Heroin Anonymous

Heroin Anonymous (HA) is a non-profit organization that provides a community of support for those struggling with heroin addiction. Founded in 2004 in Phoenix, Arizona, HA follows the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), adapting them to specifically address heroin addiction.

History

Heroin Anonymous was established in 2004 in Phoenix, Arizona, by a group of recovering heroin addicts who felt the need for a fellowship that focused specifically on heroin addiction. The organization has since grown and now has meetings in many cities across the United States and around the world.

Structure and Meetings

HA meetings are typically held in public facilities such as community centers, churches, or hospitals. They are led by a chairperson who is a member of the group. The format of the meetings can vary, but they often include readings from HA literature, sharing of personal experiences, and open discussions.

Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions

HA follows the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, with slight modifications to address heroin addiction specifically. The Twelve Steps are a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems. The Twelve Traditions are a set of guidelines for how the organization should operate.

Effectiveness

While there is limited scientific research on the effectiveness of HA, anecdotal evidence suggests that many people find the support and community provided by HA to be helpful in their recovery process. However, as with any treatment for addiction, individual experiences and outcomes can vary widely.

See Also

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Twelve-step program