In light of the fact that the world is becoming increasingly digitized, a lot of the things that we were used to engaging in person have shifted online. This includes Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. Yet, the question remains – which is good for you? In-person meetings or online meetings? Let us read on to find out!
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is a peer-led fellowship that seeks to enable those struggling with alcohol use to heal and recover. It began in a small town in Ohio, when two persons, Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson, came together to spread the importance of a spiritual awakening in the context of recovery.
Today, AA boasts of a strong presence in over 180 countries, with more than 123,000 meetings conducted around the world – both in-person and online.
Why Are AA Meetings Conducted Online?
When COVID-19 hit the world – it became difficult to stay connected physically with meetings. With extended lockdowns and isolation, the need for connection in alcohol recovery was never stronger.
This is when AA meetings shifted online. AA meetings began being conducted on Zoom, and they were a massive hit. Members report that even 1,000+ members attended a meeting at a time!
What Is the Difference Between In-Person and Online AA Meetings?
The only difference between in-person and online AA meetings is that you will have face-to-face meetings with fellow members in the former. They are conducted in rehab centers, church buildings, office buildings, community centers, and other places.
Meanwhile, online AA meetings are conducted on online platforms like Zoom. You can attend a meeting with a Zoom link.
How Do Online AA Meetings Work?
While in-person meetings allow you to meet your fellow members face-to-face for increased connectedness and community, they are not always feasible.
Whether it is a pandemic or if you are sick, stuck, or traveling – your recovery cannot take a backseat. Hence, AA began conducting meetings online via Zoom links. This is what they look like:
- To begin with, you need to have a computer/phone and a stable internet connection.
- You need to install Zoom and procure the Zoom meeting link from the Alcoholics Anonymous website or Google.
- Once you join, you do not have to switch on the video – you may be either speaking, listening, or typing.
- You can attend online meetings regularly; they will have a strict style, format, and schedule just like in-person meetings.
What Are the Benefits of Online AA Meetings?
While online AA meetings are a newer addition to the AA ecosystem, here are some of the benefits many members rave about:
- Online meetings are very convenient. This is one of the major reasons why online meetings are very well attended, with nearly 53.7% of the AA members reporting they attend only online meetings.
- You do not have to plan in advance and have other logistics in place to attend an online meeting – they happen more on the go.
- If you come from remote/underserved regions, online meetings are a boon for your recovery.
- Your recovery does not have to take a backseat, no matter what the conditions are. Whether you are sick, stuck, or traveling – your recovery can always be your focus.
- If you are struggling with mental health conditions like social anxiety, then online meetings provide the added incentives of anonymity and privacy more so than in-person meetings.
What Are the Benefits of In-Person AA Meetings?
AA meetings have always been conducted in person. While there is not much difference when it comes to effectiveness between in-person and online meetings, here are some specific benefits of the former:
- As you physically meet other AA members, there is increased connectedness. You can meet and greet others to socialize for a chat or sponsorship.
- When you attend meetings regularly and follow the 12 Steps and experience a sense of community, you develop structure in your life, and there is a reduced risk of relapse.
- In-person AA meetings are widely accessible – as we speak, AA meetings are present in over 180 countries with 123,000 meetings conducted worldwide.
- In-person meetings are free of cost to attend; you can personally donate if you want, but it is not mandatory.
Finding the Right Fit – In-Person or Online AA Meetings?
Both in-person and online AA meetings are equally effective. What is right for you depends on your unique recovery needs and goals.
If you value physical connectedness over convenience or comfort, then in-person meetings are right for you. If you value convenience, anonymity, and privacy, then online meetings can be a better fit for you.
Meanwhile, if you are new to AA, then maybe you can try online meetings before you commit to attending them in person.
A Word From Sober Living West
While both in-person and online AA meetings can be effective in your recovery, it is crucial to strike a healthy balance between the two.
Yes, in today’s fast-paced life, many prefer convenience and comfort. In this way, online AA meetings easily fit into your life. Yet, it is also true that increased digitization has reduced real connections and connectedness in our lives. So, physical meetings can also contribute to increased connectedness and a strong sober community around you.
So, what we suggest is to integrate both in-person and online meetings into your life. Even 87.4% of AA members endorse both physical and online presence. A hybrid model offers the best-of-both-world benefits in your life.
Are You Ready to Take a Step Forward in Your Recovery?
In-person or online, it is overall beneficial to attend some kind of AA presence for your recovery from alcohol use. Even experts suggest that AA is just as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy for your recovery.
If you are ready to take this step forward in your recovery, reach out to Sober Living West today. We will sit with you to understand your story, needs, and goals to connect you with the right AA meetings for you – both in-person and online.
Please do not hesitate to call us at (310) 218-5158 today!