Millions of people throughout the world have discovered the benefit of mutual-help groups. It is valuable to meet face-to-face with others who struggle to achieve good health and serenity, one day at a time. Some members are in recovery from addiction; others seek fellowship and support because their loved one suffers from alcoholism or other drug dependence. They meet usually once a week where they can talk about their fears and feelings without risk of judgment or exposure, because (to quote an oft-used AA motto)"what's said in this room, stays in this room."

But what happens when a crisis erupts at midnight for someone in desperate need of support and guidance? Perhaps John's wife is out on a binge and he is home with their children, afraid and forlorn. Or maybe Sue, tender and vulnerable in her first stages of recovery, worries about going on vacation because she will be out of touch with her AA group lifeline.

The World Wide Web (WWW) is fast becoming a worthwhile resource for those seeking information, guidance and support for issues pertaining to addiction and recovery. Many Internet sites provide general information about addiction and recovery, as well as questionnaires to help determine if you or a loved one has a problem that warrants further attention or treatment. Many also provide referral and resource information so Internet users can easily find a treatment center, a Twelve-Step group, or other resources close to where they live.

To determine what Internet sites are the most trustworthy, Linda H. Peterson, Webmaster at Hazelden, suggests that people do a little homework first. "Start with Web sites that belong to familiar and reputable organizations," she said. The sites that have .gov (for government), .edu (for educational) and .org (for nonprofit organizations) in their address are good places to start when looking for sites, she said. For example, Peterson said that Hazelden's Web site offers an extensive listing of high-level and credible links relating to addiction. The National Council on Alcoholism, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse also provide credible information and links.

People are also discovering that they can "go to meetings" on the Internet in addition to their regular face-to-face support group meetings. Chat rooms provide immediate online interaction 24 hours a day. Many sites have scheduled chats in addition to their 24-hour public chat rooms.

"People seeking help need to use good judgment when using chat rooms and bulletin boards," Peterson advises. "You can't ever be certain with whom you are communicating and what their motives may be. The safest way to chat is to make sure there is a facilitator or host present. This is especially true for young people in recovery."

Reputable sites will identify topics and chat room hosts. In addition, visitors to these sites should be able to easily find out who created or sponsors the site, and what their credentials are. For instance, the Online Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous gives the history, purpose and structure of the Online Intergroup, as well as information about online anonymity and Internet etiquette. Interestingly, Online Intergroup of AA suggests that "online AA meetings are actually more private than traditional face-to-face AA meetings because members who meet electronically are unable to see each other and must rely on the written word to share their experience, strength and hope." Participants sign on with a nickname of their own choosing, which also protects their anonymity.

Online Al-Anon Family Groups (www.ola-is.org) has a number of regularly scheduled online meetings for those whose loved one suffers from addiction.

While online mutual-help group meetings are not, and should not, be a substitute for personal interaction and support, it is a comfort to many to know that, whether they are in rural America or a little village across the world, they are not alone. With just the click of a mouse, support is at hand.

--Published March 25, 2002