Tips For Meetings

These tips for AA meetings and other events were adapted from Hazelden Betty Ford. 

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Tips for Meetings

These tips for AA meetings and other events were adapted from Hazelden Betty Ford. 

Tips for Staying Connected and Safeguarding Your Addiction Recovery

Is it time for you to re-think attending recovery meetings in-person? If peer support groups and/or outpatient treatment meetings are an important part of your recovery, continue to go unless:

  • You are sick (especially with fever, cough or shortness of breath).
  • You have been exposed to the coronavirus (take an assessment to help determine if you should be tested).
  • You have recently visited a known outbreak area.
  • Your meetings are canceled.
  • Public health officials have specifically told people in your area to stay home.

Be sure to check before heading to a meeting as cancellations may become more commonplace.

Ways to Protect Yourself and Others at Meetings

  • Wash your hands when you arrive and when you leave.
  • Bring hand sanitizer, especially if you’re a meeting leader.
  • If you use nicotine products, know you are at higher risk of contracting viruses of all kinds and suffering more severe symptoms. (This is a good time to consider quitting.)
  • Remind elderly group members of their increased risks related to the coronavirus.
  • Remind group members who plan to travel that there may be greater risk of exposure.
  • Modify proceedings to avoid holding hands or otherwise embracing during the Serenity Prayer or other aspects of your meeting.
  • Avoid handshakes and hugs. Maybe try the elbow tap.
  • Take extra precautions if shared food is part of the meeting. For example, have someone with gloves dish up individual portions, or avoid shared food altogether.
  • Use gloves if handling money, such as passing a basket to collect donations.
  • Cover your nose and mouth if you cough or sneeze.
  • Check in by text or phone with friends who are not attending your meetings.

If you have to miss meetings, stay in touch with peers and treatment providers by phone and text.