Online NA/AA/MA meetings

[Savas]

Someone mentioned this and I'm curious about it. I've been to a number of addiction boards and many of them have "Meetings" set at specific times by JAVA chat or the like. Does anyone know NA enough to know what their view/rules are about this?
     I get the impression it's allowed, but have the organizations set down any rules or guidelines for this? They all make accomodations for the rules that would be hard to enforce. I guess I'm curious if the various Anonymous groups have finally made it into the computer/ Internet age (about time!).

[BonnieAnn]

Go to: www.na.org
You ca find a host of information on the site. Check it out.

[Two222]

I've heard different things about it, but won't get into it cause i'll just be bombarded with attacks again, but i do know their are specific pages to go to for N/A online meetings that are approved by the organization.

[mom2rachie]

Any time people get together in or out of an assigned designated place for program related and approved activities, it can be considered a "meeting".  If 5 addicts want to go out and have coffe, it can be considered a meeting.  
Is the meeting regulated, well, no, most aren't.  Are they recognized by NA or AA, no because it's a private thing but it's allowed.  Who can stop addicts from having their own get togethe?  Even when sponsors meet with sponsees one on one it can be considered a "meeting" or if it's on the phone, came thing.  
Should it be advertised as an actual NA meeting, I don't personally think so but whatever.  There are links to official online NA and AA meeting that you can find throught the websites.
I went to a woman's Big Book Meeting at my sponsor's house for years.  It was not advertised as a meeting nor spoken about in our regular home group meeting but we knew where it was, when it was and all women were welcome, all women sober or not who had a desire to stop drinking and using that is.  We called it a Big Book meeting but it wasn't listed in the meeting book.
There are actual steps you have to go through before you can become recognized.  We weren't looking to get listed, we were a bunch of friends, who were addicts, looking to get together in a comfortable home setting to go through the Big Book.  It was our personal private choice.
Who really cares what it's called as long as it's another outlet for recovery.

[mom2rachie]

This is a link from the official AA website and it's about how to "officially" start an AA webite or chat:

http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/en_services_for_members.cfm?PageID=43


Also, if you read this below you will see that it does address the advertising vs. attraction debate a little:

11. Q. Is this promotion rather than attraction?

A. As our co-founder, Bill W., wrote: "Public information takes many forms - the simple sign outside a meeting place that says 'A.A. meeting tonight'; listing in local phone directories; distribution of A.A. literature; and radio and television shows using sophisticated media techniques. Whatever the form, it comes down to 'one drunk carrying the message to another drunk,' whether through personal contact or through the use of third parties and the media."

The needs and experience of people in your own area, large or small, urban or rural, will affect what you decide to do. If you have further questions do not hesitate to contact our office at:

[Savas]

Thanks,  I was curious about this. I was aware of the complicated "advertising" issue with the various "A" groups, and wondering if they'd addressed the internet at all. I've only gone in person a few times (didn't get the impression they cared for having a "clinic taper person" there. I do see their point. I suppose I was inquiring for when I come off soon, see if the group was a good mix. (They said I should check back when I'm fully off) They seemed fairly caught up in the rules and regulations, almost to the point of ritual. It was....strange.

I'd seen the on-line meetings sponsored on various boards but wasn't sure what to make of it. It seems like a fairly intimidating (well, for me!) way to do a meeting. Without that "personal contact" and all. But I've become curious about trying it. It seems ideal for people who would like to touch base and "can't get away" because of kids and the like, and the MA on-line group doesn't seem to mind taper...although they're VERY small. I got the impression they don't really have membership yet.

[Two222]

Savas- I get that impression from N/A as well (the ritual like aspect). Thats probably why I haven't fully embraced the program still after so many years of trying. So I totally understand you on that one. Wish I could become fanatical about it though (i'd probably stay clean), but I just can't be that way.

[Savas]

Well, I'm keeping in mind that I only saw two groups, and it was possibly bad luck, and the ritual I wouldn't have a big problem with. It reminds me of the catholic church (ritual was the best part, beautiful stuff). What made me uncomfortable was there attitude towards me still "using".

Which they're right. I'm still taking a drug into my system, no question about it. Even if I have been "in recovery" for two years and am doing everything "right" (I hope. I try.) I've been told that NA does allow "MMTP" people to "join", but it depends on the group.
    They don't seem to know what to do with us, Which is why I thought I'd try the on-line groups. I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable, but I also don't want to feel like I'm restricted in what I have to say. Self censorship is a form of dishonesty, which is against the program.

[mom2rachie]

Th ONLY requirement for membership in AA and I assume it's the same as NA, is a DESIRE to stop using.  

[mom2rachie]

What they consider clean or not lean I gues is up for debate but you can be at any meeting you like, listen, share, choose to make friends or not but you ARE and by God should be welcome......  
If you've had an issue with one or two meetiongs, I suggest doing 90 in 90 this way you can find the one that's right for you.  If you listen enough you are bound to hear oyur story told by someone else.

[Two222]

I've done one meeting every day for a year and still couldn't find one where the people were 100% sincere, but maybe I also just can't be forced to think a certain way like other people can. Theres nothing wrong with that though. Meetings aren't for everyone.

[mom2rachie]

I had a problem surrendering my will at first and for me I found that as soon as I did, within a group or not, I was able to stay sober.
Maybe try AA?  
You're always going to find insincere people.  I found a group of women I loved and they were my support group.  When insincere or people who were generally not there for healing and help came across our paths, we either tried to help them or prayed for them.
I found too that one I did the steps and had a sponsor and had sponsees, that everything changed for me, but that's my story.

[Two222]

well thats a good way of looking at it. I've tried AA, and I liked it, but it still was hard for me to relate, cause I've never been a big drinker what so ever. I know it's all the same theory and everything. I would like to find a woman's group here though, I think I would like that more since I'm a mom and there would be mothers there going through the same thing. Thanks

[Savas]

So it isn't true that people who are still using are allowed to sit in but are expected to not "participate"? I always assumed that applied to an obvious falling down drunk, you wouldn't want to hear that person speak ANYwhere. Hmmm... well, this is NYC, and you can't go more than a few city blocks without finding a group/meeting from what I see... perhaps I'll go crosstown. I hear they're more understanding there :)