Online Support Groups

Online support groups are a great resource.  Many people dealing with a chronic illness or addiction often feel alone and sometimes support groups in your community are not available.  Online support gives people support where ever they are and whatever their schedule is like.

Online support groups should be evaluated just like websites should be evaluated.  It's important to review the privacy and security of the site and support group. It's also important to keep in mind that sometimes when posting something it's public and anyone can see it.  Some online support groups are secure and only those in the group can see it. 
Here are a few examples of online support groups:

Alcoholics Anonymous
This offers an online option for the usual AA meetings.  If you don't have AA meetings near you or can't make it at the usual time, this gives an alternative option.

https://www.aa-intergroup.org/

Support for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients
This support group is for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients and allows them to share their struggles.  It's important to remember you are not alone.

http://www.alz.org/apps/we_can_help/support_groups.asp

Diabetes online support community

This is a support community for diabetic patients.  Here you can chat and discuss hardship and solutions to living with diabetes. 
http://community.diabetes.org/home

Autism online support group
This gives you access to online support groups for those with Autism and their caregivers.

https://www.autismspeaks.org/community-and-support-network/online-support-groups

Support network for heart and stroke patients

This is an online support network for those with heart conditions or who have had a stroke. 
http://supportnetwork.heart.org/home