What is Heroin Anonymous?
As more and more 12-step programs pop up, while the basis of each of these programs can be traced back to Alcoholics Anonymous, each program is slowly specifying an addiction for those in seeking out recoveryThe process by which addicts attempt to break the hold a certain substance or behavior has on their lives. This can refer to participation in a wide variety of methods. What they all have in common, is a sense that life is improving and the addict is regaining control.. HeroinAn opioid used as a recreational drug that is often injected. It has a euphoric effect on the user and is highly addictive both psychologically and physically. It is known for being one of the primary drugs involved in opioid overdoses and for its particularly nasty withdrawal symptoms. Anonymous, a fellowshipThis refers to the members of AA and the bonds of support between them. It is this fellowship that allows addicts to share their stories and accept each other in a world that is not always understanding. that was created for heroin addicts who were seeking recovery, is another 12-step programA 12 step program includes 12 steps of recovery to help those struggling with substance addictions or behavioral addictions. The 12 steps are also used in programs dedicated to helping loved ones of addicts. 12 step programs include 12 step meetings where members go to share their experience strengt... designed to help assist individuals who were still sick and suffering in their addiction.
What is the Heroin Anonymous program like?
Similar to Alcoholics AnonymousThe original 12-step fellowship, formed in 1935, to help alcoholics, regain control over their lives. It remains the largest 12-step organization and has contributed to the sobriety of millions worldwide. Read more about Alcoholics Anonymous, the programThis refers to any official course of treatment for addiction. This could be anything from in-patient facilities, to 12-step programs to harm-reduction programs. of Heroin Anonymous is a fellowship and organization developed to help heroin addicts find recovery. The goal for addicts who enter the program is not just to abstain from heroin, but to abstain from all drugs and alcoholAn organic compound used in many products, most notably intoxicating drinks. Alcohol addiction is known as alcoholism. The first 12-step program was devised to deal with that malady. as well. Although the title implies abstinenceThe act of not partaking in the substance or activity to which a member is addicted. The length of sobriety of addicts is determined following the period of abstinence. from one particular drugA name for a wide variety of chemical substances capable of altering the function of your mind and body in significant ways. These can include over the counter prescriptions, alcohol, and controlled substances. Most drugs are either physically and/or psychologically habit-forming., as many addicts know, abstaining from all drugs and alcohol is the only way to maintain sobrietyIn 12-step programs, an individual is sober when they are no longer partaking in the behavior or substance to which they are addicted and living a better life following the program. Both are necessary to achieve sobriety..
Heroin Anonymous is similar to other 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. There are twelve stepsThe term "12 steps" refers to the core principles of the approach to addiction exemplified by Alcoholics Anonymous and other similar groups. The 12 steps are a set of guidelines designed to help individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. They were created by the founders of Alcoholics A... in place for each memberAn individual who attends 12-step program meetings and has the desire to overcome addiction. to work through, as well as twelve traditions. The only requirement for membership to Heroin Anonymous is the desire to stop suffering from heroin addiction. There are no dues or membership fees required for attending Heroin Anonymous meetings. While all of the steps are similar to other programs, they are slightly tweaked to pinpoint the specificity of the addiction.
When did Heroin Anonymous start?
Heroin Anonymous began in July 2004. Two addicts who were in recovery and attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, Paul F. and Mike S., found themselves wondering why there was no program available that targeted heroin addiction recovery. Shortly after the discussion of a potential program came about, the two men held their first meeting in August 2004 and more was developed as Paul F. began writing the pamphlets and literature for the program.
There were pamphlets made for Heroin Anonymous as well as the information on how the meeting formats were to take place as well as more information on the meetings. As more and more meetings were being held, the Heroin Anonymous Interface was developed in November 2004.
What is the effectiveness of Heroin Anonymous?
Like many other 12-step programs, Heroin Anonymous is as effective as the individuals who work the program. Working the program, attending meetings and obtaining a sponsor is necessary to recovery for members in the fellowship. While Heroin Anonymous is not an alternative to medical treatmentA blanket term for concentrated efforts to help addicts transition to a healthier life. These can include any of the following (in isolation or combination): therapy, counseling, medication, harm reduction, or moderation., it has been a successful program to those who work the steps and abstain from drugs and alcohol. Even if medical treatment is sought, 12-step programs are often necessary and recommended to continue treatment in addiction recovery.
From 2002 to 2013, heroin abuse rates increased by 63% and the epidemic continues to grow worldwide. In 2013, over 8,000 people died from heroin overdoses. The program is intended to assist those seeking recovery from their addiction and is as successful as each individual makes it. The membership of Heroin Anonymous is still growing worldwide and new meetings are developed everyday.
Is there literature for Heroin Anonymous?
Unlike some of the other well known 12-step programs, there is no Big BookThe basic text of AA was the first to methodically introduce the 12-steps. It is still the main source for meetings and is quoted in just about all AA and other 12-step literature. the Library of Congress named it one of the 88 “Books that shaped America.” Read more about the Big Book of AA. or literature for Heroin Anonymous, but much of the resources and literature is available online to those seeking to know more about the program.
The official Heroin Anonymous website offers information about the twelve steps, twelve traditions and more for members who are new to the meetings and want to know more about what the program entails. There are monthly bulletins released with all of the program’s updates as well as stories from other recovering addicts to share with members of the fellowship. The program of Heroin Anonymous also has available dates for the convention that is held every so often, including ways to obtain tickets to attend these events. For those who can’t attend, copies of the speakers at these conventions can be found on their website for members to listen to other recovering addicts’ stories.
Not only does the website offer everything online, but they also provide information for meetings and meeting formats for members of the program who are willing to start their own meetings in their local areas.
How can you be successful in Heroin Anonymous?
The first step to being successful in Heroin Anonymous is to admit powerlessness of your heroin addiction and to abstain from drugs and alcohol. The program provides steps for members to work and a place to build a support system with other addicts who are in recovery. Working the program’s twelve steps is one way to ensure that sobriety from drugs and alcohol is maintained.
Like other 12-step programs, attending meetings and obtaining a sponsorAn individual in a 12-step program requires a sponsor to help them work the steps and hold them accountable for their recovery. The sponsor should be readily available when help is needed. A member with a sponsor is considered to be the sponsee. is another tool to utilize while working the program. Sharing12-step meetings are structured so that member sharing takes up most of the allotted time. It is the bread and butter of the fellowship between members. When sharing, addicts are encouraged to stay on topic and avoid interrupting by engaging in crosstalk. experiences, strength and hope with other members in recovery reminds addicts who are still sick and suffering that they are not alone. Heroin Anonymous is a place for those seeking recovery to grow with other individuals like them. Although every member’s story is a little bit different, the goal of recovery is something all of the addicts are striving for when joining the fellowship of Heroin Anonymous.
The 12 steps of Heroin Anonymous (HA)
1. We admitted we were powerless over heroin – that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventoryStep 4 recommends the addict conduct “a searching and fearless moral inventory.” This involves coming to terms with the flaws which preceded addiction and those that came as a result of it. of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contactBuilding a relationship with a Higher Power is a crucial element in recovery. This involves conscious contact with a Higher Power through prayer and meditation regularly. with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to heroin addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
–http://heroinanonymous.org/
The 12 Traditions of Heroin Anonymous (HA)
1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon H.A. unity.
2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority – a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
3. The only requirement for H.A. membership is a desire to stop suffering from heroin addiction.
4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or H.A. as a whole.
5. Each group has but one primary purpose – to carry its message to the heroin addictAn individual with an unhealthy dependence on a substance or behavior. An individual remains an addict even years into recovery and must therefore remain active in recovery. Read more about drug & alcohol addiction & withdrawal at Withdrawal Info. who still suffers.
6. A H.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the H.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
7. Every H.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
8. Heroin Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our serviceAA and other 12-step fellowships do not normally have employees. Instead, members volunteer and take roles necessary for the operation of the different groups and the larger infrastructure of the fellowship. Common roles of service include secretary, treasurer, and chairing meetings. centers may employ special workers.
9. H.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
10. Heroin Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the H.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymityAlcoholics Anonymous and all the 12 step groups modeled after it, protect the anonymity of its members. Members are forbidden from disclosing the identity of other addicts to outside sources or identifying themselves with the group on any form of public media. The idea behind this is to focus on the... at the level of press, radio, and films.
12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
–http://heroinanonymous.org/
Read more about 12-step programs for substance abuse.
