Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are increasingly taking place online, amid concerns about COVID-19 and the need for social distancing.
"Groups that are unable to meet at their usual meeting places have begun to meet digitally; doing so in a sensible and helpful manner to allow the group to continue keeping the focus on our common welfare and primary purpose," says the organization's New York-based general service office for Canada and the United States in an online post.
Some groups continue to meet face-to-face but are adopting changes to their customs including avoidance of hand-shaking and handholding, ensuring that hospitality tables at meetings are sanitary or suspending food hospitality entirely."Many groups have also made contingency plans in case the group is temporarily unable to meet in person," the AA advisory said.
"Regardless of group decisions, each individual is responsible for their own health decisions. Contingency plans have included: creating contact lists and keeping in touch by phone, email or social media; meeting by phone or online."
Some AA groups are using digital platforms including Zoom, Google Hangouts or conference calls.
"If a group isn’t holding its regular meetings, they may want to communicate this to local A.A. resources, such as the district, area and intergroup or central office."
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international mutual-aid fellowship of an estimated two million men and women dedicated to remaining sober and helping others achieve sobriety.
