How are Alcoholics Anonymous members dealing with social distancing amid coronavirus?
Throughout the country, millions of Americans are social distancing to help stop the spread of coronavirus. But what does that mean for members of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, who are now unable to attend in-person meetings.
Meetings for addicts have moved online, but some are struggling with not having face-to-face contact and talking through struggles and triumphs in front of others.
Reagan Reed told the New York Daily News, “The worst thing for an alcoholic is isolation.”
“It’s times like this, during a crisis, when everybody is most vulnerable,” she told the Daily News. “Alcoholics tend to be depressing and isolating by nature, so being in a room for a meeting, having your butt in that chair, listening to others share their experiences, is really what’s necessary.”
Alcoholics Anonymous said Thursday that groups are following social distancing guidelines while still helping members maintain their sobriety.
“By attending digital meetings, groups can focus on A.A.’s primary purpose: to carry its message of recovery to the alcoholic who still suffers,” the group wrote.
Actress Ashley Tisdale was among those who praised Alcoholics Anonymous for offering online meetings.
“My husband was able to stream his favorite meeting,” she wrote. “Anyone else who doesn’t feel great about leaving the house, check out the Zoom app,” she wrote.
Narcotics Anonymous also said groups unable to meet face to face have switched to phone or online meetings.
Apps that promote sobriety and offer support include Sober Grid, Hello Sunday Morning and Step Away, Jess Limbird with Recover Alaska told KTUU. The website www.aa-intergroup.org also offers a directory of online meetings.
Some older people, however, are not as well versed in technology, which worries Rick Manelius, who told the Los Angeles Times he is a member of a 12-step program.
“Our elders are being given an extra dose of fear and anxiety,” he said. “You don’t want to help spread this contagion with a high mortality rate, but at the same time, it’s like your mental and emotional health is on the line.”
One in 10 Americans has a drug abuse problem, according to The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration. The risks they face while seeking help are greater than not being able to attend meetings.
“Individuals with a substance use disorder are more likely to experience homelessness or incarceration than those in the general population, and these circumstances pose unique challenges regarding transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19,” according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
Ryan S., who did not disclose his last name, told the Daily News he fears he could spiral because online meetings are not the same for him.
“It’s either jails, an institution or death,” he said. “That’s the endgame. It’s not good. There’s a lot of people who are going to drop out over this. We’re going to lose a lot of our fellowship.”
This story was originally published March 20, 2020 at 2:57 PM with the headline "How are Alcoholics Anonymous members dealing with social distancing amid coronavirus?."