“Go to meetings.” It’s probably the first and most-often repeated advice given to people entering recovery for alcohol addiction, meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or any of the other 12-step self-help meetings appropriate for your situation). But is there a difference between online Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and face-to-face meetings? What are the pros and cons of each type of meeting?
Online Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings
Sure, going to a meeting is a great idea, but what if you find yourself stuck someplace where there are no meetings tonight? While there are meetings in nearly every geographic location you can imagine, sometimes you really can find yourself without one when you need one. What are online Alcoholics Anonymous meetings like? How do they work?
- Online meetings require a computer, access to the Internet and some basic computer skills.
- Online meetings do not necessarily involve video. In most cases, you are typing, not talking or listening.
- Because of this, online meetings require a different type of focus and concentration compared to face-to-face meetings.
- Online meetings have a schedule, just like face-to-face meetings. Most online options offer daily Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Check the websites for times.
What Are the Benefits of Online Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings?
- Online meetings are better than no meetings at all. Don’t reject the idea of an online meeting if you can’t get to a face-to-face one. Doing something for your recovery is better than doing nothing.
- If you are struggling with social anxiety or other disorders that make it difficult for you to leave home, you can still attend a meeting. Your mental health issues do not need to place your recovery at risk.
- Transportation can be a challenge for some people in early recovery. An online meeting may be a good solution when you cannot arrange a ride, or a vehicle breaks down at the last moment.
- If you are ill or injured and stuck in a hospital setting, feeling poorly or being lonely could trigger cravings, but getting to a face-to-face meeting may be out of the question. An online meeting might be a good solution.
Online Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are a tremendous convenience, but sometimes the inconvenience of an in-person meeting is part of the benefit. The little extra push it takes when you are tired after work, and just plain don’t feel like going out, to find the energy to go to a meeting can be the most positive and healthful thing you can do for yourself. https://www.aaonline.net/ https://psychcentral.com/news/2015/08/07/social-media-support-groups-not-as-good-as-face-to-face/90544.html https://www.intherooms.com/livemeetings/list
