Thank you to these meetings for donating to the LAI!

Safety policy update

At the October 21st Steering Committee meeting, the Bylaws portion of the facility safety policy was adopted. The Standing Rules portion was tabled and sent back to the Advisory Board, which takes it up at its November 4th meeting. Standing Rules do not require 30-day notice, so they can be brought to a future Steering Committee meeting once the Advisory Board has finished its work.

The policy is grounded in AA’s Safety and A.A. Groups pamphlet (MG-25). Safety concerns about a meeting held at the LAI can be brought to the meeting secretary, the Office Manager, or anyone on the Advisory Board, or sent to safety@lancasterareaintergroup.org.

Bylaws and Standing Rules — the latest versions are available on the website and at the office.

The Step Eleven chapter of the Twelve and Twelve makes the case that prayer and meditation are practical rather than mystical — tools available to anyone who is willing to try them, whatever they believe. It also suggests that results come from practice over time rather than from getting it right, and that the asking is limited on purpose: for knowledge of God’s will and the power to carry it out, and not for the outcomes we would pick for ourselves.

— Paraphrased from Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Step Eleven

The long form reminds us that the Fellowship does not advertise itself, and that there is never need to praise ourselves — it is better to let our friends recommend us. The second half asks each member to keep their own anonymity at the public level, which today reaches further than press, radio, and films: it covers websites, social media, and anything else the general public can see.

— Paraphrased from Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition Eleven

Grapevine, November 2026

Binge drinking increasing after teen years

Binge drinking is rising sharply among young adults, reversing earlier declines seen during adolescence, according to a new study.

Researchers tracking young people found that while alcohol use was relatively moderate in the teenage years, patterns changed significantly by the early 20s. By age 23, two-thirds reported binge drinking, with monthly episodes nearly tripling compared to age 17.

“We’ve seen encouraging reductions in underage drinking,” said Aase V., a senior research fellow at the University College London, “but those gains may not hold as young people enter environments with fewer restrictions and greater social pressure.”

The study suggests that college life, workforce entry and increased independence may all contribute to heavier drinking. Public health officials warn that habits formed during this period can become entrenched, increasing the long-term risk of alcohol use disorder.

— Source: The Guardian, March 2026

Study: Why stress triggers relapse

New neuroscience research is shedding light on why stress so often triggers heavy drinking and relapse in alcohol use disorder. The study found that alcohol can disrupt the brain’s natural stress-response system, weakening the circuits that normally help people adapt and make flexible decisions under pressure.

“Seeing stress signals travel straight into this decision-making system gives us a clearer picture of why stressful experiences can so strongly influence behavior,” said lead researcher Dr. Jun W. “This may help explain why relapse is so common during recovery.”

The study also found that alcohol weakens the brain’s ability to respond adaptively to stress, particularly during withdrawal, when people may be most vulnerable.

— Source: eLife Sciences, March 2026

The AA Grapevine online store has a variety of books, ebooks and other publications full of inspiring stories of fellow AAs on their journey to recovery.

We’ve also been working to keep Lancaster meetings listed correctly in the Meeting Guide app. You can help by sending any change in your group’s time, location, secretary, or treasurer through the meeting-change form on our website.

We’re also wondering whether members would like to help answer the phone in the evenings. Being there when a still-suffering alcoholic reaches out is a meaningful way to carry the message. Right now we’re only gauging interest, and nothing is planned yet. If this kind of service appeals to you, please contact me at officemanager@lancasterareaintergroup.org or stop by the office.

Thank you to every group whose Seventh Tradition contributions keep our doors open.

Love, Gratitude, and Service,
James G.

Make a difference — get involved! Check out the link for more information: www.area53aa.org

Archives Open House — Sunday, November 1st, 12:00–3:00 PM

COGF and Area 53 are hosting an archives open house at 645 W. Broad St., Columbus.

Area 53 Assembly — Sunday, December 13th, 10:00 AM

At Crossroads in Lancaster. Pre-register at www.area53aa.org.

November — Gratitude Month

I am grateful for many things in my life, but I wondered what that really meant. SO, I started with a definition.

How do I express gratitude? Is it a daily practice?

In early sobriety, I was told to make a list. It was long and detailed. I made reference to it when I was feeling low or sorry for myself, or having trouble seeing how my life had changed. Now, my list is shorter, not because I have less to be grateful for, but because I am grateful for everything!

If you are new to recovery, start with a list. AND, then be grateful every day for the life that recovery has made possible. If you have a few 24 hours, how grateful are you for the continued state of sobriety?

I am grateful for the opportunity to share these thoughts with our newsletter readers.

GRATITUDE is an ATTITUDE!

Amy K.
Assistant Office Manager