Is there such a thing as online AA meetings?

Yes! Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as dozens of other addiction support groups, hold daily online recovery meetings.

JourneyPure hosts online alumni and community events that are open to anyone who is in recovery. There are thousands of available meetings to choose from, and like in person meetings, you have options.

Virtual meetings are happening 24/7 a day all over the world, so there is always a way to stay connected.

Page Topics
Online Meetings: What do I need? | How to access meetings? | What are they like? | Are they anonymous? | Are they effective? | Are they more popular because of Covid-19?

What do you need for online recovery meetings?

Virtual meetings are held using video conferencing apps on a smartphone or PC. Zoom is the most popular choice for videoconferencing, followed by Skype, WhatsApp and GoToMeeting. All of these services are free to use, all you have to do is download the app. 

• A device with a camera and microphone, such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop. If you can Facetime, you already have what you need. (You can get away with no video by connecting without a camera, but it’s a much better experience when everyone can see each other)
• A stable internet connection
• Meeting Code and Password – You can find meeting logins and passwords online by visiting the links below. Filter results by date & time, or by the style and format of the meeting.

How do I access online meetings?

1. Select the type of meeting you want to attend from the list above.
2. Search or filter the results by the date and time that you want to join
3. Click join to open the meeting. Most meetings do not require a password, but if they do, it will be listed alongside the meeting code.
4. If you do not already the meeting app on your device, you will be prompted to download or join through your internet browser.

Are online meetings free?

Online meetings through organizations like AA, NA and Al-anon and JourneyPure are always free, and you don’t need to purchase any software to access them. Conferencing apps like Zoom, Google Meet and Skype cost nothing to download and free to use.

What are Alcoholics Anonymous online meetings like?

Alcoholics Anonymous online groups are full of friendly, open people who are there to help you.

• 12-step groups especially focus on welcoming newcomers and making sure that no one feels like an outsider.
• Gender-specific and beginner-focused meetings are still available.
• Each group makes its own rules, but in general online meetings follow the format of live meetings. Usually, a speaker tells their recovery story or speaks about a topic and the rest of the attendees will share their experience, strength and hope.

Are online meetings still anonymous?

Individual groups are still taking measures to ensure the anonymity of people attending the meeting. The rules forbid people from taking screenshots or reproducing anything discussed in the meeting.

If you’re concerned with your online privacy, you can always create an account using only your first name or an alias. While concerns for online security are legitimate, they shouldn’t keep anyone from getting help.

What are hybrid meetings?

Hybrid meetings are a combination of in person and online formats. Organizers host the meeting on location, but also have a monitor equipped with a camera microphone at the front of the room so people can join online.

Are Alcoholics Anonymous online groups effective?

Yes! Online meetings maintain the fellowship aspects of support groups, and that makes them a great option when face-to-face meetings aren’t available or practical. The only difference is that you’re accountable for logging in rather than showing up.

SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration encourages virtual recovery resources to stay connected.

Online AA meetings have been around for years, but the recent COVID-19 pandemic has forced support groups that regularly meet in person to switch to online formats.

Are AA Zoom meetings more popular due to COVID-19?.

Yes. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, online meetings became a necessity because of social distancing. Many groups switched to online formats and existing online meetings became more popular than ever.

As social distancing mandates are lifted, some groups are returning to meet in person. But many groups are retaining their online meetings or switched to a hybrid format. Each group decides for themselves how they want to hold the meeting.

One advantage of meeting online is that it opens up local groups to people all over the country and the world.

What if online meetings aren’t working?

Support groups are a great tool to help you stay connected or engaged in sobriety, but they aren’t a replacement for treatment. If you are attending online meetings and still struggling, take it as a sign that you need professional help.

JourneyPure drug abuse treatment centers in Kentucky and Tennessee offer everything you need to get sober and stay sober.