COVID-19 was a transformational event – it took many of the things we were used to doing in person online. The same goes for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, which began being conducted online as well. While there are still in-person and hybrid meetings, online AA meetings are also gaining traction. So, what can be the best fit for your addiction recovery in Los Angeles? Read on to find out!
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is an informal peer support group that is based on the 12 steps of declaring powerlessness over alcohol use, seeking help, introspection, making amends, service, and personal growth. Navigating these 12 steps with other participants who understand your recovery journey can help you achieve sobriety. AA can be a stand-alone care option for your alcohol use, but it can also be integrated into other treatment options such as detox, rehab, and sober living, as it offers a continuity of care and community.
AA meetings are conducted both in-person and online. However, many members prefer a healthy mix of the two.
What Are the Benefits of Attending In-Person AA Meetings?
In-person AA meetings are those meetings you attend physically. They are conducted in rehab centers, church buildings, office buildings, community centers, and even outdoors, like the beachside, if you are living in a city like Los Angeles. There are many benefits of attending in-person AA meetings, such as:
- Connections – During meetings, you learn to see that there are others who get where you have been and can be with you in where you are going. You realize you are not alone. Besides, the chance to meet and greet after the session is over is also a great opportunity to foster new sober connections in your recovery.
- Structure – In-person AA meetings have a set style, format, and schedule that are followed to a tee. It facilitates commitment and ownership of your recovery journey.
- Reduced Risk of Relapse – AA meetings fill the void of fewer interpersonal relationships in life – commonly observed among those with substance use disorders. It gives you a strong, sober network you can lean on when things become overwhelming. This goes a long way in crisis situations like a relapse.
- Easily Accessible – Ever since its humble origins in Ohio, AA boasts a strong presence in more than 180 countries. So, wherever you are, it is likely there is a meeting near you.
- Cost-Effective – All AA meetings are free of cost if you want to attend. If you want to voluntarily contribute to these groups, you can. But it is not mandatory.
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How Do Online AA Meetings Work?
While in-person AA meetings are great for a sense of belonging and community in recovery, there are times when you cannot attend a meeting in person. For instance, COVID-19 is one such example of a situation where attending in-person meetings was just not feasible. But this does not mean your recovery must take a backseat. Hence, AA began conducting more online meetings. This is what online AA meetings basically are like:
- If you have a computer/phone and a stable internet connection, you are good to go.
- Typically, online AA meetings are conducted on Zoom.
- You do not have to switch on the video – you will mostly be speaking, listening, or typing.
- You can attend online meetings daily, but they will have a strict style, format, and schedule, just like in-person AA meetings.
- To find an online AA meeting near you, you can use online directories like Google or the Alcoholics Anonymous website and check for timings
What Are the Benefits of Online AA Meetings?
We cannot definitively say that online AA meetings are better than the in-person ones; it is basically a you-do-you kind of situation. But remember, attending one or the other kind of meeting is better than not attending any meetings at all – it is how you become committed to your recovery.
Some of the benefits of online AA meetings are:
- Highly convenient. Provided you have a computer/phone and an Internet connection, you can attend a meeting from anywhere. A recent study indicated that more than half (53.7%) of the AA members only attend online meetings, so the convenience aspect of it can increase your attendance.
- If you are traveling, sick, or just stuck somewhere, even then, you can attend an online meeting. Your recovery does not have to wait for anything.
- If you struggle with other mental health conditions like social anxiety, then you can attend online AA meetings – they offer you added benefits of anonymity and privacy, such as not having to turn on your video.
- In remote or underserved areas where transportation is a problem, online AA meetings get you the care you need and deserve.
What Is The Difference Between In-Person and Online AA Meetings?
The primary difference between online and in-person AA meetings is that in the latter, you are face-to-face with your peers. You can meet and greet and socialize – whether it is just a smile, a hug, or a chat.
There is no difference between the effectiveness of both meetings; however, studies indicate that most members (87.4%) like to follow a hybrid model where there is some online attendance before going to the meeting in real time.
Is In-Person or Online AA Meeting Right for Me?
As we told you, both in-person and online AA meetings are effective. If you are just discovering AA, then you must know that you do not always end up at the right meeting for yourself right away. So, you can test the waters online before you commit to going to the meeting of your choice and feel comfortable in person.
At the end of the day, it depends on your comfort, convenience, and choice. If you only want to attend in-person AA meetings, that is your choice. If you only want to attend online meetings, that is again your choice. But a good mix of the two best strikes a healthy balance.
Addiction Recovery in Los Angeles – One Step at a Time!
When you have decided to embark on your journey to recovery from alcohol use, Alcoholics Anonymous is a good option to look into. Whether you want to attend an in-person or online AA meeting near you, you can reach out to Sober Living West today. We will provide you with the support you need on this road to recovery. Please do not hesitate to contact us at (310) 218-5158; we will be there with you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
AA is a peer support group that follows a 12-step program to help you achieve and maintain sobriety from alcohol use.
You attend the AA meeting at a physical location, follow a set format, and engage directly with peers for support and connection.
Online AA meetings are held via platforms like Zoom, allowing you to join from anywhere with internet access and a digital device.
Both are effective; the choice depends on your comfort, convenience, and personal needs.
Yes, many members prefer a hybrid approach to enjoy the best of both worlds.