Online Recovery

Dateline: 02/04/98

Last week we asked the questions, "Is online recovery real, or is it virtual?" Here are some examples of what visitors to this site had to say.

From Nancy

Dear Buddy, I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the chat line and the site. A week ago yesterday I logged on, alone, drunk, and desperate, having never been in a chat room before. I wasn't even considering AA, and wasn't really even thinking about confronting my alcoholism YET.

In one week I've attended four AA meetings, become a member, and confessed to my very dear husband the truth about and extent of my drinking.

I was lonely and looking for information. That night a woman from Australia -- the other side of the world -- took my virtual hand. Since then we've been communicating via email and she's been an inspiration for me. I've never in my life connected so thoroughly with another woman -- we have so much in common.

In one week I've attended four AA meetings, become a member, and confessed to my very dear husband the truth about and extent of my drinking -- a highly emotional confrontation, I admit -- but with the truth came his absolute support for this journey.

He may log on soon himself to try and understand his side of it better -- I told him to let you know and you might be able to offer some direction. (He doesn't drink but feels some guilt about allowing me to hide it and being too afraid to confront me with it).

How can I thank you truly, except to let you know your chat room has given me a desire for sobriety, the first total honesty I've ever had in my marriage, and a very dear new friend on the other side of the world. You're a real godsend and I thank you most sincerely.

Yours, Nancy

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From Bec

Recovery on the internet has done so much for me, I dont know where to begin. I started coming online in Oct. of 97 and from the first time in the chat rooms I found a peace inside of me that I can't describe.

Now, in just a few months, working with my sponsor and being online I can speak without all the pain.

When I first entered I immediately found that I was comfortable just like in my face-to-face meetings; I felt safe. Feeling safe is very important to me. I felt welcomed just like my f2f meetings and that is like being with family.

Both AA and Al-Anon people in the chat rooms equally help me. I could not express myself in face-to-face Al-Anon meetings very well at all, and did very seldom. My voice would crack and I would begin to cry inside because of the pain I felt. Now, in just a few months, working with my sponsor and being online I can speak without all the pain.

I have reached out in ways I didnt think I could and I am talking now and I am talking from my heart, not my pain. I am so happy I stumbled on this Site. My Higher Power was truly looking out for me. I am still going to my f2f meetings, but I have added to it two more so far and an email group that I love.

Usually people have to let me know that I am growing, but today I can truly say that I have seen myself grow right before my eyes and it feels so good. Al-Anon told me that it would get better if I worked it.

Thank you AA and Al-Anon people in the chat rooms for helping me see my growth. I know it's me that has to do the steps, but I needed more than most. I needed to be able to type my words and to see that I could do it. I may not have a physical problem but I did have a problem expressing my feelings. You have showed me in these rooms that I can do it. I can be myself and show my feelings. It's ok! I am so grateful for all of you!

Thank you from my heart,
Bec

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More Comments
To see many other responses to this survey, or to add your own comments, check the message board for the topic, "Survey: Virtual Recovery."

Online Groups
These are some examples of how support group members have joined together online in order to solve common problems, in email meetings, chat rooms and bulletin boards.

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