Effective Strategies in Dealing with Alcoholism and Personality Disorders with AA Meetings in Morgantown WV
Along the Monongahela River in northern West Virginia, Morgantown is a dynamic city renowned for its collegiate atmosphere and natural beauty. Serving as the home of West Virginia University, Morgantown boasts a vibrant downtown area teeming with diverse shops, cozy cafes, and bustling eateries, reflecting the youthful energy permeating the city. Despite its scenic landscapes and cultural attractions, Morgantown faces the challenge of alcohol abuse.
About 16.16% of people aged 18 and older in West Virginia, including Morgantown, reported binge alcohol use. According to data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), West Virginia residents consumed 1.82 gallons of alcohol per resident aged 14 and older in 2020, which was the second lowest among all states. Despite this, alcohol addiction is still a serious issue that many individuals face. AA meetings in Morgantown offer a structured and supportive setting for individuals battling alcohol addiction and the intricacies of personality disorders to come together and work towards sobriety. These meetings follow a 12-step program that emphasizes personal accountability, spiritual growth, and mutual support. Recovery from alcohol addiction is an ongoing process, and West Virginia AA meetings offer continuous support throughout the journey. Many individuals find long-term success in sobriety by regularly attending meetings, building strong connections with fellow members, and actively participating in the AA community.
Can you open carry alcohol in Morgantown?
In Morgantown, West Virginia, you can openly carry alcoholic beverages in designated areas. Morgantown has established a Private Outdoor Designated Area (PODA) where patrons can openly carry and consume alcoholic beverages. This area includes sidewalks, patios, and other outdoor spaces adjacent to approved bars and restaurants.
Rules within the PODA:
- Designated Boundaries: The boundaries of the PODA are clearly marked. Make sure you’re within these limits if you plan to carry an open container of alcohol.
- Approved Establishments: Only bars and restaurants that have obtained the necessary permits can participate in the PODA program.
- Time Restrictions: The PODA typically operates during specific hours, usually in the evening.
The rules regarding alcohol consumption are as follows:
- Alcoholic beverages may be served in bars and restaurants between 1:00 PM and 3:30 AM on Sunday, and between 7:00 AM and 3:30 AM, Monday through Saturday. Businesses may not serve alcoholic beverages later than 2:00 AM unless they have obtained a private club license from the state.
- Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher is a violation of West Virginia alcohol laws. For individuals under 21, the BAC limit is 0.02, indicating that drivers in this age group should have no alcohol in their system while driving.
Regardless of whether you’re in Morgantown or any other part of West Virginia, it’s illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a moving vehicle. This applies to both drivers and passengers. If you’re not within the designated PODA boundaries, avoid carrying open containers on public sidewalks, streets, or other areas. However, open containers can legally be in the passenger area of a vehicle. Ensure that the driver remains sober and does not consume alcohol while operating the vehicle. If a law enforcement officer requests it, drivers are expected to submit to a BAC test. All drivers have a constitutional right to decline the test if they choose to do so.
How does alcohol and drugs affect personality?
Alcohol and drugs can significantly impact a person’s personality, often leading to changes that may seem entirely different from their usual behavior. Here are some ways substance addiction can alter personality:
- Self-Centeredness: Substance misuse tends to make individuals more self-focused. They prioritize obtaining and using the substance over other aspects of life, including relationships, work, and responsibilities.
- Irresponsibility: Addiction can lead to poor decision-making and a lack of accountability. Individuals may neglect their obligations, disregard consequences, and engage in risky behaviors.
- Blaming Others: People struggling with addiction often blame external factors (people, places, or things) for their suffering rather than taking responsibility for their actions.
- Changes in Behavior: Intoxication from alcohol or other drugs can cause poor judgment and influence decision-making. For example, substances like methamphetamine or cocaine may lead to reckless behavior due to paranoia or overconfidence.
- Mood Changes: Substance use can lead to mood swings. For instance, alcohol is a depressant, and excessive consumption can cause feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability. Stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines may induce euphoria initially but can result in irritability, paranoia, and aggression as the effects wear off.
- Impulsivity: Intoxication can reduce inhibitions, making individuals more impulsive. They might engage in risky behaviors, such as unsafe sex or reckless driving, without considering the consequences.
- Social Withdrawal: Some people become more withdrawn when under the influence of substances. They may isolate themselves from friends and family, preferring the company of the substance over social interactions.
During 2017–2019, the annual average prevalence of past-month alcohol use in West Virginia was 9.0% (approximately 11,000 individuals), which is similar to both the regional average (9.1%) and the national average (9.4%). On the other hand, from 2015 to 2016, approximately 123,000 residents in West Virginia (about 8% of the population) reportedly used illicit drugs.
Remember that individual responses to substances vary, and not everyone experiences the same effects. Seeking guidance for addiction and addressing its impact on personality is crucial for overall well-being.
Which personality disorders are most highly correlated with substance abuse?
The relationship between personality disorders and substance abuse is well-known. Here are some common personality disorders that tend to co-occur at a high rate with substance abuse:
- Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD): Individuals with APD may turn to substance use as a way to cope with their intense feelings of social anxiety and fear of rejection. Alcohol or other substances can temporarily alleviate their discomfort in social situations.
- Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): It is characterized by a disregard for the rights of others, impulsivity, and a lack of empathy. People with ASPD are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including substance abuse. Substance use can provide excitement and a sense of thrill for individuals with this disorder.
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): It is associated with emotional instability, intense mood swings, and impulsivity. Individuals with the condition may use substances to regulate their emotions or escape from distressing feelings. Substance abuse can exacerbate the volatility of their emotions.
- Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD): It involves pervasive distrust and suspicion of others. Some individuals with the condition may use substances as a way to cope with their chronic feelings of paranoia or to self-medicate their anxiety.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): It involves perfectionism, rigidity, and an excessive focus on rules and order. Individuals with it may misuse substances as a way to relax or escape from their rigid thought patterns.
In the US, including West Virginia, nearly 1 in 3 adults had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness in the past year. In 2021, 61.2 million people aged 12 or older (approximately 21.9% of the population) used illicit drugs in the past year. Among young adults aged 18 to 25, 46% had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness.
Substance abuse and personality disorders often go hand-in-hand, creating a complex situation that requires a multifaceted approach. Approaches that address both conditions simultaneously are essential for better outcomes. If you suspect you or someone you know might be struggling with a co-occurring personality disorder and substance abuse issue, consider seeking professional help. Online therapists in Morgantown can be a convenient and accessible option for initial consultations and ongoing support. Online therapy allows individuals to seek help from the comfort and privacy of their own homes, which can be especially appealing for those with social anxiety or concerns about stigma.
How AA Meetings in Morgantown WV Help Individuals Facing Personality Disorders and Alcoholism
People with alcoholism are unable to control their drinking despite negative consequences on their health, relationships, and work or school. There are also some individuals facing both alcoholism and personality issues at once. Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by inflexible and unhealthy patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Alcoholism and personality disorders often co-occur. People with a personality disorder are more likely to develop alcoholism than people without a personality disorder. An estimated 30.8 million (14.8%) American adults, including those in West Virginia, meet standard diagnostic criteria for at least one personality disorder as defined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Among youth aged 12 to 17, 753,000 (2.9% in this age group) had AUD in the past year.
West Virginia AA meetings provide a supportive setting for individuals grappling with alcoholism and co-occurring personality disorders. AA operates on the principle of acknowledging powerlessness over alcohol and emphasizes the importance of seeking support from a higher power or a supportive community. AA meetings in Morgantown provide a non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their underlying issues and receive encouragement and support from others who have walked a similar path. Engaging in this process can help individuals with personality disorders develop healthier patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, which is essential for long-term recovery from both alcoholism and personality issues. Take the first step towards a brighter future by seeking assistance today.
Resources:
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States
City of Morgantown approves PODA to carry alcoholic beverages outdoors