A Love Letter to Digital Recovery: Celebrating 17 Years of InTheRooms.com
Seventeen years ago, two visionaries, Ken Pomerance and Ron Tannebaum, dared to imagine something radical: a recovery space that lived online. Not as a substitute for face-to-face meetings, but as a lifeline for those who couldn’t get there, didn’t know where to start, or simply needed connection at 2 a.m. when the silence felt too loud.
“Seventeen years ago we were told by all the experts and advisors that a site like InTheRooms.com would not work… Kenny and I did not agree, so we developed ITR to bring Recovery from any and all addictions to everyone’s fingertips.” — Ron Tannebaum
They were told it wouldn’t work. That people wouldn’t show up. That recovery couldn’t happen through a screen. But they knew better. So InTheRooms.com was born.
Connection Without Borders
Today, InTheRooms.com hosts over 160 live meetings a week, spanning 12-Step, Non-12-Step, mental health, and wellness pathways. With over a million members in 136 countries, it’s not just a website, it’s a global village of healing.
“We wanted to transcend the boundaries of all 12-step programs. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in recovery, you still need that daily connection.” — Ken Pomerance
It’s the place where someone logs in from a hospital bed or a newcomer finds their first sponsor. Where a longtime member shares a story that saves someone else’s life.
It’s where recovery meets reality and where reality is met with compassion.
Recovery, Reimagined
InTheRooms.com didn’t just digitize recovery it reimagined it. It made space for:
- Anonymity with authenticity: avatars and nicknames, yes, but also real stories and raw truth.
- Inclusivity across paths: AA, NA, Dharma, Dual Diagnosis, and more.
- Accessibility for all: no matter your location, schedule, or background.
It proved that healing doesn’t need four walls to happen, all it needs is four ideas: safety, honesty, community, and hope.
The Heartbeat of InTheRooms.com
This platform isn’t powered by servers; it’s powered by the members who show up, speak up, and hold space. It’s energized by the volunteers who moderate meetings and welcome newcomers. Emboldened by the writers, the readers, the quiet observers, and the brave first-time sharers.
It’s powered by you.
Seventeen Years Later…
We are celebrating not just a website, but a movement. Not just a milestone, but a miracle. Seventeen years of digital recovery means seventeen years of lives changed, stories shared, and hope restored.
So here’s to the founders who believed. To the skeptics who became believers. To the members who made it real.
7 Comments
Congrats to two of my oldest and dearest friends for all you have done, and still do, to help the addict who still suffers. I have referred many of us to INTHEROOMS and it has been very helpful, especially to the newcomer. Love you guys, keep it up my brothers.
SWR
Thank you IN THE ROOMS for this invaluable service. It means so much to access Recovery 24 hours a day. My Gratitude Speaks for over 15 years here in this safe space.
HUGS
Carla D.
I’m celebrating 36 yrs today and I a. Grateful to this website! I know it’s one day at a time,but it works if you are willing to connect with others! Thanks for your service!🤗
What a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to something that has truly changed lives. ❤️ Reading this filled me with deep gratitude for being part of such a compassionate, courageous, and inclusive community. In The Rooms has been more than just a digital platform—it’s been a sanctuary where hope is renewed and connections are built across continents and time zones.
Seventeen years later, the vision of Ron and Kenny continues to ripple out in ways they might never have imagined. Every meeting, every share, every message of support keeps that heartbeat alive. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this space what it is today—a living, breathing testament that recovery, love, and connection know no boundaries.
Love,
Deepa
This act of faith and determination had to be inspired by a greater being. A BIG THANKS 🙏🏽 to Kenny and Ron for answering the call and giving so many souls anchors ⚓️ to a life worth living! I used the app during COVID but since, I direct sponsees here when work schedules, illnesses, transportation issues or rural areas where they live don’t have daily meetings. Again KUDOS to you guys and the many people who received this as a blessing! 17 years whoo hoo! 🙌🏽🫶🏾🙌🏽
Happy anniversary In the Rooms, I appreciate and grateful for the life saving, life thriving, inspirational, profound stories posted on In the Rooms. I am the quiet observer, 🤫. I love “In the Rooms.”
Mighty Fine