How To Access Online AA Meetings

Whether it’s due to the pandemic or simply for easier accessibility, online Alcoholics Anonymous meetings allow those struggling with a drinking problem to access support from their computer or phone.

Online AA meetings feature some of the same aspects as in-person meetings, they simply use video-conferencing software or online forums to help members discuss different topics as well as their own personal struggles.

Are AA Meetings Available Online?

AA meetings are available online and have been well before the coronavirus and social distancing started. The pandemic simply led groups that normally meet in person to move to an online format whether that be video conferencing, apps, or through a forum. 

The main place people can go to for online AA meetings is the Online Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous (OIAA). It was first founded in 1996 with the purpose of spreading the message of AA further via the use of the internet.

How To Access Online AA Meetings

Accessing online AA meetings is pretty simple. It only takes a few clicks.

If you’re looking for online AA meetings and don’t know where to begin, contacting the local central office of AA near you is a good place to start. 

From there, they can give you information on how to access the correct online space. They’ll also be able to tell you what site or app to use, how to set it up, and when meetings are run.

There is also the local AA hotline you can call to get information on meetings or put you in contact with someone if you’re struggling.

Online Intergroup Of Alcoholics Anonymous

The Online Intergroup AA site is also a great place to start. You can either start a new meeting yourself and ask people to join or join an already existing group. 

There are meetings in many different languages and platforms about different topics. Some run Zoom meetings while others use Skype, Google Hangout, or a  specific chat site or app. 

The OIAA has five specific responsibilities it abides by:

• to promote the unity of online AA groups in accordance with the tradition one
• to use the internet to carry the message of AA in accordance with tradition five
• to respond to the needs of the online AA groups in accordance with tradition nine
• to provide a central source of information about online AA through a website, directory, and the activities of its members, in accordance with tradition eleven

How Do Online AA Meetings Work?

Online AA meetings work like any other AA meeting, but you sign into Skype or Zoom instead of going to an actual location. What occurs at the meeting really depends on what kind of meeting it is. 

There are a couple of different kinds of AA meetings, including:

Speaker Meetings

This type of meeting features one speaker who talks about their experiences with addiction. There’s usually no sharing time for other members. In an online format, they might be the only speaker in the zoom call or the only one typing in a forum.

Discussion Meetings

A discussion meeting is run by one person who will discuss their experiences with addiction and then open up the floor to anyone else who wants to share. These types of meetings work well with an online platform.

Big Book Study Meetings

These types of meetings include members reading excerpts from the Big Book of AA and then discussing what was presented and see how it fits into everyone’s lives.

Step Meetings

Step meetings are for talking about the twelve steps or twelve traditions of AA. During a meeting, one step will be chosen and then talked about at length between all the members

Closed & Open Meetings

Along with these are closed meetings which are only open to alcoholics and AA members only, and open meetings which are open to everyone including family and friends of people struggling with alcohol addiction. 

Specific Population Meetings

There are also meetings specifically for young people, LGBTQIA+ members, and the elderly.

Even after the pandemic is over, these types of meetings will likely stay popular for those who like the convenience of meeting people with similar problems online.

Find an Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) meeting near you

If you or a loved one are looking for help with alcohol abuse and addiction, call our helpline to discover all the different treatment options and support groups available to you.