By: Ben Rose
In the beginning…
In 1935, Bill Wilson and Bob Smith started the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. The details of how this occurred, and the resulting increase in membership, is found in The Big Book. Due to the singleness of purpose, AA does not deal with drugs outside of alcohol.
Later, in 1953, Jimmy Kinnon and some other AA members formed Narcotics Anonymous. NA was established to help with all addictions.
“Who Is An Addict?” was written by Jimmy Kinnon in 1960 and “What Is The NA Program?” was written by Jimmy Kinnon and Sylvia Wexler in 1960.
When these meetings first started, computers were either non-existent or found in government and university laboratories. The Internet certainly did not exist. People found recovery by attending live meetings. Click To Tweet
A modern marvel…
83 and 65 years later respectively, AA and NA meetings are still beneficial to recovery. Meetings are the place where we confront our fears, find sponsors, and create new, healthy relationships. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to attend recovery meetings in person.
Some individuals live in remote locations without access to meetings, while others may not be able to drive on their own (although telephoning an Intergroup will often result in finding a ride.)
Whatever the barrier, there is now a solution.
With AA and NA meetings online, almost all the advantages of traditional in-person meetings are delivered in an online format. Facebook has numerous “rooms” and pages dedicated to recovery. Click To Tweet
This is both a boon and a bane. The benefits are clear. 24/7 anyone with Internet access can find support in their time of need. Anyone can offer support as well which is considered to be the first line of defense against relapse.
So what’s the problem???
The major issue with dealing solely in online recovery is the tendency to isolate. As one with Asperger’s, I am far more comfortable in my own home away from humanities’ annoying noise.
But, alone I also am learning nothing of human interaction in any visceral way. There is a special connection that forms when two people meet face to face. “Talking” online does not give that same connection. Furthermore, it is easier to prevaricate when having online discussions. Addicts are masters at slinging the bull, tail and all.
With AA and NA meetings online, almost all the advantages of traditional in-person meetings are delivered in an online format. Facebook has numerous “rooms” and pages dedicated to recovery. Click To Tweet
I am not suggesting that one type of meeting is better than the other. I do believe that, as with all recovery matters, moderation and compromise is essential.
Attending a few meeting in person every week and a few online meetings is a great help to many. Posting to or reading Facebook forums can bring ancillary benefit to one’s personal program of recovery.
It is merely a matter of never forgetting that the original idea was to meet together as a people instead of isolating ourselves. Click To Tweet
One day at a time we do recover together.
Editor’s Note: Here are some FB groups that have helped strengthen my recovery. Check them out, join, engage in convesations, add some solutions, offer some advice, and see if your recovery isn’t more meaningful.
Alone I Can’t, But Together We Can
DAAD Drug Addicts Against DRUGS Resource Page
Bio: Ben Rose
Retired Hobo
Recovering Addict
Lost Boy
Coffee Connoisseur
Cat lover
Asperger’s
PTSD
Insomniac
Winner CampNaNoWrimo, 2018
Writing, and recovery heals the heart
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