Rehabilitation centers offer alternative to in person meetings amid pandemic

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA)- The coronavirus pandemic can be challenging for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.

The Pines and Cady Recovery Center is pushing for people to attend virtual meetings if they can’t find in person meetings at this time.

For recovering addict Russell Poole, the road to recovery has been an up-hill battle.

“It was extremely difficult at first,” said Poole.

But after freeing himself from an alcohol and drug addiction, Poole considers group meetings a staple in maintaining his sobriety.

“The thought that I was alone and a lot of fear and guilt and shame and resentment. To be able to share that with someone who has actually gone through it as well is pivotal,"said Poole.

The coronavirus pandemic dashed any chance he had to continue in person meetings and finding the understanding he needed, until The Pines and Cady Recovery Center stepped in to offer virtual meetings, via Zoom and other video conferencing apps.

“Community itself is pivotal to recovery,” said Director Keenyn Wald.

Using these apps, Wald says virtual meetings now allow people to with similar stories to connect all over the world.

“We can zoom into other recovery programs. There is a smart recovery. There is a Buddhist based recovery," said Wald.

If you are looking for virtual meeting you can find a list at AA-mississippi.org or click here for more support groups in the area.