With the recent events surrounding the pandemic, recovery meetings have been affected all-round. Shelter in place means that many businesses were influenced by these changes including churches and spaces for rent, which are where many 12-Step meetings meet.
Huge measures were taken by local authorities to make sure people were social distancing and not meeting in person.
Meetings are an important aspect of recovery. Getting to know someone in person by being able to shake their hands, look them in the eye, or hug them is much different than talking over the phone or texting.
In-person communication is a keystone in recovery because isolation is rampant during addiction. Having the ability to be around people who make you feel good about what has been endured during addiction is key to the unity recovery promotes.
The Question
During a pandemic, everything that feels routine goes out the window and a new normal must prevail. As for recovery meetings, especially due to the personal touches that often occur, they became non-existent in April and no one really knows when they will be able to resume.
In the meantime, Zoom meetings have become the platform for recovery meetings all over the world. Does this mean that Zoom meetings will take the place of in-person meetings going forward?
The Solution
As they say, the show must go on and the same is with recovery. Even though there are not physical meeting locations, there are plenty of virtual meetings taking place.
Zoom meetings will never completely replace local meetings although there will probably be more of an abundance of virtual meetings going forward. Once the green light is given to recommence, people who want to stay sober will be back in meetings immediately hugging each other again transmitting the language of the heart.
One person who struggles with addiction, helping another who also struggles with addiction, must take place to let them know they are not alone in the fight. No matter if meetings are face-to-face or through a screen, recovery will abound because there is so much to live for; and so many people who are willing to carry the message.
The main thing to remember is being willing to live life on life’s terms to not drink or use no matter what. Go with the flow in sobriety and you will be on the journey to life-changing recovery.
No matter where you are, recovery will always be there if you want it. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with addiction, Valiant Living offers “Expanded Recovery” to enrich your mind, body, and spirit. Through evidence-based therapy options and the endless adventure of Colorado, Valiant fosters connection, encouraging clients to get connected to themselves, their peers, their families, and their higher power. Call us today for more information: 303-536-5463
