Coronavirus lockdowns could see ‘thousands of alcoholics relapse as Alcoholics Anonymous in-person meetings shut’
CORONAVIRUS lockdowns could see thousands of alcoholics relapse as Alcoholics Anonymous in-person meetings are forced to shut.
People have been avoiding large gatherings and many AA meetings have been reportedly canceled as the pummels the country.
urged Americans to keep away from groups of ten or more people after health experts at WHO and CDC encouraged everyone to practice social distancing.
As a result, AA groups have been forced to implement measures to mitigate the spread of the deadly disease, which has killed at least 114 people and infected thousands around the country.
AA released a on Monday, confirming that that they will be meeting with members digitally or in smaller groups amid the pandemic.
It read: "Our collected experience suggests that groups that are unable to meet at their usual meeting places have begun to meet digitally; doing so in a sensible and helpful manner to allow the group to continue keeping the focus on our common welfare and primary purpose.
"Some groups that are still meeting in person have shared about making changes to customs at their meetings.
"Some examples have included: avoiding shaking hands and handholding; making sure meeting hospitality tables are sanitary; or suspending food hospitality for the time being."
reports 1,000 groups told the Inter-Group Association of AA of New York that they would no longer be meeting over the weekend as mitigation measures ramped up in all 50 states.
The association's Executive Eirector Reagan Reed said around a third of AA meetings in the New York tri-state area were shuttered to stop the spread.
But 30 groups in the NY metropolitan area organised vital meetings via Zoom, to ensure members get the support they need as confirmed .
Speaking to the publication, Reed - whose regular meeting was canceled - described it as a significant loss during such a "time of crisis."
She said: “AA was started by one alcoholic sitting at a table and talking to another, and that’s been the cornerstone and foundation of our programs since it began in 1946.
"Not having the ability to attend a meeting, and be in a physical space where you can share with one another what you’re going through, is devastating to us.”
has been pummeled by the virus, resulting in mass closures of public schools, bars, restaurants, Broadway, and concerts.
, , , , and have followed suit in closing pubs which could help sobriety during this time.
But members of AA told VICE the in-person meetings are vital.
Maury Polk, Executive Director of Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup of San Francisco & Marin County, said around 100 of the 500 AA meetings in San Francisco area were cancelled.
Like New York, California has been battling the outbreak with 722 cases and 13 deaths as of March 18 while seven Bay Area counties are subject to which De Blasio is also considering in .
This means people must stay at homeunless they are going out for "essentials," like groceries, medicine or exercise at a safe distance.
However, the General Service Office said many other groups were conducting meeting were changing their format from “in-person” to online
MOST READ IN NEWS
Platforms like Zoom, Google Hangouts, or a conference call to conduct their online meetings during the ongoing crisis.
They encouraged members who are concerned their anonimity will be compromised online to review their this week.
"Regardless of group decisions, each individual is responsible for their own health decisions,"; the statement concluded.
If you need help during this time, contact the General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous for more information at AA.org.
Do you have a story for The US Sun team?
Email us at [email protected] or call 212 416 4552.