When Are AA Meetings Going to Be In-Person Again?
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we work, go to school, and attend support group meetings. While restrictions were almost immediately put into place at the beginning of the pandemic that basically eliminated the opportunity to meet in person, some of those restrictions are beginning to ease. More than a year since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, the question for many people now is when are AA meetings going to be in-person again?
What Restrictions Are in Place in Austin?
While the state of Texas has lifted mandatory requirements for safety precautions, including limitations on the number of people gathering indoors, Governor Greg Abbott has advised that “individuals are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings over the nose and mouth wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household.” However, individual businesses and organizations continue to require masks and social distancing.
The City of Austin and Travis County have extended the “Stay Home, Mask, and Otherwise Be Safe” orders through April 21, 2021. Under these orders, city and county residents must continue practicing social distancing, mask wearing, and proper hygiene. In addition, the orders state that gatherings of ten or less should be minimized or avoided. Gathering in groups of more than ten individuals not in the same household continues to be prohibited in Austin and Travis County.
Where Are In-Person AA Meetings?
Given these continuing restrictions, many AA groups have re-opened for in-person meetings. Most establish a limit of ten people per meeting and may have other precautions in place for participants to stay safe. AA meeting locations that are currently available for individuals to attend in person include:
- 617 Clifford Dr, Austin, TX 78745
- 2409 Dawn Dr, Georgetown, TX 78628
- 5700 Manchaca Rd Suite 325, Austin, TX 78745
- 4214 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746
- 16933 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX 78676
- 2525 Wallingwood Dr, Austin, TX 78746
- 2203 Lakeway Blvd, Lakeway, TX 78734
- 409 W Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
A complete and detailed listing of in-person meetings is available on the Austin AA site, provided by the Hill Country Intergroup (HCIA).
What Precautions Are in Place for In-Person Meetings?
Given the changing situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions in the state, county, and city, it’s always best to check first before attending a meeting, to learn about precautions that may be in place for each meeting. Some require face masks, some will establish social distancing at the meeting, and some may request that participants bring their own coffee and literature. Meeting participants may also be asked to wipe down their chairs before and after each session.
Are Online Meetings Still Offered?
For those still not quite comfortable with in-person meetings, Zoom sessions continue to be offered by many groups within Austin and throughout Travis County. The link to join the Zoom meeting is typically available on each site’s listing on the HCIA web page. Most AA meetings are hybrid, offered both in-person and online. Some also offer access via phone for those without internet access.
Why Is Finding an AA Meeting Important?
The isolation and stress of the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for most people, but has been especially difficult for individuals in recovery from addiction. Maintaining a connection with a positive support group is even more important now. Having other people to talk to, to share concerns with, and to listen to, who have been through the same struggles in addiction, is critical for overcoming the challenges of recovery, especially during the pandemic.
Being able to attend an AA meeting, either in-person or online, can also help reinforce the need to make healthy choices when temptations arise. Continuing to connect with a sponsor can also be incredibly helpful to the individual recovering from addiction, providing reassurance that there are other people who care and who are positive supports as they continue on the road to recovery.
FIND THE SUPPORT YOU NEED IN AUSTIN, TEXAS
At Sober Austin, we continue to provide you the resources you need for a fulfilling life while you move forward with your addiction recovery. Whether you need resources for support, treatment, sober living, or enjoying sober celebrations, we are here for you. Please feel free to contact us directly by calling (737) 250-8024 or emailing contact@soberaustin.com.