The Sanford Library of Virtual Recovery Resources
Sanford’s use of telehealth to continue to provide virtual treatment services and support is receiving favorable reviews by many clients. Individuals who are feeling housebound and disconnected are expressing gratitude for the groups and individual services we are providing. Our clients say they look forward to telehealth sessions to connect with others and gain emotional support for their recovery.
Virtual Recovery Resources
Long before “social distancing” became the new lifestyle, Sanford was providing online resources to assist those who had difficulty or barriers in attending in-person meetings. Lists of online resources such as online meetings, apps, podcasts and other recovery resources have always been a regular part of continuing care planning for individuals and families at Sanford. This article is designed to share resources which are available for support and education for persons in recovery.
The following is a list of meetings and groups to help you get started in finding support online:
Alcoholics Anonymous – AA
Information on digital platforms and all things COVID-19
12 Steps.org
Listing of online 12-step meetings on various recovery-related websites – set up a profile and get started.
Al-Anon Electronic Meetings
Electronic meetings, like all Al‑Anon meetings, offer help and hope to anyone who is affected by alcoholism in a family member or friend
Narcotics Anonymous – NA
This forum and recovery chat room for Narcotics Anonymous members features voice chat, Skype, and text chat meetings connecting people from around the world.
Alcoholics Anonymous Online Intergroup
Listing of online meetings from AA Intergroup.
Smart Recovery Calendar
Smart Recovery Community
Message board, chat room, online meetings, and online library supporting Smart Recovery.
Adult Children of Alcoholics
Phone and online meetings and workshops.
In The Rooms
An online platform supporting a wide range of 12-step and non-12 step meetings and community activities.
Bridge Club Virtual Meetings
Bridge Club is a community-led peer support group for women, LGBTQ+, and gender non-conforming folks who are sober or interested in sobriety.
Refuge Recovery Online Meetings
Listing of daily online meetings – Refuge Recovery is grounded in the belief that Buddhist principles and practices create a strong foundation for a path to freedom from addiction
Families Anonymous Virtual Meetings
Online meetings for parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, significant others, other family members and friends of those with a current, suspected or former drug problem.
Life Ring Recovery
Listing of online meetings – an organization of people who share practical experiences and sobriety support.
My Recovery
Online 12-step meetings – recovery happens in community.
Sober Grid
A free iOS/Android app that connects you with other sober people. Available in mobile app stores.
In addition, the following websites provide a wealth of information about addiction and recovery:
Excursions – Living Well in Recovery
Sanford’s long-standing online resource for articles on recovery stories, the science of addiction and more.
Selected papers of William L. White
This website is fascinating not only for its extensive well-written blogs, but also state-of-the-art information on recovery and addiction
Shatterproof
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States
Sober Nation
Sober Nation provides valuable resources for individuals through blogs, articles, videos and sober stories
Reach Out Recovery
Provides addiction education, information and support for healthy living
The Temper
An online publication/site that explores life through the lens of sobriety, addiction, and recovery. Includes links to resources
The Fix
An edgy website containing the latest in addiction and recovery news
SAMHSA and NIDA
National websites providing the latest in research and education on mental health and addiction. Check out NIDA’s director, Nora Volkow, MD, as she demonstrates how drug addiction is a disease of the human brain.
Another popular source of information are podcasts. Podcasts must have the podcast app downloaded loaded first. Google these podcast names for links.
The Bubble Hour
Busy Living Sober
The Addicted Mind Podcast
ODAAT Chat Podcast
The Sober Guy Podcast
Breaking Free: Your Recovery, Your Way
A Sober Girl’s Guide
Recovery Happy Hour
Additionally, when downloading apps, the following have also been instrumental in assisting persons in recovery:
Twelve Step Companion App
Inspirations: Daily Meditations for Persons in Recovery
Sober Time
Sober Tool
Turn-Addiction and Recovery
Twenty Four Hours a Day
It’s not virtual, but if you are looking for a good old-fashioned addiction/recovery book, here are some suggestions:
Broken by William Cope Moyers
The Recovery Book by Al Mooney
First Year Sobriety by Guy Kettelhack
Clean by David Sheff
Her Best Kept Secret by Gabrielle Glaser
Guts by Kristen Johnston
Lit by Mary Karr
Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
Addiction and Grace by Gerald G. May
Passages through Recovery by Terrence T. Gorski
Terry: My Daughter’s Life and Death Struggle with Alcoholism by George McGovern
Portrait of an Addict as a Young Man by Bill Clegg
Navigating Grace by Jeff Jay
Lastly, if you are seeking some good recovery-themed music, check out this extensive list on the William White website:
Recovery themed music – recommended by William White
The above list captures many of the online resources for connection and support, but is by no means exhaustive in the wealth of sources available. The online recovery community is a wonderful movement and is changing the way we view addiction, connection and recovery. Here is hoping this list provides encouragement and help during these challenging times and beyond!
Disclaimer: Inclusion or mention of a resource does not imply endorsement by Sanford Addiction Treatment Centers. Sanford provides the information herein “as is” without warranties of any kind. Sanford makes no representations including without limitation warranties as to accuracy, timeliness, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any link to information contained on other sites, nor is Sanford liable to the user for any damage whatsoever.
