Taking the first step toward recovery can be both empowering and intimidating. If you’re considering attending a Heroin Anonymous (HA) meeting for the first time, you’re already showing tremendous courage. Understanding what happens during these meetings can help ease anxiety and set realistic expectations. This guide will walk you through the typical format of HA meetings, what to expect as a newcomer, and how to get the most from your experience in this supportive recovery community.
Heroin Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others recover from heroin addiction. Like other 12-step programs, HA operates on principles of mutual support, anonymity, and spiritual growth. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using heroin.
| HA Core Principles | Description |
|---|---|
| Anonymity | Members’ identities are kept confidential |
| 12 Steps | Suggested program of recovery |
| 12 Traditions | Guidelines for group operation |
| Higher Power | Spiritual foundation (as each person understands it) |
HA was founded on the model of Alcoholics Anonymous but specifically addresses the unique challenges faced by heroin addicts. The program is completely free, non-professional, and self-supporting through member contributions. Meetings typically last 60-90 minutes and follow a structured format that has proven effective for many people seeking recovery from heroin addiction.
Preparation can make your first meeting experience much more comfortable. Taking a few simple steps beforehand can help you feel more at ease when you walk through the door.
Locating an appropriate HA meeting is your first step. The official Heroin Anonymous website maintains a directory of meetings across different regions. You can also call local addiction treatment centers or hospitals for information about nearby meetings. Many areas have multiple meeting options with varying formats, times, and locations.
When selecting your first meeting, consider factors like proximity to your home or work, meeting time, and whether it’s an open meeting (anyone can attend) or closed meeting (only for those with a desire to stop using heroin). Some newcomers find it helpful to bring a supportive friend or family member to an open meeting.
HA meetings are intentionally simple, and you don’t need much to participate. Consider bringing:
– A small amount of cash for the voluntary contribution (typically $1-2) – A notebook and pen if you wish to take notes – A phone number of a supportive person you can call after the meeting – An open mind and willingness to listen
You don’t need to bring any identification, and there’s no registration process. Some meetings provide coffee and water, but you might want to bring your own beverage if that’s important to you.
It’s normal to feel nervous before your first meeting. Remember that everyone in the room had a first meeting once, and most members are exceptionally welcoming to newcomers. You won’t be required to speak if you don’t want to.
Try to approach the meeting with curiosity rather than judgment. The language, rituals, and format might seem unusual at first, but they serve important purposes in the recovery process. If you’re feeling anxious, remind yourself that you can simply observe and that you can always leave if you feel uncomfortable.
While there are variations between groups, most HA meetings follow a similar format that provides structure and consistency. Understanding this format can help you know what to expect.
Meetings typically begin with the chairperson welcoming everyone and introducing themselves. This is usually followed by a moment of silence and the Serenity Prayer. This prayer is central to many 12-step programs and asks for serenity, courage, and wisdom in facing addiction.
The chairperson might then read the HA Preamble, which explains the purpose of the fellowship. This is followed by a brief reading of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, which form the foundation of the program. These opening rituals help create a focused, intentional atmosphere for recovery work.
After the opening, there are typically several short readings from HA literature or other 12-step materials. These might include “How It Works” from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, adapted for heroin addiction, or other passages that emphasize the principles of recovery.
The chairperson will make announcements about upcoming events, service opportunities, or changes to the meeting schedule. This is also when the group might recognize sobriety milestones, with members receiving chips or verbal acknowledgment for periods of abstinence from heroin.
The main portion of the meeting usually takes one of two forms:
During this time, participants typically share in turn, often going around the room or raising hands to be called on by the chairperson. Personal sharing is the heart of the meeting, where members connect through their common experiences with addiction.
Understanding the unwritten rules of participation can help you feel more comfortable in your first meeting and avoid unintentionally disrupting the group process.
When sharing in a meeting, members typically:
As a newcomer, you’re welcome to share, but you can also simply say, “I’d like to just listen today” when your turn comes. Many find it beneficial to listen and absorb before sharing in their first few meetings.
Active, respectful listening is as important as thoughtful sharing in HA meetings. When others are speaking, participants are expected to:
These practices create a safe environment where people can be vulnerable about their struggles with heroin addiction and their hopes for recovery.
Heroin Anonymous offers various meeting formats to address different needs in recovery. Understanding these differences can help you find meetings that best support your recovery journey.
Open meetings welcome anyone interested in learning about heroin addiction and recovery, including family members, friends, students, or healthcare professionals. These meetings can be a good starting point if you’re unsure about whether HA is right for you.
Closed meetings are specifically for individuals who have a desire to stop using heroin. These meetings often involve more personal sharing and can provide a deeper sense of identification among members with similar experiences. The confidentiality expectations are particularly strict in closed meetings.
Step meetings focus specifically on working through the Twelve Steps of recovery. These meetings might work through the steps in sequence or focus on a particular step each session. They often involve reading from HA literature followed by discussion about applying the step principles.
Speaker meetings feature one or more members sharing their detailed recovery story—what their addiction was like, what happened to bring them to HA, and what their life is like now in recovery. These narrative accounts often provide hope and practical examples of how the program works in real life.
Other common formats include literature study meetings, where participants read and discuss program literature, and beginner meetings, which are specifically designed to introduce newcomers to the basics of the program.
What happens after the formal meeting ends is often as important as the meeting itself for building a recovery support network.
Many groups have an informal “meeting after the meeting” where members socialize over coffee or a meal. This fellowship time provides opportunities to ask questions, exchange phone numbers, and build relationships with others in recovery.
For newcomers, this can be an ideal time to approach someone whose share resonated with you or to ask practical questions about the program. Don’t be surprised if members approach you—offering support to newcomers is an important part of the recovery program.
After attending a few meetings, you might consider finding a sponsor—someone with solid recovery time who can guide you through the Twelve Steps. Sponsors share their experience and provide one-on-one support between meetings.
You can simply approach potential sponsors after a meeting and ask if they would be willing to help you work through the steps. It’s perfectly acceptable to have a trial period to see if the relationship is a good fit.
Like many specialized communities, HA has its own vocabulary that might be confusing at first. Familiarizing yourself with common terms can help you feel more comfortable:
Understanding these terms will help you follow discussions and participate more fully in the recovery community.
Attending your first Heroin Anonymous meeting takes courage, but it could be the beginning of a transformative journey. The structured format, peer support, and proven principles of HA have helped countless people find freedom from heroin addiction. Remember that recovery is a process, not an event, and regular meeting attendance is just one component of a sustainable recovery lifestyle.
As you begin this journey, be patient with yourself and the process. Not every meeting will feel perfect, and that’s okay. Try different meetings until you find the ones that resonate with you. The most important thing is to keep coming back, stay open to the experience, and give yourself the opportunity to connect with others who understand your struggles and can support your recovery.
How long do HA meetings typically last? Most Heroin Anonymous meetings run for approximately 60-90 minutes, though some may extend longer if there’s a speaker or special event.
Do I have to talk during my first meeting? No, you can simply introduce yourself by first name and say you prefer to listen, which is completely acceptable and common for newcomers.
Is Heroin Anonymous religious? While HA has spiritual elements and references to a Higher Power, it is not affiliated with any religion, and members are free to define their Higher Power in whatever way makes sense to them.
Will I be judged for relapsing if I return to meetings? No, relapse is recognized as part of many people’s recovery journey, and members returning after relapse are typically welcomed with support rather than judgment.
Do I need to pay anything to attend HA meetings? Meetings are free to attend, though there’s usually a voluntary donation basket passed (typically $1-2) to cover expenses like rent and literature.