Written by: Dwayne Myers

When my father died of alcoholic liver disease in 2016, I wanted to understand how this condition happened. As a former nurse, I should have known that he was sick, but the truth is we didn’t. Liver disease can be sneaky, and liver failure, especially from alcoholism, can happen quicker than you think.

However, I know my father’s medications also contributed to his rapidly failing liver because he mixed alcohol with liver-toxic medications. In the hospital, the doctors told us that doing so caused his liver disease to accelerate.

Indeed, according to research, mixing hepatotoxic medications with alcohol is highly dangerous for the liver. However, not all medications are toxic to the liver, but most people don’t realize which ones are toxic and which ones are not. Hepatotoxic drugs are metabolized in the liver and can put a lot of stress on the functions of the liver. Alcohol is also hepatotoxic, which adds even more pressure on the liver.

Medication safety warnings usually point to avoidance of alcohol when taking that specific medication but don’t explain why. Some medicines can make you more dizzy or drowsy when mixed with alcohol, but some warnings are due to the hepatotoxic nature of the medicine. But since these warnings don’t provide details, it’s hard for people to know why the warnings are there.

In writing these educational posts, my goal is to help people understand the information that is not often explained well to the general public. If people have the appropriate education, they can make better choices about their alcohol and medication use.

The following common medications are hepatotoxic, which means they put stress on the liver and shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is metabolized through the liver and can be hard on liver functions. An overdose of acetaminophen, however, can cause liver failure. Taking some Tylenol with alcohol is likely not going to cause liver failure. However, if Tylenol is mixed repeatedly with alcohol over a long period of time, it can contribute to worsening liver issues.

Narcotics

Similar to Tylenol, narcotics are toxic for the liver. Repeated use of narcotics can be hard on the liver, but it becomes a double-whammy when mixed with alcohol. For people who already have liver disease, mixing narcotics and alcohol can rapidly accelerate liver problems. This is what happened to my father — he had chronic pain from diabetes, and he used narcotic medication while drinking a lot of alcohol. Unfortunately, this combo was deadly for him.

Antibiotics and Antifungals

These are common medications that are used for bacterial and fungal infections. These medications can be very hard on the liver and digestive tract. Using alcohol with these medications can make a person quite sick, particularly for antifungal medications. Fortunately, these medications are only used periodically and not long-term.

However, people with alcohol abuse issues are sometimes prone to repeated infections because their immune system has been lowered by heavy alcohol use. This means that antibiotics or antifungals may be used more frequently in this population.

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants are used to treat seizures and epilepsy. However, the medications taken to treat these conditions are hard on the liver. Medications like Valproic acid (anticonvulsant but also used for bipolar disorder and migraines) can sometimes raise liver enzymes even when taken alone. However, when used with alcohol, it can put a lot of stress on the liver and increase the potential for liver damage.

Antipsychotics

Some antipsychotic medications can be difficult for the liver. Medications like chlorpromazine are metabolized through the liver and should not be mixed with alcohol. Other medications include quetiapine, seroquel, and clozapine, to name a few. Unfortunately, many people with mental illnesses like psychotic disorders also struggle with alcohol use disorder. This makes liver issues a high potential for this group of people.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs

Medications like atorvastatin and simvastatin can cause problems with the liver and, as such, shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol. However, 85.6% of US citizens consume alcohol, and 25.8% binge drink. Also, 94 million US adults have high cholesterol and may require the use of medications to lower cholesterol levels.

Diabetes medicine

Insulin and metformin are both used for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Both these medications can be hard on the liver and therefore shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol. Interestingly, over 34.2 million people have diabetes in the US making it a relatively common condition. As such, many people with diabetes are taking medication to control their blood sugars and possibly mixing these medications with alcohol. Again, this is also what happened to my father. He had type 2 diabetes and also took medication to control his blood sugars. Unfortunately, he mixed several medications with alcohol which caused his liver disease to rapidly worsen.

These are the most commonly used medications that people may mix with alcohol. All of these medications can be toxic to the liver on their own, and when combined with alcohol, can accelerate liver disease. People who take these medications should exercise caution when drinking alcohol.

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Former nurse turned writer — empowering change. Let’s talk about mental health, addictions, trauma, and wellness. Join Medium: https://gillianmay.ca/membership

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Check-ins

Recovery is a lifelong journey, so when times feel unbearable, it’s important to use all of your available resources around you for help. A sober coach is the first point of contact you should lean on after rehab. Sober coaches are there to guide you through the hard times and provide you with advice along the way. Rebuilding relationships with family members should be a top priority as well, especially if the bond was broken in the past. Having a friendly face to rely on and build you up can make all the difference in your sobriety journey. If you’d feel more comfortable having assistance 24/7, try downloading a sobriety app to help stay on track with your progress. The last thing you want is to feel alone.

Start Over

To avoid temptations, distancing yourself from anything or anyone that could have a negative impact on your progress will be in your best interest. Old friends still using, local bars, and even your home can all be temptations. Rebuilding your life somewhere new or close to your family does not have to be dreadful. If money is tight, no need to worry. Consider exploring an FHA loan to assist you in the home buying process. FHA loans are perfect if you’ve experienced a poor financial history, such as debt. It’s government-backed, so it allows you to purchase a home with looser financial requirements. Nonetheless, moving to a new location allows you to start fresh and help avoid any relapses because you’ll be away from things that remind you of your past.

Self-Care

Staying on top of your health is crucial after rehab. Eating healthy, finding a new social group, and starting a new hobby are all ways to guide you through the recovery process. Staying active with a daily routine will also help rid any stress you might be feeling. Just getting outside and going for a walk can be a huge improvement to your mental health. Finding a new friend group that lifts you and supports your sobriety is key to taking care of yourself. If the people around you can’t lift themselves up, how will they be able to help you? Picking up a new hobby to take your mind off things such as reading, journaling, painting, or cooking is also a great way to stay focused. Looking forward to something every day will help you feel grateful and motivated to continue on your sobriety path.

Celebrate

Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate yourself each step of the way. After rehab, everyday life can be challenging. Maintaining your sobriety takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Although big milestones worth celebrating are 30-day, 3-months, 6-months, and 1-year, every day of sobriety is a huge accomplishment. However, one day might be easier than the next, so it’s important to keep your head up during the highs and lows. To help you celebrate your wins, find fun ways to keep yourself motivated such as nice dinners out, dessert, or perhaps starting a new tradition. A tradition could be similar to celebrating a holiday, you could invite friends and family over for a dinner party or book a trip. No matter how you celebrate, always remember you’re not alone and to keep staying motivated — you got this!

I have been sober from alcohol for 6 years and I also have a mental health and addictions nursing background. Alcohol addiction runs in my family in a very serious way. I’d say I know a few things about alcohol addiction and how it affects our physical and mental health. I not only lived it, but I helped other people live through it as well.

One thing I repeatedly see in online discussions about alcohol abuse is that somehow, the person who abuses alcohol brought it on themselves or deserves their afflictions because they continue to drink heavily. There’s also a misconception that heavy drinking and “alcoholism” are somehow not the same. Many people who drink heavily will accuse other heavy drinkers of not being able to control their drinking. It’s a really strange manifestation of the denial often inherent in alcohol misuse. Hence, there is a lot of blame and criticism of those who are labeled an “alcoholic.”

The truth is, alcoholism and heavy drinking are not that different from each other. Often, we make ourselves believe that heavy drinking is normal if we are somehow able to function — meaning we can hold down a job, maintain a home, and look after our basic needs. The truth is, heavy drinking is still alcohol misuse which is the same as alcoholism. The difference is how entrenched the drinking becomes, which may have more serious consequences on our lives.

Some people can drink heavily and still feel confident they are managing their lives despite the many ways that their drinking proves to be problematic. Heavy drinking affects relationships, productivity, family life, physical health, and mental health. Labelling someone an “alcoholic” that can’t control their habit and thus they are a “bad” person, does nothing to further healing for alcohol addictions and misuse.

So let’s be honest shall we? Heavy drinking and alcoholism are within the same sphere and neither label makes the person who engages in alcohol misuse a “bad” person.

We’re not wrong or immoral for abusing a substance that helps us escape the horrors in our lives. The truth is, there are many ways to escape pain and horror, alcohol is just one of them. However, the difference between alcohol and things like doomscrolling, shopping, internet, or whatever we do to escape, is that alcohol can actually kill us. More so, before it kills us, it can ruin our health, mental health, relationships and anything else we care about. Alcohol can disable us and make our lives so much worse.

I advocate not just for abstinence or help for alcohol misuse, but more so, to educate people so they understand their relationship with alcohol better. Because most people have no idea at all how alcohol weaves itself into every fabric of our lives and slowly erodes it. Also, people don’t realize that the way alcohol erodes our lives is through our physical and mental health. And once alcohol has a hold on our brains and emotions, the less capable we are to make good decisions.

We’re not “bad” people for choosing to drink heavily. We just need to understand exactly what we’re getting ourselves into. We also need to know when we’re getting ruined by alcohol. Because as it stands, 107 million people worldwide have an alcohol misuse disorder — this includes everything from slight heavy drinking to very serious alcohol dependence. And while 107 million may seem like a lot, there are many more that likely chose not to report their drinking habits — such is the power of denial in alcohol misuse. Unfortunately, most people are oblivious to the ways that alcohol affects their health and mental health.

The rhetoric around “alcoholics” being bad people who can’t get their drinking under control is actually fueling more heavy drinking that leads to even more deadly consequences. Instead, maybe we can understand that all heavy drinking is designed to mitigate pain and discomfort. Many things are designed to mitigate pain and discomfort. However, not all of them will cause health and mental health issues the way alcohol can.

People in pain will always choose something to self-medicate — be it alcohol or other less dangerous things like playing online games all day. The point is, if we become more familiar with how alcohol causes even more pain, then we are in a better place to make proper decisions. And if we understand that all heavy drinking is problematic, then we can stop trying to demonize some people over others.

The facts are that alcohol causes the following:

• Damages the brain which also hinders decision-making.
• Causes and worsens mental health problems.
• Stops us from processing traumatic events which can lead to our healing.
• Creates a vicious cycle that slowly erodes everything until we are lost to ourselves.
• Can and will cause disability over time.
• Stops us from doing productive things to help our pain and discomfort.
• Doesn’t stop at our personal ruin, instead, it goes on to ruin the lives of those we care about as well.

We’re not “bad” people for drinking heavily, we just need to understand the consequences so we can make informed choices.

I am a former nurse and alcoholic in recovery. My mission is to talk about alcohol and its effect on our health, lives, and relationships. Undoubtedly, most people are aware that alcohol can cause stress and conflict in relationships. However, the general public may not understand the extent. Often, being close to alcoholics can change the relationship dynamic, and it’s essential to know how that works so families can help themselves better.

This article is not about demonizing our alcoholic loved ones, it’s about creating more understanding. I was an alcoholic loved one once, and I understand the dark trap of alcoholism. Our friends and families can’t fix us as much as they wish they could. The best thing to do is to understand the relationship dynamic and help yourself sort through the feelings that come up. This often leads to better decisions to help cope with our alcoholic loved ones.

The following are ways that heavy drinking, or alcoholic drinking, affects relationships. If you relate to these relational dynamics, I encourage you to find a therapist or a support system to help you cope. And know that you are not alone.

Silence/ Denial

Most people have heard about the denial that happens in alcoholism. Still, they rarely do family members reflect on how they are also in denial. Often we don’t want to believe what’s happening, so we block it out. Or, the denial inherent in the alcoholic can make us feel we need to cover things up for ourselves and others too.

The biggest issue that denial brings is silence. Many people feel silenced in their relationship with an alcoholic, bringing a feeling of emptiness and frustration. The relationship can often become inauthentic or tense because important things are not being said. This dynamic often leads to relationship breakdown or serious distance.

Frequent arguments or violence

The effect of alcohol on our nervous system is profound, and it can change our behavior and how we perceive things. At the least, heavy drinking causes a lot of conflicts in relationships leading to arguments. At worst, these arguments can lead to violence.

Most people who drink heavily notice some irritability in the later hours of drinking. However, irritability is most pronounced after the person stops drinking for a while. Frequent heavy drinking causes our nervous system to become very unstable, manifesting as violent behavior in some people. Since alcohol can overwhelm a person’s nervous system, it can be challenging to have a reasonable or calm conversation about complex issues.

Resentment

Unfortunately, silence and frequent arguments can cause resentment to build between the alcoholic and the person they’re in a relationship with. This often fuels more resentment and discord. In some relationships, alcohol may be clearly identified as the problem, but sometimes denial makes it difficult to see that.

It’s important to realize that things can become more challenging once resentment sets in. In this case, therapy, healthy distance, and managing your stress levels may help. Unfortunately, the only thing loved ones can do is support the alcoholic from the side, but they rarely can help them change.

Worsening mental health issues in loved ones

Alcohol is known to cause mental health issues in alcoholics. Still, most people don’t realize that the relational effects of alcoholism can affect the mental health of loved ones as well. Alcoholism can leave family and friends very drained, sad, and overwhelmed, fueling mental health problems. Since mental health issues cause a lot of emotional pain, it can further erode the relationship between the alcoholic and the loved one.

Eventually, it becomes a vicious cycle of alcoholism and mental health problems within the relationship. Once things hit this point, it’s imperative to seek help for oneself. Remember, focus on yourself as you are the only one you can help.

These are issues often seen in relationships between loved ones and their alcoholic family member or friend. Unfortunately, heavy drinking has a strong and negative effect on relationships. We ought to be talking about this more to reduce the silence and increase communication.

Again, this is not about blaming our alcoholic loved ones. Instead, it’s about taking responsibility for our own choices, feelings, reactions, and ability to ask for help. The more that family and friends of alcoholics reach out for support, the better off they will be.

You can also find me on Twitter and Facebook.

Gillian May

Former nurse turned writer. Mental health-addictions-trauma-wellness. Book coming soon! Sign up to my newsletter — https://upbeat-trader-4181.ck.page/839d0ab3f9

What is a Detox?

A detox from alcohol is when you stop consuming alcohol altogether. Typically, people begin detox once they have acknowledged an addiction to alcohol and they are ready to overcome it.

During a detox from alcohol, patients can break their physical dependence on alcohol. Although there may also be emotional or psychological ties, breaking the physical addiction is a critical first step.

Once a detox is complete, patients will no longer be under the influence of alcohol. Once that dependency is gone, individuals can make rational decisions. Logic can rule again, and patients can start to see addiction as the disease that it really is.

During a detox from alcohol, patients will go through withdrawal. During this time, it is normal to experience a range of unpleasant or even severe symptoms. While these are not always comfortable, withdrawal is a necessary part of gaining freedom from alcohol and from the addiction to it.

Who Needs to Detox From Alcohol?

Not everyone who drinks alcohol necessarily needs to complete a detox. There are millions of people who consume alcohol responsibly and have no issues with abuse or addiction. However, there are also many people who benefit from detox.

If you have tried to quit drinking but struggled, or you can’t seem to cut back, then a detox may be necessary. A person struggling with an alcohol addiction may also have the inability to stick to any alcohol limits. Increased tolerance may mean drinking ever larger amounts of alcohol for the same effect as before.

Most importantly, think about whether alcohol is negatively impacting your life. If you continue to drink despite health problems, ruined relationships or legal concerns, then an addiction is likely. Anyone with an addiction to alcohol should complete a detox in order to begin the process of recovery.

Why is Self-Detox Dangerous?

Technically, a person can detox on their own as long as they stop consuming alcohol. However, attempting to do this without professional medical support can be risky. Certain withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and regular monitoring and medical attention can make the process more safe and comfortable.

It is common to experience symptoms like dehydration during detox from alcohol. Without proper care, dehydration can impact major systems of the body and even lead to organ failure. In detox, something as simple as an electrolyte beverage or an IV can make all the difference.

Withdrawal from alcohol can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. For some patients, that can lead to serious issues like a stroke or a heart attack. With medical supervision, cardiac symptoms can be monitored. If emergency care is needed, it will be available right away.

To top it all off, you’re more likely to complete withdrawal if you enroll in a professional detox. Without accountability and medical support, patients are more likely to give into cravings and temptations at the peak of withdrawal. If you’re serious about ending alcohol addiction for good, getting professional support is crucial.

How Long Will a Detox From Alcohol Take?

Many people postpone detox because they don’t know how long it will take. Every day that detox is postponed, the risk of overdose or serious health conditions increases. Fortunately, detox itself is a rather quick process. In most cases, a detox from alcohol will take less than one week.

The timeline for a detox from alcohol begins as soon as the patient takes the last sip of alcohol. Roughly 10 hours later, most patients will begin experiencing mild symptoms of withdrawal. Those symptoms intensify and then peak approximately three days, or 72 hours, into the detox.

After that peak, symptoms gradually get better. By day seven, most patients are free from the psychological and physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

There are a few factors that can lengthen or shorten the duration of a detox. Patients with health issues, a long history of addiction or who drink excessive amounts may have a slightly longer detox timeline. On the other hand, some people can experience a detox of just three to five days.

What Withdrawal Symptoms Should I Expect?

Many prospective patients are concerned about the symptoms of an alcohol withdrawal. The good news is that these symptoms don’t last forever. Furthermore, medical professionals can mitigate a lot of these symptoms in a detox program.

Many of the symptoms patients experience in alcohol withdrawal are physical. Some of the most common can include nausea, vomiting, sweating, a fever, and muscle aches. In rare cases, hallucinations, tremors or seizures are also possible.

There are also some psychological and emotional symptoms that can appear during alcohol withdrawal. Anxiety and depression are common. Irritability and mood swings are also possible, as is insomnia. Counseling and dual diagnosis treatment can help address some of these issues, but some will pass once detox is complete.

What is the Next Step After Detox?

Detox is a vital part of the recovery puzzle. Once withdrawal is complete, however, patients aren’t necessarily ready to head straight back to everyday life. Rehab, addiction counseling and treatment or transitional living can all help prevent relapse and reinforce sobriety.

Many patients will find that outpatient or residential rehab is the next logical step. Treatment methods like group counseling or individual behavioral therapy can address the root causes of addiction and teach coping mechanisms. Other patients might decide to move on to transitional or sober living facilities. These options offer accountability and support as well as the flexibility of an independent lifestyle.

To treat an alcohol addiction, the first step has to be detox. This pivotal step is the best way to begin the journey of recovery and it sets up the foundation for a lifetime of sobriety.

Anxiety

The withdrawal symptoms most commonly associated with an alcohol detox are physical. However, many symptoms can also be psychological in nature. One of the most common of these psychological symptoms is anxiety.

It is normal to feel anxious during withdrawal from alcohol. As the body detoxes and gets used to functioning without alcohol, many patients will begin to feel anxious. The body and the brain are under a lot of stress during detox and anxiety is one way that the stress manifests itself.

Patients might be anxious about their health or they might just be concerned that the detox won’t work. Many people are worried that the symptoms will become unbearable, or that sobriety won’t be easy to maintain. That’s why counseling or peer support can be so helpful during detox. Sometimes, just knowing that others are going through the same thing can help alleviate anxiety.

Insomnia

Another common detox symptom is insomnia. That can happen because of the anxiety, mentioned previously, or it can happen because patients are unused to falling asleep without alcohol in their system. Insomnia is also possible because of the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms.

Most people who are addicted to alcohol will drink before going to sleep. In fact, they may only be able to sleep at all when they are intoxicated. In detox, that option is gone. Patients often find it challenging to fall asleep or stay asleep without the aid of alcohol.

Insomnia can also be caused by unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, this is another withdrawal symptom that can be helped by medical professionals. Sedatives, natural supplements like magnesium, pain relief or even relaxation exercises can all work to reduce insomnia.

Gastrointestinal Distress

Perhaps the most common and best-known symptom of alcohol detox is gastrointestinal distress. Patients should be prepared for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal cramping. This is a short-lived response to detox stress and it will fade quickly as patients work through withdrawal.

Dehydration

During detox, it is common for body temperature to spike. Even in air conditioning, individuals in the middle of an alcohol detox can feel very hot. This, combined with several other factors, can contribute to severe detox dehydration.

Many people who are going through alcohol withdrawal feel as if they have a fever. A high temperature and the inability to cool down are very likely. This increases the sweat level, encouraging dehydration.

All of these factors are combined with nausea and a lack of thirst. This makes it hard for patients to consume enough liquid and electrolytes. Thankfully, medical professionals in a detox facility know how to respond. Everything from an electrolyte beverage to an IV can help battle severe dehydration.

Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

Two more quite common withdrawal symptoms are increases in heart rate and blood pressure. As the central nervous system responds to functioning without alcohol, these increases are a normal response. In most healthy individuals, these symptoms won’t be problematic. For some at-risk patients, however, they can be severe.

Young individuals who are relatively healthy may not suffer extensively from a temporary increase in blood pressure or pulse. That is not the case for individuals who have cardiac concerns. These increases could lead to a heart attack or even a stroke.

This is one of the major reasons that people in withdrawal need to be in a medically supervised detox. The regular monitoring of vital signs can spot problems before they become life-threatening.

Mental Confusion

Anywhere from 24 to 48 hours into the alcohol detox, some patients start to experience confusion. This is normal, but it can be worrying. Some people will struggle with short-term memory loss, or they might be confused about why they are in a detox facility.

This mental confusion won’t last long, but it can be very overwhelming. Family members and friends may not know how to proceed if this symptom appears. Medical professionals and addiction experts will know how to keep patients calm until they can recognize where they are and what’s going on around them.

Alcoholic Hallucinations

One of the lesser known symptoms of an alcohol detox is called alcoholic hallucinosis. This is when individuals in a detox see or hear things that aren’t really there. This is specifically describing hallucinations that the patient knows aren’t real.

Since the patient understands that these hallucinations don’t exist, it can be easier to manage. However, it is still a difficult symptom to be addressed.

Delirium Tremens

A very small percentage of individuals in an alcohol detox will experience delirium tremens, which is better known as DTs. In the most severe cases of DTs, patients can suffer from symptoms such as insomnia, hallucinations, seizures and even violence. This is a very severe reaction to withdrawal and it can be dangerous.

There is no way to know which patients will suffer from DTs until it happens. Therefore, all people ready to overcome alcoholism should be in a medically supervised detox for their own health and safety.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

Most detox symptoms will be gone in under a week. In certain cases, however, individuals may struggle with PAWS, or post-acute withdrawal syndrome. PAWS typically happens two months after detox has ended, but it will feel like a less intense version of detox. PAWS can seemingly appear out of the blue but awareness and preparation can prevent it from turning into a relapse.

Knowing what to expect is half the battle. Armed with the knowledge about alcohol detox, you’ll be ready to overcome your own addiction or to help someone else make a change.

What is AA, Exactly?

AA is Alcoholics Anonymous, an international group devoted to helping men and women stay on track after struggling with alcoholism. AA has been around since 1939, and it has helped millions of people with their recovery.

AA does have several books that help with sobriety, but the meetings are a huge part of the process. During an AA meeting, participants stay anonymous, respect one another and share experiences. AA meetings are a way to stay on track, keep up sobriety, get help and offer help to others who are struggling.

There are No Fees and No Registration Required

Some prospective participants may want to attend, but don’t know how to sign up or what it might cost. Fortunately, there is no need to do either. Registration is not required for any AA meetings. Anyone who wants to attend is free to do so, regardless of any factors.

In addition, there is no cost to attend an AA meeting in Arizona, Maine, or anywhere else for that matter. However, the meeting may pause at some point for a cash collection. This is because AA is self-sustaining, and operates just on the donations of its members. New members are discouraged from donating, and even long-time attendees will find that a donation is completely optional.

You Can Decline to Speak

There are many different ways to benefit from an AA meeting. Having the chance to speak, and to truly be heard, is just one of them. No one is obligated to speak during an AA meeting.

Typically, a meeting will begin with an introduction by the chairperson of the group. Then, individual members will be called on or volunteer to introduce themselves and speak. Anyone who wants to speak usually has a time limit of three or four minutes to share. They are encouraged to keep the topic to alcoholism and recovery.

Those who don’t want to share can introduce themselves by name and then decline to speak. It is perfectly acceptable, and even common, for members to skip this step. Sometimes, just being in the group environment is enough to stay on track. Participants are encouraged to act in whatever way will help them be most comfortable while sustaining sobriety.

Identifying Yourself is Beneficial

One step that all participants can embrace is the introduction–no strings are attached. Also, it helps to be open about the individual recovery process. For instance, the chairperson or leader of an AA meeting might ask for people who are first or second-time attendees to raise their hands. It’s entirely optional whether you decide to respond.

Singling out travelers or newcomers isn’t to embarrass them out or shine a spotlight. Instead, it is to ensure that these participants have all the necessary resources. Newcomers might get lots of phone numbers from long standing members who are happy to serve as mentors. Newcomers can also get information about additional local meetings or support groups that might be helpful.

Types of AA Meetings

The specifics of an AA meeting will depend on what kind of meeting it is. Not all AA meetings are the same, and there are many different varieties.

Most AA meetings are called ID (identification) meetings. This is a more traditional meeting variety, and it revolves around all the participants speaking. There is some discussion, but there is no set lesson or curriculum to follow.

There are also speaker meetings, where just one person speaks throughout. Often, the speaker is someone who has had a very successful recovery and wants to share their story.

Other AA meetings are devoted exclusively to those completing the 12 steps. They might be focused on one step in particular, or they could be simply geared toward newcomers.

There are also open and closed AA meetings. An open meeting, as the name suggests, is one that anyone can attend. Closed meetings are rare, and they are exclusively for those who identify themselves as recovering alcoholics or who are still drinking who want to stop.

Humor and Laughter do Exist in AA Meetings

AA meetings are sometimes regarded as somber, serious affairs. In reality, they aren’t all like that. In fact, there is a lot of humor in most AA meetings.

The humor may be dark at times, but jokes abound. This is a great way to connect with others and to be lighthearted about some of the challenges facing alcoholics. Laughter brings people together, and there are plenty of light, funny moments throughout a typical AA meeting. Humor won’t take away from the effectiveness of AA.

The 12 Steps are a Big Part of AA’s Success

The major tenet of Alcoholics Anonymous is the 12 step program. Participants are encouraged to work through each of the steps in chronological order on the way to recovery. The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Admit powerlessness over alcohol.

Step 2: Believe in a greater power.

Step 3: Turn life over to that greater power.

Step 4: Conduct a moral inventory.

Step 5: Admit wrongdoing.

Step 6: Be ready to change.

Step 7: Aim to remove shortcomings.

Step 8: Make a list of people that have been hurt.

Step 9: Make amends.

Step 10: Conduct an ongoing personal inventory.

Step 11: Use prayer and meditation to develop spiritually.

Step 12: Help other alcoholics and continue the cycle.

Spirituality is Encouraged, but You Don’t Have to be Religious

Some individuals turn away from the idea of attending AA meetings because of the religious language used. When developed in 1939, there is no doubt that Alcoholics Anonymous was a Christian organization. Today, however, that is not the case.

Part of the success of AA rests on letting go of control. For many, that means relying on a higher power. Participants don’t necessarily have to be religious, although many will develop their spirituality to some degree along the way.

AA has saved countless lives, and it can save many more. Knowing what goes on in an AA meeting may be what it takes for more individuals to start attending.

Increase in Blood Pressure

Even in the short term, drinking several alcoholic beverages in a row can increase blood pressure. In the long term, the problem goes from temporary to chronic. Heavy drinkers tend to have both a higher diastolic blood pressure and a higher systolic blood pressure than abstainers.

High blood pressure is more than just a set of unfavorable numbers on a physical exam. It can also lead to a number of serious cardiac conditions. High blood pressure may be a factor in a stroke, an aneurysm or damaged arteries. Fortunately, cutting out alcohol can almost immediately lead to a reduction in blood pressure.

Development of Anemia

Anemia is a common condition that occurs because of a lack of iron or B12 vitamins in the body. Even if those who abuse alcohol take enough of both iron and B12, they can suffer from anemia. This is because alcohol abuse damages vitamin and mineral absorption.

Anemia can lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms. The most common include feeling dizzy, feeling weak, struggling with shortness of breath and having a headache. Those with anemia also often feel cold, no matter the external temperature. Anemia may also lead to heartbeat changes, such as an arrhythmia.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Alcohol abuse doesn’t just impact the drinker. It can also impact their future and that of her children. This is no more pronounced than when it comes to the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder develops when pregnant women, whether or not they are aware of their pregnancy, consume excessive amounts of alcohol.

Sadly, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can have devastating effects for their smallest victims. Children born with this condition may struggle with their vision, and physical abnormalities are possible. Even cognitive impairment may result from the alcohol abuse of the pregnant mother.

Alcohol Hepatitis and Other Liver Damage

Liver damage is perhaps the health problem most commonly associated with alcohol abuse. That is for good reason. Alcohol abuse can absolutely impact the liver in a myriad of negative ways. For as many as one in three heavy drinkers, there will be either fatty deposits in the liver or some level of scarring. These symptoms typically point to alcohol hepatitis.

While alcohol hepatitis is a devastating condition, it can get worse. Long-term alcohol abuse can also lead to complete cirrhosis of the liver. When cirrhosis occurs, patients may suffer from symptoms such as yellowing skin, fatigue, swelling in the legs or abdomen, bone disease and even liver cancer.

Worsening or Development of Mental Illness

Substance abuse and mental illness are strongly connected. Many individuals struggle with both simultaneously. It is not always clear whether one causes the other, or whether both are caused by similar factors. What is clear, however, is that alcohol abuse can cause the worsening of or the development of several mental health conditions.

Alcohol abuse, and specifically alcoholism, can change the brain’s chemistry. When alcoholism is present, serotonin may only be produced or recognized with the consumption of alcohol. One of the results of this can be changes to mental health.

Those who already have a mental illness may see it worsen as a result of alcohol abuse. This can happen during drinking, but it may also be associated with hangovers the following day.

Alcohol abuse can also lead to mental illness, even for those who have never struggled with mental health in the past. Common disorders may include depression and anxiety.

Development of Pancreatitis

The pancreas is one of the internal organs that can be most damaged through alcohol abuse. In many heavy drinkers, pancreatitis can develop. Pancreatitis is a disorder characterized by significant inflammation in the pancreas itself.

The symptoms and side effects of pancreatitis can be severe. Some of the most common include nausea, vomiting, weight loss and bloating. A few of the more extreme symptoms of pancreatitis include chronic abdominal pain, cardiac problems and the development of diabetes.

Death and Damage to Brain Cells

There is no doubt that alcohol abuse can damage the body. However, it can also damage the brain. In addition to the potential of addiction, which can lead to lasting changes in brain function and chemistry, alcohol abuse can damage and even kill brain cells.

When excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed, the brain can’t handle it. As a result, brain cells can die. Over time, this can lead to reduced cognitive function. For young people whose brains are still in development, it can lead to a permanently stunted brain.

Decrease in Male Sperm Production

It is not just women whose reproductive systems can be affected by alcohol abuse. For men, there is the potential for a rapid decrease in male sperm production. It can also drastically reduce libido as well as the quality of the sperm that is produced.

Reproductive issues happen in part because of the stress on the body. Alcohol abuse tells the body that it is not healthy enough for reproduction. In addition, alcohol limits zinc absorption, which is a key element in sperm production. These factors are absolutely bad news for any men who want to have biological children in the future.

Chronic Acid Reflux or a Peptic Ulcer

Alcohol is an irritant. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it irritates the entire digestive system. Alcohol abuse creates more acid in the stomach, which can irritate and even damage the stomach lining.

Alcohol can also cause chronic acid reflux. When this happens, that stomach acid can start to burn the throat. Even worse, alcohol abuse may lead to a peptic ulcer. A peptic ulcer brings with it severe abdominal pain and even perforation.

Clearly, the long-term effects of alcohol abuse affects individuals in countless ways. It can negatively impact everything from reproduction to brain function, and sobriety is the only way to completely avoid the symptoms.