature, and members study the fundamental concepts behind the 12-step-based groups. This is sometimes distinct from Big Book study meetings.

In this format, it’s usually conducted where the group reads the entire chapter and then there’s discussion, or the group reads a paragraph or two before opening up to discussion. It’s a good idea to have someplace to jot down your thoughts as you read to prevent you from forgetting once it’s time to speak.

Depending on the group, the members may opt to spread out the reading of a single chapter over several 12 & 12 meetings since they can be long (over 20 pages), and leave little time for discussion afterward.

Why should you attend a 12 & 12?

Attending these specific meetings isn’t mandatory (nothing about AA or NA is), but both beginners and seasoned members can benefit from 12 & 12s study meetings.

What are the 12 Steps?

The Twelve Steps were created by the founders of AA to serve as the guidelines for overcoming the compulsive behaviors that led to alcoholism. They foster self-reflection and help put people in the mindset to create long-lasting change in their behavior and thought patterns.

What are the 12 Traditions?

The Twelve Traditions establish how the organization functions in its relationship to the public, itself, and its members. These traditions ultimately determine how groups run themselves as well as drawing the line of what’s the responsibility of the members and what’s the responsibility of the organization’s headquarters.

What are the 12 Concepts?

The Twelve Concepts is essentially the hope of AA’s co-founder Bill W. for the organization’s future operations. Adopted in 1962 at the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous, this literature highlights A.A’s early history and the importance of leadership to always act in the best interest of the entire fellowship.

Find a 12 & 12 meeting near you

You don’t need any prior knowledge of any AA or NA literature to attend a 12 &12. However, if they’re pretty new to you, we recommend finding a twelve steps and twelve traditions study guide so that you can take part in the discussion (and perhaps have some questions prepared prior to the meeting).

Why is Integrated Treatment Impactful?

Addiction and mental illness are treatable conditions. Have you ever wondered what happens if addiction and mental illness are developed at the same time? This phenomenon is called co-occurring disorders.

Co-occurring disorders, or the circumstance in which a person has at least one substance addiction disorder and at least one mental health disorder, have advanced in understanding, and we now know much more about them. Now it is evident that treating only a portion of the issue results in treatment failures whereas treating all substance addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously as part of a holistic strategy has a much higher chance of success. Integrated treatment essentially means that both mental health and substance use therapy are provided by the same provider (or team of providers).

What Is Integrated Treatment?

Mental illnesses are brain disorders that frequently result in a decreased ability to cope with the everyday demands of life, much like diabetes is a sickness of the pancreas. While addiction is a medical illness, substance abuse is a behavioral issue. Alcohol and other drug use habits that are harmful as a result of substance addiction and dependence cause severe impairment and distress.

When mental illness and addiction go hand in hand it means that a person is suffering from a co-occurring disorder. This is when Integrated Treatment comes in. Integrated treatment refers to the employment of several treatments, such as the blending of medication like Suboxone and Subutex, and therapy like CBT and DBT. Integrated Treatment’s primary focus is to address both mental and physical aspects of addiction and how it is leading to mental health disorders.

Why Mental Illness and Addiction Often Go Together

Sometimes it might be challenging to distinguish between an addiction and a mental illness. How can one tell if depression is brought on by substance usage, withdrawal from substances, or a diagnosable depressive disorder? How can one distinguish between anxiety brought on by cocaine abuse and anxiety disorders? How can someone tell the difference between mood swings brought on by the overuse of depressants like alcohol and stimulants like cocaine and bipolar disorder? Yes, it might be challenging to detect the difference. It can be unexpected to learn that a sizable percentage of people seeking treatment for addiction also have a mental health condition.

A person may be more likely to struggle with addiction if they have depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, trauma, or ADHD. Because they are unaware they have a mental illness, the problem has gone misdiagnosed, or they don’t like the medication recommended for their condition and how it makes them feel, many people who are experiencing emotional problems turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. However, experts and people in recovery can attest that while these drugs may reduce symptoms temporarily, they ultimately worsen mental health problems. They are never cured.

Is Integrated Treatment Impactful?

Yes. Integrated treatment is impactful because:

It offers simultaneous treatment of a mental health condition and an addiction
It uses the same expert team for the treatment of both illnesses
It creates a solid network of social support while receiving therapy
It utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities to address each person’s goals and issues
It offers flexible treatment options that take into account the unique requirements of each patient

Benefits of Integrated Treatment

Addiction treatment programs that offer dual diagnosis can help a person who is suffering from addiction and mental health disorders. Here are a few benefits of Integrated Treatment:

Help patients understand the part that drugs and alcohol play in their lives.
Approach to both the mental health condition and the substance abuse
Gives patients the chance to learn about the interactions between drugs, the symptoms of mental illness, and other medications
Utilize these problems as a backdrop for investigating their own substance use
Offer counseling that is provided in the form of individual, group, family, or a combination of these sessions
Offers therapy that is specifically tailored to the special requirements of people with co-occurring illnesses
Encompasses support services, such as employment assistance, and may aid patients in their recovery
Helps patients to determine personal recovery objectives and understand how each sickness will be recovered from

The Bottom Line…

Integrated treatment reduces symptoms and enhances the capacity for healthy functioning since it treats co-occurring illnesses concurrently. Abusing drugs or alcohol makes mental health issues worse.

Integrated treatment may help a person to develop healthy coping mechanisms and more effective ways to manage the symptoms of a mental health condition by treating substance addiction as well as the underlying mental health disorder.

Why You Can’t Quick-Study The 12-Steps

The 12-Steps are one of the cornerstones of the Alcoholics Anonymous approach to getting sober. They are 12 spiritually-focused steps recovering alcoholics should follow on their path to sobriety, serving as overarching guidelines for the entire process.

Regardless of the substance they’re addicted to, many people find the Steps transformative and one of the main reasons they got sober. However, incorporating the Steps into your recovery means understanding them profoundly and knowing how to apply them to fit your needs.

This means that you can’t “quick-study” the Steps as a means to accelerate your recovery. In this article, we’ll talk about why you shouldn’t try to quickly learn the Steps and apply this incomplete understanding to your recovery. We’ll also discuss how you can “work the Steps” and integrate them into your recovery.

Why Can’t You Quick-Study The 12-Steps?

The urge to get “the gist” of the 12-Steps may be strong, but we urge you to reconsider this approach. When following the 12-Steps, you must take them seriously and observe them continuously. Not every day, but you need to incorporate them into your life, which takes time. These are the main reasons you can’t adopt them into your recovery:

You need dedication

The 12-Steps are a guideline for your recovery process. To successfully incorporate them into your life, you must prepare for each Step. The first three Steps focus on a positive mindset and connecting with your Higher Power. Some people will find these easy to follow, while others may not.

Take the time you need on Steps that you find more challenging.

You need a spiritual connection

Alcoholics Anonymous is open to non-Christian and non-religious people. Still, they are heavily spiritually focused, and it may be challenging for people who don’t have strong spiritual beliefs to find them fulfilling.

The terms “God” and “Higher Power” may be uncomfortable for some people. If that happens to you, discuss your thoughts with a sponsor, a former or recovering alcoholic who’s more experienced than you in the Steps. They may have words of advice or encouragement on how to manage the spiritual aspects of the Steps.

You need to fit them into your needs and lifestyle

People who successfully apply the Steps integrate them into their lifestyle, adapting them to their needs and circumstances. Some people read daily affirmations related to the Steps, while others take time out of their days to incorporate the Steps into their daily meditations or prayers. Whatever works for you is what you should do.

What Are The 12-Steps?

These are the original 12-Steps created by the Alcoholics Anonymous founders. Be aware that over time other substance abuse recovery programs have incorporated the 12-Steps into their approach. They maintain the essence of the Steps but in the context of other addictive substances, such as cocaine.

The original 12-Steps outlined in the book are:

We admitted we were powerless over alcohol.
We believed that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
We decided to turn our will and lives over to God’s care as we understood Him.
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Admitted to God, ourselves, and another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
We’re entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when doing so would injure them or others.
We continued to take personal inventory and promptly admitted it when we were wrong.
We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
Having had a spiritual awakening from these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and practice these principles in all our affairs.

The 12-Steps Simplified

The 12-Steps wording hasn’t changed much since its conception in 1930. Over time, it’s become difficult for some people to follow. To help adapt the language to modern times, the simplified version appeared, focusing on the main guiding principle of each Step:

Honesty
Hope
Faith
Courage
Integrity
Willingness
Humility
Discipline and action
Forgiveness
Acceptance
Knowledge and awareness
Service and gratitude

What Is “Working The Steps” And What Are The Benefits?

“Working the Steps” is a common expression you’ll hear if you attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings or any other organizations that adopted the Steps into their approach.

“Step work” is anything that helps you cultivate and understand the Steps to aid your recovery process, such as: reading AA literature, attending meetings, and observing the Steps through personal reflection.

The benefits of working the step include, but are not limited to:

Finding the right structure to support your recovery process
Building stronger relationships with other sober individuals
Fostering spirituality
Improving physical and mental health
Achieving mental clarity
Maintaining long-term sobriety

The Bottom Line

Recovery is a long and challenging process. You can’t “cheat” your way through it by quick-studying the 12-Steps and casually applying them to your life. It takes time to absorb their meaning and learn to integrate them into your life.

Don’t try to speed past them, or you’ll be doing yourself a great disservice. Take your time. The rewards will be worth it.

Open Vs. Closed AA Meetings: What’s the Purpose?

Alcoholics Anonymous is a peer-based support group that’s open to people of all ages, races, and faiths. Both the individuals who struggle with a drinking problem and those who love them can attend AA meets to learn, share, and find empathy with one another. However, that’s not to say that anyone can just turn up to an AA meeting on any given day. Before dropping in, you’ll need to know the difference between an open and a closed AA meeting.

What is a closed AA meeting?

Open AA meetings are ones that anyone can attend. This means newcomers who are attending their very first AA meeting and want to learn more about the organization as well as non-alcoholics—the friends, family, or coworkers of those with a drinking problem.

The majority of AA meetings, however, are closed. This means that they are limited to current and prospective AA members. There’s no formal membership process in Alcoholics Anonymous so it’s at the discretion of the individual to determine whether they meet the criteria for closed meetings.

This status of a meeting is usually denoted by the abbreviation ‘OD’ for open discussion or ‘CD’ for closed discussion.

Can I attend a closed AA meeting?

If you’re not sure if this applies to you, refer to Tradition 3—the only thing required is the genuine desire to stop drinking alcohol. If you’ve been attending meetings of the same AA group, you would likely be eligible to go to a closed meeting. If you’re still floating between AA meetings looking for a home group, it could also be a good idea to check with the group beforehand whether you’re considered a member or not.

Why are some meetings not open to everyone?

Understandably, addiction can be a very sensitive topic. It can take people to dark places that are hard to talk about. Limiting group attendance to those who have committed to the Alcoholics Anonymous ways of operation, namely confidentiality and anonymity, creates an atmosphere where individuals feel more comfortable speaking openly, honestly, and freely.

The purpose of AA meetings that are available to the general public is to help people learn more about the organization, how meetings are structured, or hear first-hand what dealing with alcoholism is like. It can provide valuable perspective for loved ones who attend Al-Anon or Alateen meetings and also help someone identify whether or not they or someone else is experiencing the same thing.

Open vs closed AA meetings: How are they different?

The primary difference between open and closed AA meetings is that even with open meetings, it’s typically requested that only members or individuals with alcoholism speak and the newcomers listen and observe.

Additionally, when the Seventh Tradition collection comes around, non-members will be asked to refrain from contributing (“Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions”).

Aside from those differences, the designation of an open or closed meeting does not inherently determine the format or focus of that meeting. Both open and closed meetings may apply to the various meeting formats: discussion meetings, speaker meetings, or literature meetings.

Where to find open AA meetings

If you’re trying to locate an AA meeting to attend, the easiest way to find them is online. Many groups will post meeting schedules and details ahead of time. When in doubt, the best option is to call ahead and ask.

AA meeting advice for beginners

If it’s your first time going to a meeting and you are interested in potentially joining, keep an eye out for beginner meetings. These are geared specifically toward newcomers and tend to focus on the first three of the 12 Steps as an introduction to the organization.

If you’re a newbie and can’t find a beginner meeting at the AA groups near you, another great way to get a feel for the organization, and particularly the people of that group, is to go there early. Lovingly referred to as “the meeting before the meeting”, some members get there early to assist with setting up.

During this time you have a greater opportunity to make introductions, speak with people individually, and get a one-on-one explanation of that group’s meeting format and what’s coming up. Having an idea of what to expect in an AA meeting is a great way to calm any nervousness you may have about joining for the first time. It’s also the perfect opportunity to let others know ahead of time if you don’t want to introduce yourself or any other specific accommodations you might need.

What are AA Discussion Meetings?

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are typically between 60 and 90 minutes long. There are several different types of meetings that are held, each with specific focuses and routines. One of which is discussion meetings. In this meeting format, a topic related to sobriety is introduced and members discuss it as a group. It’s a great opportunity for new and old members alike to hear different perspectives and gain new insights from peers at varying stages of their recovery journey.

Discussion Meets and other AA Meetings Formats

There are five main Alcoholics Anonymous meeting formats: discussion, speaker, literature-based, meditation, and beginner. The type being held will largely shape how that week’s meeting will function (though they will all begin and end the same way, usually starting with the Serenity Prayer and other readings).

Discussion meetings are exactly what they sound like. A topic is shared with the group, and all members can discuss and add their two cents. Meditation meetings, on the other hand, may involve some or all of the time having the group partake in silent meditation.

Speaker meetings are perhaps the most iconic of peer-based support groups. These are when a member shares their story; how they ended up at AA, what made them decide to quit using drugs or drinking, and how they’re faring. Sometimes the floor will be opened up afterward for discussion, but not always. A similar meeting format is the round-robin sharing where the entire group can talk about their personal experiences and respond to one another’s personal divulgences.

Meetings that revolve heavily around the 12 Steps are literature meetings. These discussions are based on AA literature such as The Big Book or the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. This is the type of meeting that would go over what a step means and how to work it.

Lastly are the beginner meetings, which are geared towards (but not limited to) newcomers. They usually cover steps one, two, or three which mark the foundational approach for working the twelve steps.

Who can attend discussion meetings?

There are several nuances that can affect how AA discussion meetings are conducted. These meetings can be open (OD) or closed (CD). Open meetings are open to anyone interested in attending—including new members and non-alcoholics (though they may be asked to refrain from sharing). Closed meetings, on the other hand, are intended only for alcoholics and prospective members.

Look at a group’s meeting schedule to find out whether the meeting is open or not (most are readily available online).

AA Topics for Discussion Meetings

No topic is off-limits. Typically, they are related to at least one of the guiding principles of AA and may refer to specific steps, traditions, principles, or even prayers. General ideas of topics for AA open discussion meetings, per the AA website, include:

1. Acceptance

2. Attitude of gratitude

3. Belief in a Higher Power

4. Complacency

5. Contempt prior to investigation

6. Dependence

7. Fear

8. Forgiveness

9. Freedom through sobriety

10. Group inventory

11. Hope

12. Humility

13. Identification

14. Inadequacy

15. Inventory

16. Letting go of anger

17. Let’s be friendly with our friends

18. Living one day at a time

19. Making amends

20. Meditation

21. Open-mindedness

22. Participation and action

23. Patience and tolerance

24. Personal spiritual experience and spiritual awakening

25. Plan the action—not the result

26. Practice these principles in all our affairs

27. Principles before personalities

28. Resentments

29. Responsibility declaration

30. Rigorous honesty

31. Serenity

32. Service

33. Sponsorship

34. Staying away from the first drink

35. Surrender

36. Three Legacies—Recovery, Unity, and Service

37. Twelfth Stepping

38. Understanding Anonymity

39. Ways of carrying the A.A. message

40. What is sobriety

41. Willingness

42. Working with others

If you are part of a specialized AA group, such as one for LGBTQ members, or members of a particular faith, you may find some topics to be more pertinent than others.

Other things to know about discussion meetings

Just as with any other gathering of Alcoholics Anonymous, sharing is completely optional. Do not worry that you will be forced to chime in or otherwise divulge anything about yourself. There’s a lot that can be gained from AA meetings just from listening.

If you’re a newcomer, it’s advisable to attend one of the meetings that are tailored for AA newbies. This will give you a better overview of what Alcoholics Anonymous is and how it works. Whichever type of meeting you first attend, keep in mind that if you didn’t like this particular meeting format, there might be a different one that resonates with you later on. It may take a few tries to see if a particular group is a fit. Find a local AA group near you today.

What Are Early Intervention Services for Substance Abuse? Why Are They So Important?

Substance abuse disorders are progressive, making it challenging for most people to notice the warning signs of addiction. In some cases, loved ones will only recognize symptoms once addicts have hit rock bottom or after the first overdose. However, even after an overdose, early intervention services can be life-saving. But, interventions, especially around substance abuse, are always more effective in the early stages of addiction. Here’s what to know about them and how to plan one if there’s a loved one dealing with addiction.

What are early intervention services for substance abuse?

Early interventions are performed by the people close to the person abusing substances before they “hit rock bottom” when the addiction has not progressed as much as it could.

Various sources may provide early intervention services: school, primary care doctor’s office, urgent care, the ER, or mental health clinics.

Successful early intervention services identify the underlying issues and triggers that could have led to addiction. Through this process, the patient (the person abusing substances) and their loved ones can take measures to prevent further consequences, focusing on long-term recovery and permanent abstinence from substances.

Early intervention services focus on:

Identifying triggers and underlying conditions that could have led to substance abuse in the first place
Teaching healthy coping mechanisms to prevent relapse
Finding the right rehab program for the recovery journey of the person fighting addiction

The importance of early intervention services

Once someone starts misusing and abusing a substance, odds are they will not quit by themselves. Unfortunately, addiction is a progressive disease that worsens over time. Without assistance, likely, most people will not seek the help they need to achieve sobriety.

Willpower alone is often not enough. Depending on the substance and how long it was regularly used, patients may suffer withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using. The mental and physical stress of the symptoms may push them to use again, even if they want to stop.

This never-ending cycle often places them at risk of overdose, which on occasion, could be fatal.

However, when people receive early intervention services before the substances they abuse have changed the chemical makeup of their brains, the recovery period will be less intense.

Early intervention services help patients understand the possible causes of their addiction and give them the knowledge and techniques they need to recover.

Early warning signs of substance abuse

Knowing the warning signs of addiction is one of the keys to identifying substance abuse early and encouraging our loved ones to receive help. These are some of the most common physical and mental signs of substance abuse:

Not being able to recall events that occurred while drinking (blackouts)
Constant conflicts with friends, family, and co-workers
Frequent mood swings, irritability, and depression
Using substances to relax, sleep or cope with problems
Headaches, anxiety, lack of sleep or appetite, and other symptoms while not consuming substances (early signs of withdrawal)
Having an unusually red face and/or eyes
Nosebleeds (for drugs that are snorted, like cocaine)
Unexpected weight loss or gain
Slurred speech

Additionally, people starting to abuse drugs tend to suffer lifestyle and behavioral consequences, which can also be identified by people close to them. Some of the most common include:

Poor school or work performance
Neglecting chores and other responsibilities at home
Risky behaviors like driving under the influence, risky sexual behavior, and disorderly conduct
Neglecting sports and hobbies
Social isolation and secretive behavior

How to encourage someone to seek early intervention services?

Family interventions usually begin with one or more family members being aware of the substance abuse. Most people are not equipped to handle treatment, so contacting professional assistance is always recommended.

They may start by booking an appointment with their usual family doctor, urgent care services (in case of emergencies), or any other medical provider. Some cities or states have helplines dedicated to advising people in such situations.

Some people also seek advice from a professional interventionist or an addiction specialist. Others might encourage their loved ones to assist in a peer support meeting such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

It’s important to note that not only family members can start an intervention, but friends can also start the intervention process.

Whatever the case, early intervention services are essential for helping people learn the coping skills necessary to overcome addiction and stay sober long-term.

If you, a friend, or a loved one are starting to struggle with substance abuse, don’t wait for a major crisis: do the kind thing and seek professional help from available early intervention services for substance abuse.