I think they're necessary for you if they're necessary for you, otherwise no.
Lots of people have gotten and stayed sober strictly through online support, and many more have not used group support and just quit on their own (like I did long ago with coke and weed). In my experience, the farther down the hole you've gone, and the more drinking is wrapped up in your life and lifestyle, the harder it will be to stop the madness without face-to-face meeting group support, but only you can say what's necessary for you.