Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and related 12-step groups have moved to online meetings, which offer increased meeting options for many members. Additionally, online meetings provide greater access to support for people with disabilities, work schedules, and childcare needs.
While virtual AA meetings are becoming the standard in the recovery community, they do come with challenges. In this article, we explore some of these issues and offer advice for finding and attending online meetings.
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Online Service Email List
The online service is home to some of the AA community’s most interesting and engaging members. Among the many resources available to members are email lists, a forum and an active discussion forum where topics of interest abound. We even have a monthly conference call where the movers and shakers of the AA world can gather to discuss the latest developments in our service. The best part is that it is free and you can do it anywhere in the world with an internet connection. In short, it is a good time. The most interesting thing about the list is the quality of the members.
Online Chat Group
In order to help members in recovery build reliable support, online chat groups are recommended. However, it is important to maintain the same courtesy and consideration when communicating with others in an online group as it is when in person meetings.
In addition, it is important to keep in mind that everyone’s recovery journey is unique and not all people in chat groups are the same. It is also important to avoid people who are not supportive of your recovery, regardless of whether you know them or not.
In addition to logging conversations, some online software allows individuals to send private messages to other members, which can be viewed by the whole group later. This feature can be helpful for members who are unsure of how to respond to other members’ comments or questions. Additionally, online groups offer a sense of anonymity that is not available in in-person alcoholics anonymous (FAA) groups. This anonymity can provide a safe environment for individuals to overcome their reluctance to give feedback.
Online Discussion Group
Members of the online discussion group corresponded on a bi-monthly basis, usually around the first and fifteenth. The topics for each month were chosen by a member and posted on the list. The original post would usually state how they felt on the topic, and then they invited others to share their feelings and perceptions of that topic. The messages were then read by the group and sent back to the original poster as a response.
The online service had a chat room, which was available during the daytime for one hour each week. In this room, the leader would arrive and greet each member by their screen name, then officially begin the meeting by “reading” a daily affirmation from Rokelle Lerner’s book, Daily Affirmations for ACOAs. During this hour, members would also discuss issues related to their ACOA status or other relevant topics. There was a good variety of discussion, which allowed for a stimulating conversation.
Online Meetings
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) meetings online provide a safe place for people to share their experiences, strength and hope with other ACOAs. Meetings last 60-90 minutes, and begin with a prayer, introductions and readings. They are open to all attendees, and you can ask any questions or share your experience. Some meetings focus on spiritual solutions, while others discuss a wide range of topics. Each group is unique, and you should attend several meetings before finding one that fits your needs.
Because of their childhood experiences, many ACOAs have a difficult time judging others or responding to criticism. They often respond in an aggressive or defensive way, even when the criticism is constructive. This can result in them not meeting commitments or feeling unreliable. In addition, many ACOAs have a hard time telling the truth. This can lead to lying or exaggerating details in conversations, which they may not even realize is occurring. Additionally, some ACOAs have an impulsive nature, which can lead to them making decisions without thinking about the consequences.