25 Virtual Recovery Meetings to Help You Get and Stay Sober While Social Distancing
The coronavirus crisis is hard on everyone, but those struggling with addiction have unique difficulties during the pandemic. With social distancing measures prohibiting gatherings in most areas, members of recovery groups don't have anywhere to go—but thankfully, virtual recovery meetings and online recovery meeting groups are popping up to aid those working so hard to get well.
Whether you're just looking into getting help or sober for several years, these online meetings and groups will likely be valuable to you, but do know that not every method of recovery works for everyone—and that's OK. If you're already in a recovery group, your best first bet is to reach out to your sponsor to find out if your group has online meetings so you'll benefit from the familiarity and trust you've already built together. If that isn't an option, here are some to try.
25 Virtual Recovery Group Meetings
1. AA and Al-Anon
Alcoholic Anonymousand Al-Anon offer online meetings that you can attend based on your own scheduling needs. Some are by phone and some are by video or text. You can also seek help at eAA, a specifically online branch of the organization.
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2. Reddit
Not sure where to begin? Reddithas several threads for recovery of various kinds, including Redditors in Recovery and Stop Drinking.
3. Forever35 Sober
Inspired by the Forever 35 podcast, the Forever35 Sobergroup on Facebook is a community predominantly comprised of women supporting one another in their efforts to stop drinking, whether they're sober-curious or actively recovering.
4. Sober Recovery
The Sober Recoveryforums have a community of nearly 200,000 people to support recovery from everything to alcohol to anxiety and everything in between.
5. Sober Mommies
If you're sick of "Mommy juice" and "quarantini" references, the Sober Mommiesgroup can be a welcome refuge from triggering posts on your feed.
6. Debtors Anonymous
If you're addicted to shopping or gambling, Debtors Anonymoushas online meetings and support.
7. In the Rooms
In the Roomsis an virtual recovery group that embraces all methods of recovery among its members.
8. The Recovery Realm
The Recovery Realmoffers a closed, private Facebook group for women as well as online resources to support substance abuse recovery.
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9. Step Chat
Step Chatoffers virtual recovery meetings in the form of text chats, with groups for AA, Al-Anon, Narcotics Anonymous, Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA), Marijuana Anonymous, Emotions Anonymous, Self-Harm Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Debtors Anonymous, Spenders Anonymous and Compulsive Eaters Anonymous.
10. Never Alone Club
Members of Narcotics Anonymous can get support and attend virtual recovery meetings through the Never Alone Club.
11. Computer Gaming Addicts Anonymous
Computer Gaming Addicts Anonymousoffers online recovery services, and you can attend virtual recovery meetings through phone or chat.
12. Marijuana Anonymous Online
Marijuana Anonymous Onlineoffers chat room support 24/7.
13. MyRecovery
MyRecoveryoffers virtual support meetings and forums for those in recovery from alcohol and drug abuse.
14. LGBTteetotaler
Specifically designed for members of the LGBTQ+ community, LGBTteetotaleroffers a safe space for recovery without stigma or phobias.
15. LifeRing
If you're trying to get sober but aren't comfortable with religious or spiritual elements of typical recovery groups, LifeRingis a great secular alternative.
16. Cocaine Anonymous Online
Cocaine Anonymous Onlinespecializes in virtual recovery meetings since 1997.
17. Sex Addicts Anonymous
Not only does Sex Addicts Anonymoushave phone recovery meetings, they also offer women's only meetings if that makes you feel more comfortable and safe.
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18. SMART Recovery Online
If the typical "12 Steps" aren't a fit for you, Self Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery) Onlinemay be an option.
19. Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymoushave several virtual recovery meeting options in several languages, as well as a special group just for women.
20. Food Addicts Anonymous
You can attend virtual recovery meetings for Food Addicts Anonymousvia phone, email or video through Zoom and Skype.
21. DynamiCare Health
Through the COVID-19 crisis, DynamiCare Healthis offering a free telehealth recovery meeting every day at 12 p.m. ET.
22. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)has a great deal of addiction support services available online.
23. Connections by Addiction Policy Forum
The Connections app by the Addiction Policy Forum is designed to manage and help support recovery using research-based methods.
24. Tempest
Tempestoffers virtual recovery meetings and other support to those seeking to get sober from alcohol.
25. Hazelden Betty Ford
Depending on your insurance provider, you may be able to get virtual treatment and recovery programs from Hazelden Betty Fordcovered by your plan.
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