Online vs. In-Person Recovery Meetings: Which Actually Works Better for Staying Sober?

Online-only attendance at mutual-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous is linked to poorer sobriety outcomes compared to in-person meetings, according to new research. However, the difference isn't about the meetings themselves—it's about how actively involved people become in their recovery community. The study of over 1,100 adults with alcohol use disorder found that people who attended meetings exclusively online were more than twice as likely to report heavy drinking and alcohol-related problems at both 6 and 12 months compared to those attending in person.

Why Are Online-Only Attendees Struggling More?

The research reveals a critical insight: people attending recovery meetings only online reported significantly lower levels of active group involvement than those showing up in person. Active involvement means more than just sitting in on meetings—it includes having a sponsor, speaking at meetings, volunteering to help others, or taking on leadership roles within the group.

When researchers analyzed the data more carefully, they discovered that the lower involvement levels among online-only attendees explained most of the difference in their drinking outcomes. In other words, it wasn't the online format itself causing worse results—it was the reduced engagement that often comes with attending remotely. The good news: when people were highly involved in their recovery community, whether online, in person, or both, they saw similar benefits.

What Does Active Involvement Actually Look Like?

The study measured five key indicators of meaningful participation in recovery groups:

• Regular Attendance: Showing up weekly rather than sporadically, which builds consistency and connection with the same people.
• Having a Home Group: Choosing one specific meeting to attend regularly, creating a stable community base for recovery.
• Sponsor or Support Network: Having close friends or a sponsor within the group you can call on for help during difficult moments.
• Service Work: Volunteering or providing service at meetings, which deepens commitment and helps others in recovery.
• Leadership Roles: Leading meetings or taking on other leadership responsibilities within the group.

The impact of this involvement was substantial. People who met all five of these involvement indicators were almost four times more likely to achieve abstinence compared to those with minimal involvement.

What About Hybrid Attendance—Online and In-Person Combined?

People who mixed online and in-person attendance showed a more nuanced pattern. At the six-month mark, they had similar abstinence rates to in-person-only attendees but were more likely to report heavy drinking and alcohol problems. However, by the 12-month follow-up, their outcomes matched those of in-person-only attendees across all measures. This suggests that combining formats might work well long-term, possibly because people maintain stronger community connections while gaining flexibility.

The research also found that any form of mutual-help group participation—whether online, in person, or both—was generally better than no attendance at all. Even online-only attendees showed better outcomes than people not attending meetings, though their results lagged behind in-person participants.

What This Means for Your Recovery Journey

If you're considering recovery support, the research suggests that the format matters less than your willingness to engage deeply. Online meetings can work, especially if you're facing barriers like geographic isolation, mobility limitations, or scheduling conflicts. However, the data indicates you'll likely see better results if you can find ways to build genuine connections and take on active roles—whether that's finding a sponsor, attending regularly, or helping others in your group.

The study included over 1,100 adults with a lifetime diagnosis of alcohol use disorder who attended at least one mutual-help group meeting in the previous month. Participants completed surveys at baseline and again at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups, allowing researchers to track how attendance patterns predicted later drinking outcomes. Mutual-help groups examined in the research included Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, LifeRing Secular Recovery, and Women for Sobriety—all evidence-based options with decades of research supporting their effectiveness when people engage actively.

For anyone in recovery or considering joining a support group, the takeaway is clear: the real power isn't in the meeting format—it's in showing up consistently and becoming part of a community that supports your sobriety.