The Internet as a space for Anonymous Alcoholics self-help groups to operate during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

The pandemic situation both in Poland and in the world, caused by SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19), has a serious impact on most social, demographic and economic processes. Lack of social activity, including interpersonal communication, participation in public and professional life is one of the main causes of mental and emotional state deterioration of people in countries affected by the virus infection. The situation may turn out to be particularly acute for people struggling with addictions. During the process of recovery of non-drinking alcoholics, the regular contact with a group and the ability to seek help from each member of a group are essential. Due to the pandemic meetings of Anonymous Alcoholics and other therapeutic groups have been suspended throughout the country until further notice. Virtual communication (using technology solutions) during a pandemic appears to be the only alternative to traditional face-to-face communication, and online self-help groups are the only option of participation. Questions arise: whether and to what extent a group operating online is able to compensate for meetings of groups operating in the real world. The study on the functioning of AA groups during the COVID-19 pandemic (or more precisely - in the first months of the pandemic) was carried out by using the quantitative method on a sample group of 225 respondents. The results are presented in the article below.