Perceptions of virtual versus in-person recovery meetings: A cross-sectional survey of Oxford House residents

This study investigates shifts in the modality of addiction recovery communities from person-to-person interactions to virtual platforms in the context of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Our study involves members of the Oxford House recovery homes (n = 284), a major network of recovery-supportive housing in the United States and abroad. Many residents participate in 12-step meetings during their stay, traditionally conducted in-person, but due to physical distancing regulations, many of these meetings transitioned to virtual platforms. We collected cross-sectional survey data focusing on user perceptions of virtual 12-step meetings in terms of accessibility, cost, convenience, support network strength and recovery network quality. Our study found significant differences in perceptions among different demographic groups, suggesting challenges in transitioning recovery support to online platforms. Notably, participants aged 46 and older showed a greater propensity to use online recovery forums and found online meetings convenient. Non-White individuals and women demonstrated a more favourable perception of online meetings—a trend that also held true among those with at least some college education. Furthermore, the results show that those who initiated their recovery prior to the COVID-19 lockdown viewed online methods more favourably, particularly in terms of accessibility and cost. Our data also revealed that participants who were categorically involved in 12-step recovery (Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous) demonstrated a more positive perception of online methods in terms of the strength of social networks and social support quality, despite some resistance to virtual transition and maintaining focus. Further research is needed to understand these nuanced impacts and develop strategies to enhance the effectiveness of online recovery meetings.