When I say, “Hi, I’m Chris and I’m an Alcoholic,” everyone in the room says, “Hi, Chris.” That feels good to hear. There is a unique feeling that we get when we introduce ourselves at an AA meeting. It is a special connection with the group that seems lost. Also missing is the circle of friend holding hands and praying at the end of the meeting. Or, if we do, it is chaotic and confusing, as many are talking at once. Time before and after a meeting is spent connecting with others and making lasting friendships. Another thing I miss is the pre- and post-meetings. It made a huge difference for me and kept me wanting to come back even when I didn’t want to come back….if that makes any sense. Someone I barely knew made the effort to let me know I mattered. I was so socially awkward and afraid of people when I was newly sober. I remember when I was new, one woman made it a point to give me a hug EVERY time she saw me. Certainly, for many of us, it is the warm welcome we get at an AA meeting that makes us want to come back. Gone are the handshake and hugs we usually get at an AA meeting. 4 Negative Aspects of Online Alcoholics Anonymous: An Opinion Easy enough, right? But, for me, there have been some drawbacks to the online alternative to our in-person Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Or the group sends the information to Central Office, who post the info online. The group sets them up, gets a meeting code and password and sends the information to all of the group members. Online meetings are usually on the app Zoom. How is that working for someone who depends on AA meetings not only to stay sober but also for social connection? Well, in my opinion, there are good and bad points to be considered.
So, now, that part of my life is all online. I am not alone when I say that Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and fellowship have become a huge part of my recovery.
This means that those of us in recovery have been forced to shift to online meetings as well. Family dinners, a quick coffee with a friend, church and any social gatherings have all been either cancelled or shifted to online media.
This is difficult and isolating to even the most reclusive souls. With recent world events, most of us cannot be around other people.
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