Meeting Descriptions
- The purpose of all H.A. group meetings, as the Preamble states, is for H.A. members to “share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from Heroin Addiction.” Toward this end, H.A. groups have both open and closed meetings. At both types of meetings, the H.A. chairperson may request that participants confine their discussion to matters pertaining to recovery from heroin addiction. Whether open or closed, H.A. group meetings are conducted by H.A. members who determine the format of their meetings.
- Open – Open meetings are available to anyone interested in Heroin Anonymous’ program of recovery from Heroin Addiction. Non-Heroin Addicts may attend open meetings as observers.
- Closed – Closed meetings are for H.A. members only, or for those who have a problem with heroin and “have a desire to stop suffering from heroin addiction.”
- Big Book – The book Alcoholic Anonymous (the Big Book which we use as our basic text in HA) is the text for these meetings. When the focus is on a specific text, usually the group supplies copies of the book for attendees.
- Discussion – A chairperson is designated for a meeting; the chairperson speaks briefly and usually introduces a topic for sharing by other attendees.
- Speaker/Discussion – Initial speakers kick off the group’s discussion of matters brought up by the speakers.
- Speaker – Speaker shares their experience, strength and hope of the majority of the meeting.
- As Bill Sees it – This meeting uses the As Bill See’s It book from AA to for discussion and is typically a ticket meeting.