With the closing of all Face-to-Face meetings and Stay-at-Home orders it has been particularly difficult to stay connected to the recovery network. Many of us miss the personal connections, the many hugs and seeing our fellow travelers. But luckily today’s technology has allowed us to connect online. There is a plethora of meetings, groups and apps to help you stay sober during this difficult time.
Here is an awesome list from the NY Times article: Online Help to Stay Sober During a Pandemic
For Those Looking for Recovery Support
AA-Alcoholics Anonymous The worldwide 12-step abstinence program has extensive online resources.
CA-Cocaine Anonymous Online International group offering online support through email and voice-only conference calls.
NA-Narcotics Anonymous Meetings worldwide for people struggling with drugs. Directory of online meetings, using Zoom, Skype and other platforms.
In the Rooms Clearinghouse of 30 online meetings offering supports with a variety of approaches to different substance use disorders.
LifeRing Organization focusing on practical, secular support, with online meetings.
Moderation Management For people seeking to moderate their drinking and not necessarily abstain, this growing group has an international network of online meetings.
Recovery Dharma This organization uses Buddhist practices and principles to support individuals in recovery. Directory of daily online meditations and meetings.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Federal hotline offering referrals to local treatment and support services.
SMART Recovery Abstinence-based international organization that uses a cognitive behavioral therapy tool kit. Has a directory of online meetings.
Women for Sobriety Dedicated to helping women recover from substance use disorders, with online gatherings.
Free Support Apps
There are many free apps available. Here are just a few:
Connections Evidence-based, multipurpose app to help track sobriety and connect with supportive peers and Addiction Policy Forum counselors.
I Am Sober Popular, well-regarded app for planning and maintaining recovery.
Sober Grid Large online sober-support community and peer counseling.
For Those Who Support People in Recovery
Nar-Anon Global support network for those affected by someone else’s addiction. Live chat and forum available.
Al-Anon Using a 12-step focus, this organization offers online and phone meetings for those whose friends and relatives struggle with alcohol use disorder, among other substances.
Families Anonymous Offers online 12-step meetings for family and friends with a loved one struggling with drugs, alcohol and related behavioral problems.
SMART Recovery Friends and Family This secular, cognitive behavioral-based program offers online meetings for families and friends of someone recovering from substance abuse.
Written For NY Times: Jan Hoffman writes about behavioral health and health law. Her wide-ranging subjects include opioids, vaping, tribes and adolescents. @JanHoffmanNYT
A version of this article appears in print on , Section A, Page 3 of the New York edition with the headline: Here to Help; Online Resources for Help With Sobriety.
