Mindful Sobriety: AA Meetings in Everett WA for OCD and Alcohol Challenges

Right in the center of the Pacific Northwest, Everett, Washington, is a dynamic city brimming with diverse attractions and activities. Its picturesque waterfront stands out as a focal point, home to the expansive Naval Station Everett and the largest marina on the West Coast, alongside the iconic Everett Marina Village. However, the city, like numerous other communities, faces the issue of alcohol addiction.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 1 in every 10 Americans age 12 or older is addicted to alcohol or drugs. Applying that estimate to Washington, including Everett, there are over 670,000 people with a substance abuse disorder. AA meetings in Washington offer a structured approach to recovery from alcohol addiction through the Twelve Step Program. These meetings are typically held in various locations such as community centers,or  churches making them accessible to individuals seeking support. During Everett AA meetings, participants gather to share their struggles, experiences, and triumphs in a non-judgmental and confidential setting. Through sharing personal stories and listening to others, attendees gain insights into their own behaviors and emotions related to alcohol use. Members receive support and encouragement from peers who understand the challenges of OCD and alcohol use disorders.

Can you buy alcohol on Sunday in Washington?

Yes, individuals can buy alcohol on Sundays in Washington. In the state, anyone 21 years of age and older can purchase, possess, and consume alcohol between the hours of 6 AM and 2 AM, Monday through Sunday. However, on-premise alcohol sales (sales at bars, restaurants, etc.) are allowed to sell up until 2:30 AM. Monday through Saturday. Here are some general rules related to buying alcohol in Washington:

• Legal drinking age: The legal drinking age in Washington State is 21 years old. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to buy or consume alcohol. However, there is an exception for minors to drink alcohol with the permission of and while they are with their parents or guardian.
• Licensing and regulations: The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) has legal authority for licensing and regulating the production, distribution, and sales of alcoholic products in the state. Alcohol cannot be produced or sold without a license, except for home brewing and home winemaking for personal consumption.
• Serving alcohol: Individuals aged 18 and up can legally serve alcohol in Washington with certain restrictions. Those aged 18 to 21 can take alcohol orders, transport alcohol to the customer, and pour it into the customer’s glass at the table.

All packaged spirits (e.g. bottles of liquor, beer, etc.) must be sold from a licensed store between the hours of 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM. Monday through Saturday, and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. on Sunday.

Individuals can also buy beer on Sundays in Washington. The state passed legislation in 2011 to allow for Sunday liquor sales for all spirits in retail stores. The law allows grocery stores and other retailers to purchase and sell from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM each Sunday. However, wine and beer products with an alcohol content of 14% or less can only be purchased from grocery stores and liquor stores after noon and until 11:00 PM on Sundays.

Why is alcohol bad for OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that causes a person to experience recurring, unwanted thoughts and ideas and urges to do something repetitively. The repetitive behaviors are aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by the obsessions, but they only provide temporary relief. 

In severe cases, OCD can be very time-consuming and disruptive to a person’s daily life. According to the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R), approximately 1.2% of U.S. adults had OCD in 2021. The lifetime prevalence among U.S. adults was 2.3%. Meanwhile, the past year prevalence of OCD was higher for females (1.8%) than for males (0.5%). 

Alcohol can have detrimental effects on individuals with OCD. Reasons for this include: 

• Worsening of symptoms: Excessive alcohol consumption can worsen obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors associated with the condition. Alcohol abuse may intensify the severity of symptoms, making them more challenging to manage effectively. While alcohol doesn’t directly cause intrusive thoughts (obsessions), its impact on brain chemistry can make people more likely to experience these obsessions.
• Temporary relief and coping mechanism: Some individuals may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. They might believe that alcohol lessens their obsessions and reduces the urge to perform repetitive behaviors. However, this relief is often temporary, and alcohol can ultimately worsen their symptoms.
• Brain chemistry and serotonin: Alcohol temporarily increases the brain’s serotonin levels, promoting a happy mood and positive feelings. People may experience a temporary reduction in obsessions and compulsions due to this serotonin boost. Consequently, they may associate alcohol with symptom relief, leading to increased alcohol use.
• Risks of alcohol use for OCD: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, slowing down brain activity. This can lead to increased anxiety and exacerbation of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Alcohol can also hinder treatment outcomes for individuals.

While alcohol may provide temporary relief, it ultimately worsens symptoms and interferes with effective management.

How badly does alcohol impact OCD?

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder are at an increased risk of developing substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). Comorbid OCD and alcoholism are common, with data suggesting that around 25% of individuals meet lifetime criteria for an AUD, which is slightly lower than the general population estimates of 30% of adults meeting lifetime criteria for an AUD. 

Alcohol, being a central nervous system depressant, slows down brain activity. Unfortunately, drinking presents unique risks for people with OCD and can make symptoms worse. Here’s how alcohol impacts the condition:

• Temporary relief: In the short term, alcohol may seem to lessen the anxiety and intrusive thoughts associated with OCD. This is because alcohol is a depressant, which slows down the central nervous system. However, this relief is temporary and often backfires in the long run.
• Rebound anxiety: Once the alcohol wears off, symptoms can come back even stronger than before. This is because alcohol disrupts the brain’s natural chemistry, including serotonin levels, which play a role in mood and anxiety.
• Impaired judgment: Alcohol can impair judgment and inhibitions, which can lead to poor decision-making and engaging in compulsive behaviors that someone wouldn’t normally do when sober.
• Sleep disruption: Alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, which can worsen symptoms. Sleep deprivation is a well-known trigger for flare-ups.
• Increased compulsions: In some cases, alcohol use itself may become a compulsion for people with OCD. This is because alcohol can provide a temporary escape from symptoms, which can reinforce the compulsion to drink.

If you or someone you know struggles with both OCD and alcohol use, seeking professional help is crucial. Online therapists in Everett can be a great option. They offer convenient and accessible treatment, especially for those hesitant about in-person therapy or lacking access to specialists. Online therapy can feel less stigmatizing for some people compared to traditional in-person treatment. 

Healing from Within: AA Meetings in Everett WA for Recovery from Alcohol Abuse and OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder and alcohol abuse are two conditions that can co-occur, meaning they can develop in the same person. There are several reasons why people with OCD might be more likely to develop alcohol abuse. One reason is that some individuals may use alcohol as a way to self-medicate and temporarily reduce the anxiety and obsessions associated with the condition. While alcohol might offer a short-lived sense of relief, it can actually worsen symptoms in the long run. 

Someone with OCD may feel compelled to drink alcohol, even when it’s harmful, due to the underlying compulsive nature of the condition. Alcohol use, particularly binge drinking and underage drinking, is a significant concern in Everett, Washington. In 2013, 17% of Washington adults reported binge drinking, which is slightly lower than the United States as a whole (19%). The annual average prevalence of past-month alcohol use among youth aged 12–17 was 10.1% (2014-2017).

For those with OCD who may turn to alcohol as a means of coping with anxiety and obsessions, AA can offer alternative coping strategies and healthier ways to manage their symptoms. Through the Twelve Steps program and fellowship with others who understand their struggles, individuals can gradually develop the resilience and skills needed to resist the urge to self-medicate with alcohol. Attending AA meetings in Washington can help individuals recognize the harmful cycle of compulsive drinking and the detrimental impact it has on their mental health. By fostering self-awareness and accountability, Everett AA meetings empower individuals to take control of their lives and make positive changes to support their recovery from both OCD and alcohol abuse. If you’re in need of guidance toward a fulfilling life liberated from alcohol use disorders, don’t hesitate to reach out today to explore the available support and resources.

Resources: 

What time can you buy alcohol in Washington State?

Prevalence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Among Adults

Substance Use and Mental Disorders in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria MSA