As most people are aware, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an effective recovery program for all stages of recovery. The program is well-established and includes the Big Book, the 12 steps and a sound philosophy on addiction and treatment.
Research has been conducted on the effectiveness of AA and while it is credible, it does come with its limitations. For some people, it’s difficult to make it to meetings because they lack transportation or live in rural areas. Others are uncomfortable in group settings, or they may not want to share their personal stories under their true identities. In some cases, AA is not completely helpful.
Is it possible that there’s another option?
Some people are saying yes.
Internet Forums Are The New AA Meetings
Internet forums are emerging into new-age AA meetings. One example is r/StopDrinking on Reddit. The group has over 30,000 members who consider themselves to be problem drinkers.
The purpose of r/StopDrinking is to offer a community of support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many members agree that the support group has done wonders for their sobriety.
Accountability comes in the form of check-ins. Members can earn badges from one of the moderators. (The badges celebrate milestones in being sober.) Other features include a 24/7 chat room, a virtual book club, virtual movie nights and a forum where people share revelations, personal struggles and questions.
Could This Be The End Of AA?
r/StopDrinking is just one example of the types of internet forums that are taking place of traditional AA meetings. Does this mean that we’re phasing out of group recovery meetings?
No.
Neither should you.
The face-to-face peer interaction that is built into AA is invaluable, especially for those who are struggling with severe addiction. AA has a concrete philosophy, over 75 years in existence and countless success stories. While it’s not definitive, research typically shows that the longer a person commits, the better chances they have for long-term sobriety.
Why Internet Forums Have Recovery Potential
If you or someone you love is dealing with an alcohol problem and AA is not a good fit, what can you expect from an internet forum like r/StopDrinking?
Plenty.
- Cognitive-behavioral coping skills. Members in the group learn how to control their anger or depression. They also practice ways to deal with temptation.
- New network of friends. Rather than being surrounded by other addicts, individuals can form relationships with others who are working at sobriety.
- Motivation. Addicts are encouraged to remember what their lives were like before they used drugs or alcohol, and also what their lives can be like.
Internet forums can be an effective supplemental tool, but most addictions will need the help of an experienced treatment center with multiple facets of treatment.
To learn more about our luxury treatment programs and if they are right for you or a loved one, call The Dunes East Hampton today or click on the button below.
