Studies consistently demonstrate that community reinforcement and support (typically in the form of regular attendance at 12-step meetings) are cornerstones of addiction recovery. While access to regular face-to-face meetings is limited, regular attendance at virtual meetings is essential to recovery maintenance and relapse prevention.

Here is some help now.

The free "InTheRooms" app, available for both android and iOS platforms, provides nearly 24/7 access to 12-step video meetings of every type: AA, NA, Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, ACOA (Adult Children of Alcoholics), CODA (Codependents Anonymous), SAA (Sex Addicts Anonymous), and more. There is a robust discussion and support community available, and many who are willing to sponsor virtually. Meetings may also be accessed via www.intherooms.com.

For an up-to-date list of phone, video, and in-person AA, NA, and Al-Anon meetings in the area, please visit:

http://www.aawilliamsburg.org/MEETING_LISTS.html

http://www.peninsulaareana.org/meetings/

http://www.tidewaterasc.org/PDF/ASCT-Meetings.pdf

https://www.spiritworksfoundation.org/williamsburg-resources

Don't isolate. Online connections are getting deeper, richer, and better. We are learning to overcome COVID isolation. Get through this together.

We hope you will keep yourself mentally and physically safe by setting healthy boundaries on this virus. In addition to the physical steps you can take, create some mental space free of coronavirus-19 discussions to reduce anxiety and increase your emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Try banning discussions of the topic from your bedroom, dinner table, or between the hours of 9pm and 8am.

Be well. We are here to help.