In the new era of the COVID-19 crisis, everyone is learning to adapt. Meetings have gone online and people have returned to making phone calls to speak with their support system. Technology has also taken center stage when it comes to meetings. It can be frustrating to learn new technology, but much of it is here to stay. From learning how to do 12-step meetings online to apps for the newly-sober, there is a lot of technology out there that can enhance recovery today.
It can be intimidating to learn new things, but that’s what recovery is about. By learning new ways to communicate, you’re also learning to grow and change. Technology can make things a little easier as long as you’re willing to keep an open mind and do the work.
Software Technology For Meetings or Therapy Groups
There are many ways to have an online meeting. For many people in recovery, it’s been hard to adjust to online sessions. There are a lot of security settings you’ll need to learn to keep trolls out of your online space. Many people who chose to use Zoom were sorely disappointed in the disruptions that occurred when they made their meetings public.
Learning the software and testing the settings with a friend can help keep disruptors out and make the whole meeting go more smoothly. Zoom, when set to public, allows hackers and teenagers to troll meetings. Google Meet is a service that requires all users to have a Google account. This detail can help sort out bad actors who just want to ruin the meeting. Do your research and test your software (and webcam!) if you’re setting up meetings online.
It may be worth spending a few dollars for more options for your software. Many of the free versions have a strict one-hour time limit that could cut somebody off while they’re sharing.
Apps to Stay Sober
Many apps are available to help you stay sober. Some of them are simply clocks, while others like Sober Grid offer an active community of people in recovery that is similar to apps like Facebook. Sober Tool also provides motivation and inspiration to help you stay on track with your recovery.
There are also mental health apps that can help you learn meditation and relaxation or record your feelings and moods.
Check the app store for your phone to see what types of apps are available. Most of them are free and available for Apple devices or Android.
And, last but not least, there the AA Big Book app, which is also available for free download to read anytime. Check your app store.