The post-pandemic world is a very different one – even if we have not realized it yet. It is not for no reason that it is called the “new normal.” Indeed, the new normal is affecting many things in the world, including how Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are conducted. During the pandemic, AA meetings shifted to Zoom – the video conferencing platform that kept you connected even during lockdown. Zoom became somewhat of a go-to venue for virtual AA meetings. But now that lockdowns have lifted and the world is going back to what it once used to be – will virtual AA meetings flourish even in the post-pandemic era? Let us find out!
AA and Zoom
Before COVID-19, AA meetings were mostly held in person – in rehab centers, church buildings, office buildings, community centers, and so on. But as COVID-19’s lockdown started, AA had to shift its mode of operation, like many entities in the world.
AA chose Zoom, like many other companies and organizations. This happened in March 2020, as AA members needed the connectedness and community in a big way during lockdown. AA’s virtual meetings on Zoom were a big hit – with even 1,000 members attending at once!
While some members lamented the loss of physical connection, others found this mode of gathering easier. After all, you did not have to plan way ahead or push through the traffic to attend an AA meeting anymore – virtual AA meetings happened more on the go!
Many experts have hailed that one needed such mental health resources as telemedicine and virtual AA meetings to stay focused on recovery, and modes of attending therapy/meetings whenever, wherever, and as you are becoming more popular – but is this really here to stay?
Will Virtual AA Meetings Still Be a Thing Post-Pandemic?
Yes! Virtual AA meetings have been and still are a massive hit with the members.
Studies have shown that nearly 53.7% participants attended only online AA meetings, while 33.7% attended both online and in-person AA meetings, and only 12.6% attended only in-person AA meetings.
This shows that virtual AA meetings continue to be the most popular mode of getting together even after the pandemic is over. As we already told you, many members appreciate the ease of attending online meetings when compared to in-person ones – what with the fast-paced life and busy schedules of today.
How Do Virtual AA Meetings Work?
For virtual AA meetings, all you need is a computer or a phone, a stable internet connection, and the meeting link – that is just it.
Typically, online AA meetings are conducted on Zoom. You can visit the Alcoholics Anonymous website to procure the Zoom link, and you can attend the meeting as scheduled.
You do not have to switch on the video; you can either listen, type, or speak. All virtual AA meetings follow the style and format of in-person AA meetings, so in that experience, you will find no difference.
What Are the Benefits of Virtual AA Meetings?
There is no definitive way of saying whether virtual AA meetings are better than in-person AA meetings, but here are some benefits you stand to gain from the virtual ones:
- Very convenient. In this fast-paced life, convenience is one of the biggest things that matter. In fact, the popularity of these virtual meetings comes from the fact that they are convenient.
- If you are sick, stuck, or traveling, your recovery does not have to take a backseat. You can keep up by attending virtual meetings on Zoom.
- In remote and underserved regions where commuting is not as easy, virtual AA meetings provide the care and community needed for recovery.
- If someone is struggling with conditions such as social anxiety, then virtual AA meetings offer more privacy and anonymity than in-person meetings do.
What Is The Difference Between In-Person and Virtual AA Meetings?
The difference between in-person and virtual AA meetings is that in the former, you meet your peers face-to-face, while in the latter, you meet them online.
Efficacy-wise, both in-person and virtual AA meetings are effective, but in-person meetings offer a greater opportunity to meet, greet, and socialize. You can feel more connected.
Is a Virtual AA Meeting Right For Me?
Both in-person and virtual AA meetings are effective. What is right for you depends on your recovery needs and goals.
If you prefer establishing in-person connectedness, then in-person AA meetings can be the right fit for you. If you prefer comfort and convenience, then maybe virtual AA meetings are beneficial for you.
The thing with AA meetings is that you may not always find the right meeting for you right away. You might have to switch between meetings to find one that fits in with your personality perfectly. So, if you are just beginning, you can try virtual meetings to feel more comfortable when you attend in person.
Of course, we need a good mix of everything in our lives. So, to strike a healthy balance between in-person and virtual, it is always better to opt for a mix of the two. Be flexible to mix both in-person and virtual AA meetings in a given month. Even studies show that nearly 87.4% of AA members endorse a healthy mix of the two.
Find Your AA Meeting Today!
Whether you are just beginning with AA meetings or are unable to find the best AA meeting for you, we can understand how confusing this can feel. 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 meeting for you, both in-person and online! Please do not hesitate to call us at (310) 218-5158 to begin your recovery journey.