Whether you are practicing social distancing to avoid the coronavirus or you just can’t attend in-person meetings, online meetings can offer support. They use a variety of tools including video conference calls, voice and chat rooms. Some meet for a specific purpose, such as meetings for women, veterans, LGBT+ people or speakers of different languages.
Narcotics Anonymous
Whether you’re in need of a spiritual lift or just want to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through, you can find a meeting at any time of the day. NA has meetings all over the world and there are also apps available that can help you find a meeting in your area or even a virtual one.
| 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. |
NA is a non-profit, nonsectarian organization that operates on the disease model of addiction. Members are encouraged to take part in a 12-step program that starts with an acknowledgement of a problem. It ends with a surrender to a higher power, but the specific nature of that higher power is left up to each individual.
Most addicts enter NA after reaching their bottom. This bottom is often characterized by unmanageability, dereliction, and destruction. It can be as simple as the loss of a family member or a job.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is an evidence-based mutual aid program for anyone struggling with addiction. It uses techniques from cognitive behavioral and motivational enhancement therapies to help participants learn how to control their addictive behaviors. Its 4-point program teaches self-reliance and helps participants examine specific behaviors to find solutions that work for them. It also provides helpful tools, how-to videos, podcasts, and other resources. Unlike 12-step programs, SMART doesn’t require participants to admit powerlessness or believe in a higher power. The program is effective for people who struggle with alcohol, gambling, sex, and other problematic behaviours.
SMART stands for “Self-Management and Recovery Training.” The program uses evidence-influenced methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and rational emotive behavioural therapy, but does not incorporate religion or spirituality into its meetings. It is also non-profit and its efforts evolve as scientific knowledge about addiction recovery develops. Moreover, it offers an open forum for discussion and educates individuals about the causes of addiction and how to manage it.
Al-Anon
If you have a friend or family member who is addicted to alcohol, it can be difficult to cope. You may experience shame, secrecy, manipulation, financial trouble, and other problems related to your loved one’s addiction. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome these issues. One way is to join a support group like Al-Anon. This organization helps friends and family members heal from the trauma of a loved one’s alcoholism. The organization also teaches the three Cs and twelve steps, which help you realize that your loved one’s alcoholism is not your fault.
Survey participants also endorsed other hoped-for gains from Al-Anon attendance, including better quality of life and relationships with their Al-Anon trigger, less anger and stress, and more hope and satisfaction with their spiritual lives. Meetings are confidential, and each group has its own unique way of operating within guidelines designed to promote Al-Anon unity. Meetings can be held in person or online.
AA
AA has been around for decades and has an extensive history of helping people recover from alcoholism. Its members come from a variety of social and economic backgrounds and have varying degrees of experience with addiction. Its meetings are held in person and online. The organization also offers books and audio recordings for those who cannot attend in-person. In addition to its meetings, AA offers a variety of resources for family members of addicts, including phone support and links to treatment services.
Online AA meetings are an excellent option for people who cannot attend in-person meetings. The AA website hosts thousands of virtual meetings each day. These meetings take place worldwide and are free of charge. The website also has a forum where members can connect with each other and share their recovery stories. The group also encourages its members to read the Big Book, which contains personal stories from other alcoholics who have overcome addiction.