If you are a representative of a facility or institution and you would like information about arranging a Narcotics Anonymous meeting in your facility please contact Public Information at PI@GPANA.ORG

What is an H&I Meeting or Presentation?

The purpose of an H&I meeting is to carry the NA message of recovery to addicts who do not have full access to regular Narcotics Anonymous meetings. H&I meetings and presentations, except for those in longer-term facilities, are intended to simply introduce those attending to some of the basics of the NA program.

Who is Best Suited to Carry the NA Message in an H&I Meeting?

In our experience, it is best for members to have three months clean before attending an H&I meeting, and six months clean before speaking at one. It is not important whether or not we have been in a similar facility ourselves. Anyone with a clear and consistent Narcotics Anonymous message who is willing to share is well suited for H&I work.

H&I is in need of support: there are several open panel Leader and Alternate Panel Leader positions.

Come to the H&I Subcommittee meeting on Area Sunday and offer your service.

 

When going on a commitment in a hospital or institution, DO

Do Make directories of outside meetings available to residents.
Do Clarify the rules with whomever you bring into the facility.
Do Start and end on time!
Do Emphasize that NA recovery is available to all addicts regardless of drug(s) used.
Do Clearly state that Narcotics Anonymous is separate from the facility and from other fellowships.
Do Involve residents with the meeting, especially those in long term facilities (readings, etc.).
Do Obey the dress code, exercise common sense.
Do Screen all panel members, speakers, and chairperson(s).
Do Attempt to get all agreements in writing.
Do Adhere to the security regulations at all times.
Do Ensure that a clear NA message of recovery is carried by all panel members.

 

When going on a commitment in a hospital or institution, DON'T

Don’t Attend H&I facilities alone.
Don’t Emphasize using days while sharing an NA message of recovery.
Don’t Give anyone within the facility your address or telephone number.
Don't Use excessive profanity
Don't Break another person's anonymity.
Don't Debate any issues involving facility rules, regulations, programs, or other fellowships.
Don't Get involved in discussions on outside issues, remember why we are there.
Don't Discuss conditions within the facility.
Don’t Discuss facility staff members with inmate(s).
Don't Wear flashy jewelry and don’t carry excessive cash.
Don't Show favoritism to any resident(s).
Don't Take messages or carry letters in or out of the facility.
Don't Bring an NA member who has friends and/or family in the facility.
Don't Ask what type of crime an inmate has been convicted of, or discuss guilt or innocence.
Don't Accept money or gifts from, or give money or gifts to any inmate.