How are Alcoholics Anonymous members dealing with social distancing amid coronavirus?

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Zoom Zoom Zoom –

March 20, 2020 – Alcoholics Anonymous said Thursday that groups are following social distancing guidelines while still helping members maintain their sobriety.

“By attending digital meetings, groups can focus on A.A.’s primary purpose: to carry its message of recovery to the alcoholic who still suffers,” the group wrote.

Actress Ashley Tisdale was among those who praised Alcoholics Anonymous for offering online meetings. “My husband was able to stream his favorite meeting,” she wrote. “Anyone else who doesn’t feel great about leaving the house, check out the Zoom app,” she wrote.

Narcotics Anonymous also said groups unable to meet face to face have switched to phone or online meetings.

Apps that promote sobriety and offer support include Sober Grid, Hello Sunday Morning and Step Away, Jess Limbird with Recover Alaska told KTUU. The website www.aa-intergroup.org also offers a directory of online meetings.

Some older people, however, are not as well versed in technology, which worries Rick Manelius, who told the Los Angeles Times he is a member of a 12-step program.