After moving to a new area, one of the first things I did was research new meeting locations. I was pleasantly surprised to find this AA meeting finder app. With our “new normal” reality of social distancing and spur-of-the-moment changes, it’s of ultimate importance that our community help 12-step members find the information they need.

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That can be difficult to do for people used to abusing substances. And substance abuse in general rose during the pandemic, national studies show. Even Zoom detractors inside AA recognize its importance during the immediate shutdown of the pandemic. It was important because isolation is a very dangerous condition for alcoholics and drug abusers. Zoom has been especially valuable for those Hawaii residents from rural areas, who can stay connected to their peers and counselors after they discharge. It’s a positive outcome of the pandemic Bridge House said they also saw with their clients, a strengthened cohesiveness that exists beyond graduation.

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If one can begin to adopt a new way of life through working the steps, AA teaches, the obsession to drink alcohol will be removed. When that happens, continuing to live in such a spiritual fashion will not seem like a burden, rather a pleasure. Thus, a new way of living is born. Sherry established her AA home group’s Zoom account.

To find your closest local entity, please search via A.A. You can also request more information from your regional correspondent at GSO. I’ve been using this app for a couple years and suggest it to others all the time. I’m disappointed in the location search in the latest version, however. In the current version I get multiple communities in my area — this is great.

They must acquire a new fellowship and make friends with people who don’t abuse substances. Zoom and online platforms played a big part in making some of those connections. But when the pandemic hit, the important in-person support group meetings so necessary to AA stopped. Once you have started or joined a meeting, you can access the meeting controls located at the bottom of the meeting window (move your mouse in the Zoom window to display meeting controls). Select the Meetings tab and click Upcoming to view, start, how old is demi lovato edit, and delete scheduled meetings.

The OIAA 12th Step Committee, comprised of sober AA members worldwide, responds directly to people who are seeking help for a drinking problem. Your request will be received by members of this committee and answered via email as soon as possible. Zoom Meetings can be joined by clicking the meeting’s “Zoom” button. Please read the meeting’s description to find the meeting password, if one is required. Some meetings request you to contact the group directly for meeting information or password. The blue “Email” button allows you to contact groups directly.

Many meetings begin with a reading from the Big Book — frequently a portion of Chapter 5 (“How It Works”) or Chapter 3 (“More About Alcoholism”). A statement about anonymity in A.A. As a valuable privacy principle for new and longtime members might be read. Many meetings close with members joining in a moment of silence followed by a prayer, or perhaps by reciting the Responsibility Statement or other A.A.

When he came to, he’d be in a hospital bed. Is what the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous would describe as a “real alcoholic” – one of those drinkers who cannot control his consumption once he takes his first sip. What is the update you are making here? This is your notes area to explain the meeting types selected above. Please provide enough details for the AA trying to find your meeting.

Other members are adamant things return to the way they were before the pandemic. Has been helping alcoholics recover for more than 80 years. A.A.’s program of recovery is built on the simple foundation of one alcoholic sharing with another. If your drinking is out of control, A.A.

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At both types of meetings, it may be requested that participants confine their discussion to matters pertaining to recovery from alcoholism. Bill, who has helped scores of men get sober, also relied on Zoom at the onset and switched to renegade meetings as they became available. He praised the platform for doing its job in a pinch but recommends against an alcoholic relying on it. Staff at substance abuse centers on the Big Island said Zoom was a life-saving component to continuing their recovery programs during the pandemic. It is also an avenue they hope they can continue offering clients in the future, regardless of whether things return to normal soon.

1. Once you have started or joined a meeting, you can access the meeting controls located at the bottom of the meeting window (move your mouse in the Zoom window to display meeting controls).
2. Helping each other is a key to staying sober.
3. But AA is one of the organizations, along with government and businesses, that found there were major advantages in holding meetings via Zoom, including more turnout.
4. In the current version I get multiple communities in my area — this is great.
5. This may not be an issue in some areas, but for many of us in multi-City areas it’s not always as easy.
6. This is your notes area to explain the meeting types selected above.

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Groups are starting to make the transition, but the pace is too slow for some. The debate still kicks up in meetings occasionally. Jimmy Kayihura, HIR managing director, said his team’s experience was similar to Bridge House’s.