I would almost guarantee your old school, on-line AA people, started with f2f (face to face) meetings.
They are fulfilling their duties to pay back what has been given to them, freely.

Everybody is different. Some people just will it away.

Hi,

I love my f2f meetings, but online definately fills a gap like tonight. My father in law is sick in hospital. he went in today. My husband has gone to be with the family, but we have 3 large, badly behaved dogs, so I have to look after them. This is keeping me busy.

Online fills the gaps, and you meet some great people from all over the world, with loads to offer.

Do both, they are each great at keeping sober, that day at a time

xxx

hi dragonfly:
Online AA can be very helpful in the early days of recovery and for those that may not ba able to get out to f2f meetinsg for whatever reasons.
My home group has set up a website with Live chat for the following service opportunities and others we have not even thought of yet:

1) Single parent families that cannot afford babysitting
2) Physically ill patients that are homebound
3) Alcoholics living in remote and rural regions
4) Alkies that have lost their drivers licenses and may not have access to public transit ( see rural areas)
5) Newcomers that search for help with alcoholism thru the net
6) Patients in hospitals (like my home groups secretary right now)
7) Hearing impaired alkies
8) Long distance truckers that may want a "home base" to have familiar people to connect with
9) Relapsers that are feeling ashamed to come back to AA
10) Newcomers that just want information about this disease
11) Armed Forces personal in far away places
12) Senior citizens that cannot get out to meetings without help


These are just a few of the reasons our group has done this.

The 4th edition of the Big Book of AA says:
"While our literature has preserved the integrity of the A.A. message, sweeping changes in society as a whole are reflected in new customs and practices within the Fellowship. Taking advantage of technological advances, for example, A.A. members with computers can participate in meetings online, sharing with fellow alcoholics across the country or around the world. In any meeting, anywhere, A.A.s share experience, strength, and hope with each other, in order to stay sober and help other alcoholics. Modem-to-modem or face-to-face, A.A.s speak the language of the heart in all its power and simplicity."

The other thing i feel is MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOU, DRAGONFLY... is to get to a f2f meeting very soon, get a f2f AA sponsor,and start doing the 12 steps immediately.

Our group has 4 regular scheduled meetings per week now with MANY IMPROMPTU meetings as well.

If you are going to visit us,make sure you download the security feature www.java.com first.

Then come to our Primary Purpose chat room located on www.londonppbbs.com

God bless
botbotcoco
London Primary Purpose Group

Hi Dragonfly.

And welcome to DS you may get conflicting answers to your question on online meetings and face-to-face meetings but that is always going to happen. I believe being here is a good start you are reaching out and I know how hard that can be. this false pride I had wouldnt let me do it ask for help. And it almost killed me. But you will be surprised with going to an AA meeting alcoholism doesnt discriminate we have doctors, lawyers, school teachers, priests, sisters, bankers, labourers, mums, dads and even some like me who was all of them when drinking.
But in the rooms there is an equality like no other because most have the same problem and are seeking the same solution to that problem..
If you do decide to go to an AA meeting later on maybe check this out.
God bless
Lionel


http://www.soberplace.com/country/canada.html

If you go to an AA meeting you will see it is no big deal - there are MILLIONS of us. Go on, I dare you! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Just remember everyone has to experience their first meeting, just one little hurdle out of the way.

I didn't know there were online AA meetings. I myself would like to give that a try. I've gone to meetings and because I haven't "decided" if I'm an alcoholic - or just have a problem with alcohol, I feel somewhat uncomfortable at meetins especially when later the week I may see a member out and I may be having a glass of wine ...

There are a lot of AA or other addictions chat rooms but one of the better ones I have found and have been a member of for over 12 years is in Paltalk under Health. Just go to this site download Paltalk its free. Then once youre in go into Browse rooms then Health. Then overcoming addiction. And start talking .You will need a pare of speakerphones. If you dont want to speak you can just listen or text. There are people from all over the world. I still go there but I like these rooms a lot better.

http://www.paltalk.com/en/start_chatting.shtml

Let me know how you went
God Bless
Lionel

i never been to aa but if u cant get out and go to actul aa meetings i say give it a shoot at the online ones

There is something about the live meeting, that you cannot get on line. It was so healing for me to say before a group of people "I am an alcoholic." Also hearing people share there story helps.

However do what's best for you.

i find online meetings can be a nice filler when I feel the need or when I am unable to go to a real meeting. part of the total AA experience comes from the fellowship before and after the actual meetings themselves. I think that the social interaction is very important in recovery.

Dragonfly, i understand your reluctance and fear of going to a live meeting. i had it too. it took me awhile to work up the courage. In the mean time don't drink come on hear as often as possible most of us aare willing to chat at anytime, I know I am. If I'm here I would be glad to chat to help you relieve the urge to drink or just listen.
In the long run live meetings will be better that is where you can develope healthy sober relationships and friends and learn how to live without alcohol. God Bless

"Ain't nothing like the real thing baby!"

thanks for so many replies. i am still so unsure. so many people tell me go to AA it works etc. i am not a meeting person. i am not one to stand before a crowd to say much of anything let alone hi my name is dragonfly i am an alcoholic. this kind of forum i am totally at ease. i just keep getting the impression i am going to fail at this IF i dont go to AA. i am in constant contact with my dr. my family is finally understanding and i now have opened up to friends who seem very supportive. for me i feel that is a huge step. i am still in a kind of limbo for my next move. getting past the withdrawal is def first.

hi dragonfly i'm sure that by now ou have heard about people hitting there bottoms&every ones bottom is different. i am proud of you for decided to make a choice & to quit using, that is a miracle in it self, whether you believe it right now you are & so am i. all we can do is to take it one day at a time. making the decision to stop is the right thing to do.just don't give up 5 minute4 vefore th miracle happens. i'm here for you if you need me. peace out donna