AA, Al-Anon and ACOA self-help group meetings provide an opportunity for people struggling with alcoholism to share their experiences. These meetings have a variety of meeting formats, including open, closed, discussion and speaker meetings (Finn and Lavitt, 1994).
In-person meetings provide many benefits. They are a great way to meet with other members who live in the same area, ease into the recovery process and get feedback about your sobriety.
| Have you tried Meetn, the new online meeting platform? It’s turning out to become a decent alternative to Zoom and to the other major platforms. |
Benefits
Acoa meetings online are a great way for people to connect with other recovering alcoholics without having to leave their home. They can be especially helpful for those who are shy or introverted, or who have trouble getting out of the house and socializing with their peers.
ACA meetings provide an opportunity for acoas to share their experience, strength and hope. They also offer a chance to develop intimate bonds with other acoas.
These intimate bonds are a vital part of recovery, allowing acoas to learn how to release and heal the painful memories of their childhood. These memories can be anything from sexual abuse or abandonment to feeling like they aren’t accepted by others.
Many acoas find that attending meetings helps them overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness. They can learn to recognize that they are not alone, and they can make friends who will be there for them. Having these supportive relationships will help acoas develop healthy boundaries and create the life they want to live.
Disadvantages
Many acoas find themselves in the dark about their alcoholism, and meeting others who understand and have overcome similar challenges can be like having a second parent. Acoa meetings can also help you make the connections that will allow you to move forward with your recovery journey.
Another good thing about online acoa meetings is that they’re free and you don’t have to travel to get there. This is a great benefit for people with health concerns, kids in school or elderly family members. Plus, it’s a lot more environmentally friendly than going to a meeting room in a faraway city or state.
Aside from the fact that they are free and save on time, online acoa meetings also prove to be a good way to connect with other acoas in your area. This can be a very important step for your recovery, especially if you’re not quite ready to go to a real life meeting in person.
Getting “Bumped”
Technology is still evolving and online video platforms like Zoom are not without their share of connectivity issues. Large group meetings can be susceptible to problems including audio and video lags, freezes and other glitches that can prevent attendees from attending or even joining in on the conversation. In the event that a member gets bumped from an online meeting, he or she should contact the meeting’s designated contact representative (GSR) to make sure that he or she is re-scheduled.
Often, the most successful solution to overcoming these technological difficulties will require some form of professional intervention such as therapy or counseling. In addition to addressing the techie aspects, many ACOAs will need help in recognizing their triggers and developing healthy behaviors/responses to avoid the pitfalls of their past. A good therapist will also be able to point you in the direction of the most appropriate treatment options for your unique set of circumstances. The best possible outcome will be a happy, healthier you.
Privacy
The privacy of personal information and one’s internal life is a crucial aspect of the recovery process. It is the right to protect one’s private affairs from invasive intrusion by others, especially governments and corporations.
The domain of privacy includes such areas as nonconformity, dissent, shame and embarrassment, subterfuge and concealment, the deviant and taboo, and exploitation (Igo). It also shields us from scrutiny, prejudice, pressure to conform, and the judgment of others.
All attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitor, ACA staff members, and service providers must adhere to the acoa meetings online code of conduct, which includes avoiding harassment, intimidation, or discrimination. Any unacceptable behavior will be dealt with immediately, including if it threatens the safety of any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, ACA staff member or service provider. Harassment or abuse of any person will not be tolerated at any acoa meeting, either in-person or virtual, and ACA reserves the right to prohibit attendance by anyone who violates this code of conduct at any future meeting.