Alcohol is the number one drug of choice among America’s youth–and it’s killing them. In small children, it’s a potent poison that can result in seizures, coma, and even death. In teenagers, it can impair cognitive development, prevent them from developing the necessary skills to succeed in today’s society, and also make them more inclined to engage in risky, dangerous behavior. Underage drinking is a serious public health issue that has become a nationwide concern. 

Underage Drinking Statistics

Children under the age of 18 who drink alcohol are putting their physical health, psychological health, social skills, emotional well-being–and ultimately their futures–at stake. The earlier they are introduced to alcohol, the greater the risks and consequences are likely to be down the line. 

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 39.7% of youths between 12 and 20 years old have had at least one drink in their lives; 20% of this group also reported drinking alcohol within the past month. 

To make matters worse is how young underage people drink. They are more prone to binge drinking behavior (this is how 90% of 12 to 20-year-olds consume alcohol) which amplifies the risks of dangerous consequences like alcohol poisoning, overdosing, and death. In an NIAAA survey that surveyed children on their drinking behavior:

• 4.2 million reported binge drinking in the past month
• 825,000 binge drank five or more times in the past month

Alcohol causes thousands of deaths in young people ages 21 and under each year. In 2019 there were:

• 1,092 from motor vehicle crashes
• 1,000 from homicides
• 208 from alcohol overdose, falls, burns, and drowning
• 596 from suicides

Alcohol Effects on Youths

414,000 children aged 12-17 had an alcohol use disorder. However, the adverse effects of alcohol on youths begin well before they get to the stage of developing an addiction. 

Impaired Brain Development

The brain isn’t fully developed until we reach the age of 25. Young children who consume alcohol earlier than this may experience neuro and cognitive development delays in the brain. This translates into impaired memory, problem-solving skills, and impulse control. Naturally, this will negatively affect academic performance and put them in a poor position for the future. 

An examination comparing the brain activity of drinking versus non-drinking children demonstrated how underage drinking puts youths at a clear disadvantage. The results showed that the brains of children who participated in heavy alcohol consumption were more activated and working harder, though their end performance was the same as their peers. Other studies have shown that underage drinkers have high rates of absenteeism and lower grades.

Mental Health Problems

People who drink alcohol face higher risks of developing mental health problems (someone with an AUD is 3.6 times more likely to develop a mood disorder than someone who isn’t).  The teenage years are a tumultuous and emotionally charged period on their own. Adding alcohol to the mix can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, and quickly result in a feedback loop that leads to greater alcohol consumption, and so on.

Injury & Death

Accidental injury is the leading cause of death for children in America. Alcohol consumption amplifies this risk for young children by lowering inhibitions and impulse control, while also interfering with cognition and coordination. 

The situation is even stickier for teenagers, who naturally have a greater inclination for thrill-seeking at their age but don’t yet have a developed enough prefrontal cortex to properly weigh potential consequences.  

Unsafe Sex

Underage drinkers are more likely to be sexually active at a younger age and to engage in risky behavior such as unprotected sex. This can result in an increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.  

Criminal Behavior

One of the most common causes of arrests of Americans under the age of 21 is ‘Minor In Possession’ However, that’s not the only reason why youths who drink are clashing with law enforcement. The lack of impulse control paired with thrill-seeking behavior means underage drinkers are more likely to engage in other illegal behaviors like driving under the influence. 

Lack of Social Skills

Many of the social skills children develop are related to their brain development as they age. Alcohol gets in the way of that and can inhibit a child’s ability to process situations and choose an optimal response. Additionally, alcohol can increase antisocial behavior such as aggression or isolation. 

Kids shouldn’t drink alcohol–not just because underage drinking is against the law (a misdemeanor that could result in jail time), but because youth alcohol consumption can have disastrous long-term consequences. If you have a young person in your life who you suspect is abusing alcohol, get help as soon as possible.

Sources:

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.