The twelve-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous is centered around attending meetings. AA is a worldwide community of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope with one another.
Online AA meetings are a great option for those who find it difficult to attend face-to-face meetings or have a hard time traveling. They also help to recreate a community that has been crucial for many members who are struggling with COVID-19.
| 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. |
AA’s official website
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have found that they can overcome their drinking problems by following the twelve steps. It has been a successful, nonprofessional recovery program since its founding in 1935 and is available almost everywhere in the world.
AA members attend meetings where they share their experiences with alcohol and how they are working to keep their drinking in check. They count the days until they reach sobriety and read about other members’ successes from AA’s 12-step program in the Big Book, which is published by AA.
Online AA meetings are held on platforms such as Zoom, which allows people to join remotely using their computer or any mobile device with a camera or a microphone. They may require a passcode or be password-protected, but most online AA meetings follow the same rules as in-person meetings: anonymity, no recording and no profanity. The group also monitors who enters the meeting.
AA’s online directory
If you’re looking for a new AA group to join, the OIAA is a great place to start. Their massive directory of online AA meetings is updated regularly and can be filtered by date, type of meeting and language preference.
Another resource is the Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Guide app for iOS and Android smartphones. It syncs with area, district, intergroup/central offices and international general service office websites, relaying meeting information from more than 300 A.A. service entities directly to you, and over 100,000 weekly meetings are listed!
The OIAA also publishes an annual AA directory of upcoming meetings. To be added to their list, meetings must be open for everyone and free of outside affiliations, such as ad placement or funding. These rules are in place to promote the same caring, close-knit community that attendees of in-person AA meetings have come to know and love. In addition, AA meetings online must be run anonymously, with member names and photos kept out of public pages or shared files.
AA’s Zoom meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous, the organization that has helped millions of people recover from addiction, is expanding its reach online. These meetings, which are held on Zoom, address a vulnerability for many alcoholics — isolation.
The only requirement for AA membership is the desire to stop drinking. While these meetings may feel new and intimidating for some, it’s important to keep in mind that they are not the same as in-person meetings.
You can find these meetings through the AA website or by searching for them on your favorite search engine. There are also plenty of meetings that are hosted by groups across the country.
You can join an online meeting by running a Zoom app and entering the Meeting ID provided by the person hosting the meeting. You can also find a list of local Zoom meetings in our coronavirus post (access from the main page).
AA’s Intergroup
AA’s Intergroup meetings are a way for members to connect with other people who have experienced the same problems and who have found recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous. These meetings can take place over the phone, via email or through other online communication methods.
There are many ways to participate in the Intergroup meetings and they are always looking for new volunteers to represent their home groups. If you’re interested in being an Intergroup Representative (IGR), ask your group leader about the positions available and how to apply for one.
As part of its service, Northern New Jersey Intergroup maintains group records, publishes local meeting lists and provides a hotline to those seeking help. The organization also coordinates the work of groups in correctional facilities and treatment centers.
In order for the intergroup to be efficient and continue its services, it relies on the support of local AA groups. This support can be in the form of volunteer help, financial contributions or both.