How Do Online AA Meetings Work?

For people seeking an accessible recovery community, online Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-step support groups may be helpful. Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in online healthcare options to address growing mental health needs in America.

Though many treatment providers have returned to in-person, there is still a need for online options, including among people who live in underserved communities, have disabilities, or don’t have transportation. Virtual AA meetings help meet that need. Some AA members also just prefer online meetings to in-person meetings.

What To Expect During An Online AA Meeting

In general, you can expect the same type of AA meeting remotely as you would in person. Some do not require use of your computer’s camera or mic, and some are available through phone call or text.

Virtual meetings can be helpful or preferred for people who are more introverted, live in a remote area with fewer meeting options, need schedule flexibility, or have physical or mental health barriers that could make meeting in person a challenge. People can also join online meetings for extra connection while in a hospital or inpatient addiction treatment setting on top of standard treatment.

The 12-Step Meeting Process

Most meetings begin with a leader or chairperson speaking and presenting a topic. Then, members can speak in relation to the topic. Depending upon the meeting, different steps from “the big book” of Alcoholics Anonymous may also be a focus.

Rules for how meetings are to be run stem from the 12 traditions of AA, which outline how the group and members should operate, including why members remain anonymous. The only requirement to join as a member is to be a person who seeks recovery from alcohol addiction.

Virtual AA Meeting Requirements

You will need a computer, tablet, or phone that can connect to the internet and whatever meeting place app that the group chooses to use, such as Teams, Zoom, or Discord. You also may be able to connect to meetings through your phone by dialing the number provided.

Most of these apps are very easy to set up and use via computer, tablet, or cellphone. Set up often consists of simply and quickly downloading the app. People new to Zoom meetings or other virtual meetings will likely need to create a login and then log in to the platform before being able to accept the meeting invite.

Finding AA Meetings

You can find an AA meeting to join by searching online for meetings that are local to you. Databases can be found through the AA website, AA chapter websites, and addiction recovery centers. You may also be referred to an AA meeting as an outpatient treatment option or for aftercare following the completion of a treatment program.

People seeking AA reading materials for online meetings can find many available online, along with apps that can support you as you work the 12 steps.

Virtual AA Meetings

Virtual AA meetings can be found in a similar fashion to in-person AA meetings. City chapter websites, such as the Los Angeles Central Office of AA (LACOAA), have a list of both in-person and online meeting options.

The AA Intergroup website also has a list of online meetings with a variety of topics, from spiritual gatherings to peer support and meetups. In the search bar, you can type in your city or state and find the options available local to you. You’ll also find international virtual meeting options.

The Two Main Types Of AA Meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, whether face-to-face or through phone or video conferencing, tend to be two types. These are closed meetings or open meetings. Closed meetings are group meetings that only offer attendance to people looking to recover from alcohol addiction. This includes beginners in AA and veterans of the program.

Open meetings extend that invitation to others, so family members, friends, and other loved ones can sit in and provide support or observe the meetings as they progress. On a side note, you may also hear the term “AA groups,” which refers to group members from AA meetings who meet separately to work on steps together.

Benefits Of Online AA Meetings

Online AA meetings offer several advantages that make recovery support more accessible to a wider range of people. One major benefit is convenience, as members can attend meetings from home, during lunch breaks at work, or while traveling without worrying about commuting or finding childcare. This flexibility makes it easier to attend meetings consistently, which is crucial for maintaining sobriety.

Online meetings also provide access to a much larger variety of meetings at different times throughout the day and night, including specialized meetings for specific groups like women, LGBTQ+ individuals, young people, or people with dual diagnoses.

Another significant benefit is increased anonymity and comfort for people who feel anxious about attending in-person meetings. Some people feel more comfortable sharing honestly when they’re in their own space rather than a public setting. Online meetings also eliminate geographical barriers, allowing people in rural areas with few local meetings to connect with recovery communities anywhere in the world.

Challenges And Limitations Of Virtual AA Meetings

While online AA meetings offer many benefits, they also come with some challenges that members should be aware of. Technical difficulties like poor internet connection, audio problems, or unfamiliarity with meeting platforms can be frustrating and disruptive, especially for people who aren’t comfortable with technology.

The virtual format can also make it harder to build the same depth of personal connection and fellowship that often develops naturally in face-to-face meetings. Body language and energy are harder to read through a screen, and the casual conversations before and after meetings that help build relationships may not happen as easily online.

Another limitation is the potential for distractions at home that can interfere with focus and engagement during meetings. Privacy concerns may also be an issue for people who live with others and don’t have a private space to attend meetings. Some people find it easier to leave a virtual meeting early or skip meetings altogether when accountability feels lower than in-person attendance.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff