Much of the world, and those recovering within it, has necessarily moved from Rooms to Zoom. And much of the world, as well as those recovering within it, has physically stumbled into the digital space – mic’s hot, video accidentally on, humiliation and distraction in tow. Blunders will ensue, and it would not be ‘us’ without messiness, but here’s your beginner’s guide to Digital Recovery Meeting Etiquette. 


How Do I Attend A Zoom Recovery Meeting?
This is a Discovery Place guide to digital recovery.

Where Can I Find A Zoom Meeting Schedule?
For those in Central Tennessee, here’s a Nashville Zoom Meeting Schedule.

Wait, What’s ‘Meeting Etiquette?’
In short, suggestions for considerate beharvior during a meeting. 

Oh, Are We Still Practicing Our Recovery Program?
Yes, and this is how.


1. Test Your Audio & Video
Zoom actually initiates each meeting with a prompt (see below) to run such a test, but the prompt looks like and is often treated as an annoying pop-up. If you experience technical issues, check out Zoom’s Troubleshooting Content, and if those issues persist, honor them during the meeting. A broken mic probably means your meeting focus should be listening. Video cutting in and out? Turn it off.

2. Arrive Early
Many meetings are opening a half-hour prior to the listed meeting time, and it is not an accident. The fellowship prior to, and following a meeting is when newcomers may ask questions best reserved for exactly those times. Furthermore, the reason for the meeting is connection, and if you are a smoker or vaper, now you can do so without the person in front of you being forced to smoke or vape as well.

3. Mind Your Background
Throughout your participation in a meeting, Zoom provides a thumbnail video of how you are being seen by other attendees. If there is a blinding light blocked by your silhouette, everyone else may feel as though they are in an interrogation. Your posters of women out of your league may be uncomfortable for those trying to focus, and should definitely be something you reconsider, anyway. Lastly, there is no vetting for these meetings. And people can be creepy. For your own sake, maybe don’t show everyone exactly where your house is, and in which window your bedroom is.

4. Put Your Phone Down
This may feel like a novel experiment, and doses of humor are essential, but these are still those meeting which are an essential tenant of our survival. You may live in a sober-living home full of men in recovery, but sick and suffering addicts and alcoholics, the world over, are physically isolated in their homes and desperate for hope and solutions. If you are attending the meeting via computer, it may be easy to surreptitiously crush candy on your phone, but what does that steal from the group? You’ve survived many single hours, sitting still and attentive in meetings. You can muster at least one more.

5. Bring The Literature
If you have been exposed to Discovery Place programming, you have experience and strength much needed in this time, and through this new medium. Our Old-Timers are an at-risk population, likely isolated, and though Zoom may be simple for us to navigate – these guys still have flip-phones. The virtual rooms can be uncomfortable, a share without group laughter may bum you out, and I’m sure you’ve found 100 other frustrations. However, this will ‘work’ because it must. It is the program of recovery that keeps the fellowship of recovery alive, and the program of recovery is in the literature. Literally, bring the solution.


Have questions about our recovery programs?
You might be interested in Discovery Place’s own treatment alternatives, such as our 30 Day Residential Addiction Alternative Recovery Program or our Long Term Alternative Recovery Program in Burns, Tennessee. Call, let’s talk: 1-800-725-0922.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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