Recovery isn't easy, and while that's no surprise to you - it might be a surprise that online recovery chats are really a thing.
Your first thought is probably that it doesn't sound like something that would be helpful to your recovery, but it does have it's upsides. Some of them can be extremely helpful in times of need.
1. NA Chat
The NA Chat is an online community that holds meetings and offers a chat room where you can log in and talk to people who understand what you are going through.
The online meetings are similar to the ones you would attend in person.
2.HAMS Harm Reduction Network
The HAMS chat group is slightly different than what you would find in a typical meeting setting. It's free of charge just like the NA and AA meetings but its focus is simply harm reduction.
They support any measure someone would take to reduce the harm, be it drinking responsibly, using less, or abstinence.
This isn't everyone's cup of tea but their 3-hour window for the chat can be helpful for those struggling to share in person.
3. 12 Step Me
This recovery chat is an AA chat room that's open 24/7. Giving a wide-open window for those who need to talk right away.
The Pros and Cons of Recovery Chats
One of the downsides to using a recovery chat is that it can be extremely isolating if you let it. We all know that part of staying clean and sober is surrounding yourself with a strong recovery community.
Shutting yourself off from human contact because now you can go to meetings online isn't a good way to use the recovery chats. You need to still go to meetings in person and be around people who understand what you are going through.
On the other hand, sometimes it can help you if you are struggling and can't make it to a meeting right away. If it's late at night or maybe you are sick and don't have the energy to actually go, you can easily login to the chat groups.
Sometimes, especially if you are new to recovery it can be nerve-wracking to get up and talk about something in front of a group of people that you don't know. Recovery chats can be helpful to bridge that gap and give you a way to express yourself without being self-conscious.
Make the Right Choice for You
Recovery is a very personal thing. The only person who can figure out if using recovery chats to add to your regular meetings will help make things easier is you.
There are pros and cons on both sides so weight out your options. If you're feeling up to it, head over and check out some of the AA coins we have available.