St. Gregory Recovery Center offers virtual support meetings, but we understand that many folks have questions about how effective they are. We’re here to say that what works best—in-person or virtual support meetings—depends on the individual, their needs, and where they are in their recovery journey.
Regular group support meetings have been a cornerstone of addiction treatment, offering a sense of accountability, shared understanding, and frequent opportunities to thrive in sober communal spaces.
Some may say that the serious comparison of virtual and in-person support meetings for all types of therapy started during the COVID-19 pandemic, but virtual meetings have been around as early as the late 50s. In fact, the Midwest was the first region in the United States to offer videoconferencing to attend therapy and psychiatric consultations.
By the 80s, remote mental health services had expanded significantly, paving the way for the widespread use of telehealth appointments that we see today. From increased accessibility to greater attendance statistics, not only are virtual meetings possible, but they may also be preferable.
Perhaps one of the best recovery services in the Iowa region is one that easily syncs with virtual support meetings. The Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Program, which is a cornerstone of our programming at St. Gregory, is one such service.
How Does SMART Recovery Work?
The SMART program is a flexible, evidence-based program that uses group meetings to help people in recovery build and maintain motivation and management skills for cravings, difficult feelings, and sustaining a balanced lifestyle. The SMART program can be as secular or as spiritual as you’d like it to be. A specific faith mindset isn’t required.
The program focuses on gaining independence in tailored ways that make sense for unique individuals, whether they prefer virtual meetings or gravitate toward in-person interactions. We want to accommodate everyone no matter their situation, and our SMART approach can go virtual in certain aspects if necessary.
Here are some benefits of customizing your SMART meeting experience:
- In-Person Meetings
- Emphasize a strong sense of community and direct peer connection
- Enable more nonverbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, which can enhance support and understanding
- Provide a more structured environment that may help participants feel more accountable
- Foster opportunities to make social connections after meetings conclude
- Virtual Meetings
- Offer accessibility for individuals in remote areas, with busy schedules, or those with mobility challenges
- Allow participants the flexibility to join from the comfort of their own homes, reducing travel and time constraints
- Protect anonymity, which may help individuals who are more introverted or cautious about seeking help
- Make it easier for people to explore multiple groups to find the right fit
- Appeal to those who associate negative emotions with recovery meetings or culture
Additionally, we also offer a lifelong alumni program that can include virtual components for your convenience well after you’ve graduated.
How To Choose The Most Effective Meeting Type
Consider going in person to meetings during the early stages of recovery. In-person meetings may provide the emotional depth and personal connection crucial for building trust in your community and confidence in your sobriety. Sometimes the convenience of virtual meetings isn’t what gets someone through a tough day in recovery. The in-person element may be the key to relapse prevention.
Think about opting for digital meetings later, after several years of successful sobriety, for example. Virtual meetings at that point can be particularly helpful for sober people who travel frequently for work. Recorded sessions can also make it easier to stay engaged within recovery without overburdening a busy schedule. Research also shows that certain groups of people may be more likely to attend virtual meetings than in-person ones.
Choose Your Preferred Recovery Meeting Option in Iowa
Recovery is a deeply personal and dynamic journey, and the meeting structure that works best may evolve over time. Digital and in-person meetings each have their strengths and limitations, but they both give you the chance to refine the life skills you need to be happy and successful in recovery. By embracing the flexibility of both formats when they best suit your needs, you can take one step further in gaining more control and independence in your day-to-day life.
