Sunday, November 7, 2010

AA-Intergroup Online Support

www.aa-intergroup.org

The AA-intergroup is an online community for substance abusers who are dedicated to becoming sober through the Alcoholics Anonymous support organization.  This resource provides additional support for members while they are not actually in the group counseling setting.  This website allows members to chat with one another, email, and gain access to additional resources that will be beneficial to them on their road to sobriety.

Content
The content of the Alcoholics Anonymous Online Intergroup is very appropriate for the population it is intended to serve.  The information is accurate and relative to the people who are seeking help.  The website also provides several links, aside from the online support aspects, that serve as additional and informational resources for recovering alcoholics. 

Technical Aspects
AA-intergroup utilizes several unique technical features. The website offers support by means of online chat, forums, email, and telephone.  The site also employs audio/video and accommodates people who happen to be deaf or hard of hearing. Meetings are also offered in a variety of languages.

Design
Although it is not overly attractive, it is apparent that the website is adequately designed.  All of the information is in a nice format and flows together nicely.

Support
This website offers several avenues for extensive and effective support.  AA-intergroup also provides links to the AA home site for additional information and support.

Motivation
The website is very user friendly and explains everything in very simple terms.  All links are clear and present.  Additionally, the resources listed on the website are easily accessible, requiring little to no above average technical skills to navigate.

Things I Liked: I liked the fact that Alcoholics Anonymous provides comprehensive support in this form and it is easily accessible and understandable.

Things I Disliked: The only thing I disliked is the amount of member codes. This may cause a slight potential for user fatigue for impatient users.

Overall Recommendation: I would definitely recommend this website to recovering alcoholics seeking online support and resources.

Professional Application: I would definitely incorporate this information when developing my counseling program at the high school level.  Already, I encounter teens that are having serious problems pertaining to alcohol usage.  Additionally, this will allow me to be more competent when working with students who have alcoholic parents.