Is There Life After AA Zoom Meetings?
4 Tips to help you return to life in person after finding recovery online
Letโs face it โ itโs been a tough year. The coronavirus pandemic brought with it unprecedented new levels of stress, uncertainty, and economic insecurity. Many battled with grief, upheaval, and diminished social connections. The word โunprecedentedโ was used so often during this time that people begged us to stop using it. Itโs no surprise that along with this tumult, mental health issues spiked, as did binge drinking and overdoses. In short โ people struggled to cope. And who could blame them? Many of the structures people rely upon for well-being, such as friends and family, AA Zoom meetings, 12-step groups, and regular routines were unavailable.
For the lucky few who found recovery during the pandemic, they face the unique challenges of maintaining it during challenging times and re-entering the face-to-face world.
Most who sobered up over the past year likely did so with the help of a treatment center, or by attending online meetings of 12-step groups, such as AA Zoom meetings, or a combination of both. For those who are now just getting their sea legs in online groups, many are nervous about the imminent re-opening, and the prospect of attending these meetings in person.
Lisa’s Experience with AA Zoom Meetings
Lisa, who got sober during the pandemic by attending online meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, shares her experience:
โI feel safer on Zoom, to be honest. Iโm particularly introverted. I donโt think I could have gotten sober if it werenโt for Zoom. It helped that I didnโt have to put my video on or share my name and that I didnโt have to say anything. That helpedย a lot until I felt slightly less freaked out and vulnerable. I think many people who got sober on AA Zoom meetings would not have joined a 12-step group without the extreme anonymity privacy and comfort of their own homes. But I do look forward to the energy in face-to-face groups.โ
Aside from just meetings, many who found recovery during the pandemic started their journey when much of the world was still in lockdown. They, perhaps, fortunately, didnโt have to contend with attending their first party, wedding, or concert clean and sober. Many holidays were skipped, and the temptation of bars and restaurants was lessened because they remained shuttered. For these people, the prospect of the world throwing its doors open again may indeed be daunting. Here are some tips for staying on the beam as โnormalโ life resumes.
Find a Network
One core component of a happy, healthy recovery is finding a network and getting plugged in. For those who have been attending AA Zoom meetings online, going to their face-to-face counterparts, when re-launched, might be an easy way in. The comfort of a few familiar faces goes a long way.
It may be helpful to try several meetings of the fellowship of your choice until you find one that feels like home. Finding a group of people who are living well while not drinking, using, or acting out is essential. They can offer friendship, support, and helpful guidance, especially for those who are just starting.
Take it Easy
Itโs important to acknowledge that the newly sober arenโt the only ones daunted at the prospect of a return to normal life. For most of us, after a year indoors, facing a relentless schedule, large social circle, or any of the other trappings of a โnormalโ life seems overwhelming. Many people feel less confident socializing, eager to return to stuffy office environments, and insecure in large crowds. This is all to be expected after what we have collectively been through.
Many experts advise taking it slow. There is no need to make up for a lost year or hustle to fill every hour of the day. Starting slow is a good way to make sure you donโt find yourself burned out by the intensity. It will also help you stay centered as you think about what and who you want to re-introduce and when.
Stay Accountable
For most, remaining accountable is a vital part of lasting recovery. This means being honest about where you are at and allowing other people to call you out when youโre not. Good ways to stay accountable include staying connected to a sponsor, a group of sober friends, or finding a home group that you attend regularly. Letting people see you and know you can be a little scary after hiding behind a screen for a year, but it’s an opportunity for deeper connection and bigger joy.
Stick with What Works
If you found a routine that worked well during the pandemic, such as a regular meeting schedule, meal times, or home exercise routine, there is no reason to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Routines can form a foundational part of wellness and make it easier to do the good-for-you thing when you donโt feel like it. Hopefully, all of us will take the good things that came from the pandemic and leave the rest behind.
Best of luck and let us know how it goes! As always, our team at SLO Recovery is here to offer support, resources, and help if and when you need it.