If you’re thinking about going to AA meetings in Fullerton, congratulations – you’re taking a big step along your recovery journey. In this article, we’ll go over some of the benefits of AA meetings in Fullerton.

What Is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international fellowship designed to help individuals struggling with alcoholism achieve sobriety. It is non-professional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are AA meetings in Fullerton, as well as other places throughout California. There are no age or education requirements for AA – membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.

AA meetings are self-organized by its members and can take various formats, such as open or closed meetings. Open meetings allow attendance by non-alcoholics, while closed meetings are for alcoholics only. Meetings are typically led by AA members who volunteer to serve as a chairperson or speaker. There are no leaders in AA in the conventional sense, as it is a peer-led support group.

The History of Alcoholics Anonymous

AA was founded in 1934 in Akron, Ohio, by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. Wilson, a New York stockbroker, and Smith, an Akron surgeon, both suffered from chronic alcoholism. They found that by supporting each other, they could maintain sobriety. They wrote a book in 1939 called “Alcoholics Anonymous,” which laid the foundation for important aspects of AA, such as the Twelve Steps.

In 1941, columnist Jack Alexander wrote an article for the Saturday Evening Post about AA, bringing it into the public eye for the first time. The organization continued to grow, and by 1947, AA had become self-sustaining due to donations from members and income from book sales. By 1950, AA helped over 100,000 people. By 1967, AA made a significant global impact, with a membership of over one million and spanning 92 countries and 28,000 groups.

Today, AA is still one of the leading 12-step programs in the country. Some things have changed, however. One is that the group, which was originally open only to men, is now open to both sexes. In fact, one-third of the membership is now women.

AA has also moved away from the language of “curing” alcoholism. We now know alcoholism is more of a chronic disease that cannot be cured so much as managed. Finally, people are less religious now than they were then. As a result, AA’s avowal of a “higher power” is interpreted much more liberally these days.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), alcohol addiction is a chronic condition in which a person is unable to stop drinking despite the harm it does to their life. The person is both psychologically and physically incapable of abstaining from alcohol while in this state. The negative consequences that can result include severe damage to the body and mind, as well as lost friendships, jobs, and self-esteem.

There are a couple of key features of alcoholism:

• Cravings – A person with alcohol addiction will experience a heavy psychological and physical urge to drink.
• Inability to Moderate Drinking – After starting, a person with AUD will keep drinking until they are drunk or passed out.
• Physical Dependence – If they stop drinking for an extended period, a person with alcohol dependence will experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include sweating, shaking, nausea, and anxiety and range from unpleasant to potentially deadly.
• Tolerance – A person with AUD will need to progressively increase their intake of alcohol over time to achieve a baseline feeling of well-being.

Alcohol addiction can lead to numerous health problems, including liver disease, heart disease, digestive problems, and brain damage. It also increases the risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety and can exacerbate existing mental health conditions.

The formation of alcoholism is influenced by various factors, including:

• Genetics
• Psychology
• Social environment
• Culture

Treatment often involves a combination of therapy, medication, support groups, and life.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism

Depending on the person, alcoholism can come about slowly or seemingly all at once. Different types of problematic drinking habits can also lead to alcoholism.

Here are some signs and symptoms of alcoholism to be on the lookout for:

• Frequent Intoxication: Often appears visibly intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.
• Drinking Alone: Regularly consumes alcohol alone or in secrecy.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Fails to meet professional, academic, or family obligations due to drinking.
• Legal Problems: Encounters legal issues like DUIs or public disturbances related to alcohol use.
• Continued Use Despite Problems: Continues to drink even when it causes physical, social, or interpersonal problems.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiences withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, and nausea when not drinking.
• Increased Tolerance: Needs to consume more alcohol to achieve the same effects.
• Unsuccessful Attempts to Cut Down: Has tried but failed to reduce drinking.
• Excessive Time Spent on Alcohol: Spends a lot of time drinking, obtaining alcohol, or recovering from its effects.
• Neglecting Interests: Loses interest in activities and hobbies that were once enjoyable.
• Continued Use in Unsafe Situations: Consumes alcohol in situations where it is physically hazardous.
• Craving Alcohol: Feels a strong urge or craving to drink alcohol.

Early detection of these symptoms is crucial for prompt assistance and action. It’s critical to get professional assistance if you or someone you love is exhibiting these signs in order to treat alcohol addiction and strive toward a better, alcohol-free life.