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Healing is sacred and the thought of not being able to fit narcotics anonymous meetings in your schedule can exacerbate stress.

Luckily, there are many ways to stay on the right track without attending meetings in-person. Here’s why you should take your 12-step program online.

Who Are Online Meetings For?

Many people benefit from narcotics anonymous online meetings. For example:

The Introverted or Anxious

As an introvert, attending a narcotics anonymous 12 steps program in person can be overwhelming. Instead, try an online meeting because you’ll have an easier time participating in an online setting without the pressure of everything watching you.

Night Owls

Although many friends from narcotics meetings encourage recovery-related phone calls, sometimes they may not want to discuss it late at night.

Luckily, online meetings mean there’s someone to chat with regardless of the time which is helpful for night owls or those who work non-traditional hours.

Those With Mobility Issues

Another advantage of the 12 steps of narcotics anonymous online is that it’s accessible from your home. If you don’t drive, can’t find a ride, or have a disability that prevents you from leaving home, you don’t have to miss out.

How to Attend Narcotics Anonymous Online

Whether you want to log on to try narcotics anonymous just for today or for longer, here are three ways how:

Email Recovery Meetings

You can access meetings in a public mailing list and email format. Email recovery meetings are useful for recovering addicts who want to learn more about the 12 steps, a narcotics anonymous meeting schedule and what happens before and after meetings.

Chat Meetings

These follow a traditional chat room format so they’re accessible 24-hours a day, useful for those in recovery. You have to register but otherwise, they’re easy to attend and offer the support you may not be getting elsewhere.

Discussion Forums

Forums have more structure than chat meetings and all conversation is moderated. These forums are great because users break topics into segments such as tips for newcomers, sponsorship, and the 12 steps.

Virtual Meetings

Like a real-life meeting, there are recovering addicts in the group, each with a name and story. Newcomers can read about their stories, so they feel connected to each person in the group. It’s a great way to learn from those who are new and listen to those who have been in recovery for years.

Advantages Of Online Meetings

Before you make the decision to taking your recovery online, get familiar with the benefits of an online program to ensure you’re making the right decision.

1. Truly Anonymous

The only way to stay low-key during treatment is to attend an online meeting. Even though you have to share your name and contact information with the group administrator, you don’t need to show your face.

2. Easier to Attend

If you’re concerned about your ability to attend in-person meetings, online meetings are for you. Remember it’s essential you stay on track with this type of program so take advantage of online meetings. You’ll also find it much easier to attend since you can attend any location.

3. Review the Information When Needed

In a traditional 12-step program, you attend the meeting and then go home. Sure, you learn a lot but once you leave you’re no longer immersed in that world until the next get-together.

But, with an online program, you have the information at your fingertips 24/7. This means you can review the details of the meeting at your own pace which is crucial for recovery.

4. Stay Connected With Others In an Effective Environment

Getting involved in an online 12-step program doesn’t mean you’re giving up the chance to connect with others in recovery. You’ll still learn a lot and as long as you find the program to be effective then that’s the most important thing.

5. More Convenient

Get your feet wet with an online course, especially if you’re nervous about attending one in person. When you’re connecting online, you won’t have to sit in a room with others or leave your home.  Instead, you can participate in every meeting as long as you have a computer with internet access.

6. A Safe Space

In many cultures, substance addiction is frowned upon or unacceptable. Addiction support groups aren’t accessible in your area or you may suffer harassment, social ostracization, or being disowned by your family if you attend.

Because of this, online meetings ensure you’re safe while getting the treatment you need.

7. Overcomes Language Barriers

You may live overseas where you’re not fluent in the language. Luckily, online meetings can be accessed anywhere, so even in the U.S where most people speak English, someone who only speaks Spanish can still attend the support group.

8. Improves Cultural Diversity

If language barriers aren’t an issue, people of all cultures can get involved in a single addiction support group. This is beneficial because different perspectives and attitudes can mix together to produce more creative and innovative solutions.

Also, people from different cultures can reach one another and emphasize issues caused by cultural norms.

Will You Attend Narcotics Anonymous Meetings Online?

We must celebrate how narcotics anonymous meetings are now available online. This means people who are nervous, immobile, or with busy schedules, can still check-in with those in recovery and progress with their treatment.

It’s also a safe place, especially if substance abuse is disapproved of in your culture, where you can connect with people and properly digest important information about the program. Good luck!

If you’re ready to take your next step in recovery, we’d love to chat. Contact us here for more details.