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.
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.
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."
, , , , 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.
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
Platforms like Zoom, Google Hangouts, or a conference call to conduct their online meetings during the ongoing crisis.
"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.
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