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This is a great discussion to have in any recovery community. Some of the reason we old timers resist technology is because--oh ouch--we are, well, older:) Its not just recovery technology it's a lot of technology. I had to find my "wall" in Facebook. But I did find it and now I use it..ditto meetings online etc. And addicts by nature take longer to make and embrace change but when we do... it takes. Just like recovery did. We will get there.

Hello Mimi, I might be able to offer a bit of insight into this issue, as a participant whose beginning in AA preceded even P.C.'s let alone smart phones. In fact, in my family, I am held in low esteem by my lovely wife and 13 year old son, whose thumbs move on texts at the speed of light. But early on in my recovery, perhaps around 13 months, I began to feel comfortable enough to pass in meetings, and not speak, and an old timer named Jim said to me, "No matter what talk. Always talk". Now that I am a professional in the counseling field I understand a lot more about 'process'. Each time I speak, I uncover a bit more of my unconscious, if you will, which includes some very unacceptable parts and some very unacceptable parts. Same for getting to meetings. I had to overcome some inertia sometimes, and I still cannot tell if that inertia is part of my addiction or not, if that makes sense. But when I get up and get there I reaffirm that I can get up and get there. I have also made use of chat rooms on AOL, back in the day, and found those very useful for inducing gratitude, but online meetings do not involve the risk of getting out to a real meeting.

Great topic and forgive my directness. First, I'd like to say as an AA Oldtimer (+25)that, if one hasnt been involved in "Alphabet Groups" where you have a good grasp on the Traditions & Concepts of Service, then you really dont know. Those of us that know the Program understand the 1st object of the AA program; to expand Spiritual Growth. Regarding the woman you speak of? It is impossible to take care of your children when you cant take care of yourself. MANY women have given up their children to save the childs life as well as their own. In many instances it wasnt permanent--only until the mother was able to Recopver; in many instances Protective Services TOOK the child. It is dangerous, irresponsible and shows a lack of research to offer opinion as representative of all groups or individuals as a whole. I've known people and sponsees that have walked out of a treatment center and blew their heads off. The sad fact (and those of us Recovered long term know this), is some are going to die. Since we're not God, we ultimaltely dont have a say in the matter. Lastly the "Alphabet Groups)" have always been in step with Technology. For instance, it says up front in AA literature, that you may utilize it, but as an individual that DOESNT speak for AA. In other words, you may identify as a (Recovering) Alcoholic, but not as member of AA at the level of Press, Radio and Film. The reason is simply a matter of humility & service, an integral part of the 12 Step Program. If you know anything about AA's past, then you know of the Jack Anderson article published many years ago on AA’s early days that used available technology of the time: NEWSPAPER & TELEPHONE. So, your info is factually incorrect with regard to technology then and today. Any New/Old/Part-timer that doesnt understand that--has selectively taken certain Program parts as gospel, without investigation. That is not the fault of the Program, its usually the ill-advised talking to the un-informed.

As a mother of an recovering addict, I view this article as a step into the future. I feel that when someone is reaching out for help, that they should use all avenues that are available to them. I think this article might just be an ah ha moment for many.