Appendix F - Hospitals & Institutions Subcommittee Guidelines

 

1.0 OUR PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

1.1  PURPOSE - H&I 

We know that addiction leads to “jails institutions and death” and that N.A.’s primary purpose is to carry the message of recovery to the addict who still suffers. The Hospitals and Institutions (H&I) subcommittee carries the message of recovery into facilities which restrict regular groups from operating freely for example, hospitals jails, halfway houses, recovery homes, treatment facilities etc..


1.2  FUNCTION - H&I 

The H&I subcommittee attempts to make N.A. available to any addict seeking recovery from addiction by mutual cooperation with these facilities by starting meetings arranging forums making literature available and establishing contacts in these places.


1.3  REFERENCE MATERIALS - H&I 

The H&I subcommittee operates in accordance with current editions of the WSO Hospitals & institutions Handbook with these subcommittee guidelines and with the Twelve Traditions of N.A. and is accountable to the EANA Area Service Committee (ASC)

 


2.0  TRUSTED SERVANTS - H&I 

2.1 POSITIONS - H&I 

The trusted servants of the H&I subcommittee are the Chair, Vice-chair, Secretary, and the coordinators of hospital or institution meetings. The Chair is elected by the Area Service Committee; the other trusted servants are elected by The H&I subcommittee.


2.2 DISMISSAL - H&I 

A trusted servant who relapses automatically forfeits his/her position. The subcommittee may remove a person for serious misconduct by following the same procedure as Section 10.4.1 of the EANA guidelines.


2.3 POSITIONS - H&I

2.3.1  CHAIR - H&I 

  1. Preside at all meetings of the H&I subcommittee.
  2. Assume responsibility for the implementation of policies and decisions of the Subcommittee.
  3. Maintain active two-way communication between the subcommittee the Area Service Committee and the Québec regional H&I committee attending all meetings of these bodies and presenting written and oral reports as required.
  4. Arrange for the Vice-chair’s attendance at any of the meetings mentioned above if unable to attend. If unable to attend the monthly subcommittee meeting the Chair must inform the ASC Vice-chair in advance to allow him/her to attend the meeting as a resource person and as a non-voting representative of the ASC.
  5. Maintain files of all H&I meetings including the day and time of meeting type of meeting the contact persons at the hospital or institution the facilities’ rules and any other relevant information to ensure continuity and history.
  6. Maintain a file on hospitals and institutions where there is a possibility of establishing an H&I meeting in the future.
  7. Maintain registration of his/her address and phone number and EANA’s current H&I meetings with the WSO and the Regional H&I subcommittee. 
  8. See that all records are turned over to new trusted servants in order to maintain continuity and history.
  9. Keep detailed financial records with receipts for all expenditures and present written financial reports as required to the subcommittee and the ASC Treasurer.

 


2.3.2  VICE-CHAIR - H&I 

Suggested clean time is 1 year and at least 3 months experience in H&I service. The term of office is 1 year and may be renewed for a second term. Responsibilities include:

  1. Assist the Chair and assume his/her responsibilities in the event of absence.
  2. Maintain an adequate supply of literature adhering to the Literature Policy (See below, Appendix G, Section 6.0, ) for coordinators keeping an up-to-date inventory and reporting to each regular H&I subcommittee meeting. Literature should be stamped to identify it as H&I distributed along with the N.A. Helpline telephone number.
  3. Make an annual literature report at the October H&I business meeting based on the monthly reports so that the subcommittee can evaluate its needs and progress and assist the ASC to plan its budget.

 


2.3.4  SECRETARY - H&I 

Suggested clean time is 9 months and at least 3 months experience in H&I service. The term of office is 1 year and may be renewed for a second term. Responsibilities include:

  1. Record minutes of all subcommittee meetings typing them up and distributing copies prior to the following meeting.
  2. Maintain a list of N.A. Members available to speak at H&I meetings along with their phone numbers.
  3. Maintain files of any H&I documents belonging to the subcommittee.
  4. Type and make copies of subcommittee guidelines speaker orientation pamphlets etc.

 


2.3.5  CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES

  1. Coordinate and chair the meeting at the correctional facility.
  2. Select speakers for the meeting in accordance wish Article 4 of these guidelines.
  3. Maintain an inventory of N.A. literature.
  4. Attend monthly H&I subcommittee meetings and submit a written report on progress and problems.
  5. If the coordinator and alternate are unable to attend the H&I meeting that they are responsible for the H&I Chair must be notified so that a substitute can be found.
  6. Maintain an updated list of all members cleared by the correctional facility.
  7. Become familiar with the WSO Hospitals & Institutions Handbook.
  8.  Assist Coordinator in all functions and assume responsibility if Coordinator is absent.
  9.  Attend monthly H&I subcommittee meetings.
  10. It is suggested that the alternate Coordinator become Coordinator when the position becomes vacant.
  11. Become familiar with the WSO Hospitals and Institutions Handbook.

 


2.3.6  HOSPITALS AND DETOX AND TREATMENT CENTER FACILITIES

2.3.6.1  Coordinator

Suggested clean time is 9 month and preferably 3 months experience in H&I service. The term is 6 months and may be renewed for a second term. Responsibilities include:

  1. Coordinate and chair the meeting at the facility.
  2. Select speakers for the meeting in accordance with Article 4 of these guidelines.
  3. Maintain an inventory of N.A. literature.
  4. Attend monthly H&I subcommittee meetings and submit a written report on progress and problems.
  5. If the Coordinator and Alternate are unable to attend the H&I meeting that  they are responsible for the H&I chairperson must be notified so that  a substitute can be found.
  6. Become familiar with the WSO Hospitals & Institutions Handbook.

 

2.3.6.2  Alternate Coordinator

Suggested clean time is 6 months and preferably 3 months experience in H&I service. The term is 6 months and may be renewed for a second term. Responsibilities include:

  1. Assist  Coordinator in all functions and assume responsibility if Coordinator is absent.
  2. Attend monthly H&I subcommittee meetings.
  3. It  is suggested that  the Alternate Coordinator become Coordinator when the position becomes vacant.
  4. Become familiar with the WSO Hospitals and Institutions Handbook.



3.0  SUBCOMMITTEE MEETINGS - H&I 

3.1  DATE & TIME - H&I 

The regular subcommittee meeting is held at 7:00 P.M. on the first Tuesday of each month.

 


3.2  AIM OF MEETINGS - H&I

  1. Provide a regular forum to pool experience (“I can’t  we can”).
  2. Communicate information and distribute literature supplies to coordinators.
  3. Set  policies plan and supervise all H&I work.

 


3.3  GROUP CONSCIENCE - H&I 

Decisions are made by seeking a principled group conscience followed by a majority vote of eligible voters present. An eligible voter is any interested member who:

  1. Attends 2 consecutive H&I subcommittee meetings and
  2. Has not  missed the last  2 consecutive meetings.
  3. The Chair does not  vote except  to break a tie vote or on questions of personal privilege when expressly permitted by a majority of voting members present.

 


3.4  QUORUM - H&I

The quorum for meetings is 3 voting members at  least  one of whom is a Coordinator or alternate Coordinator. For purposes of establishing a quorum the Chair is considered a voting member. In the event  that  the Chair is not  present the H&I Vice-chair must also be present. If there is not  a quorum an informal information meeting may be held but no official decisions can be taken.

 


3.5  GUIDELINE AMENDMENTS - H&I 

Proposed amendments to these guidelines are made in writing and are dealt  with at  the following meeting. Amendments adopted by the subcommittee are then submitted to the Area Service Committee for review and approval.

 


3.6  AGENDA - H&I 

The usual agenda for meetings is as follows:

  1. Open meeting with a moment  of silence
  2. Reading of the Twelve Traditions
  3. Roll call
  4. Secretary’s Report
  5. Vice-chair’s Report
  6. Chair’s Report
  7. Old Business
  8. New Business (elections if any)
  9. Coordinator’s Reports
  10. Questions &  Comments
  11. Scheduling of next  meeting
  12. Closing prayer

 

4.0  MEETINGS AT FACILITIES

4.1  SPEAKERS - H&I 

Speakers are N.A. members invited by the coordinator and/or Alternate coordinator who are willing to carry the N.A. message of recovery and to comply with the regulations of the facility and the guidelines of the H&I subcommittee.

 


4.2  SPEAKERS’ CLEAN-TIME - H&I 

 


4.3  PRIOR ATTENDANCE - H&I 

 


4.4  SAME SEX - H&I 

At  facilities where the meetings consist  of only men or only women it  is suggested that  only same-sex N.A. members should participate.

 


4.5  CONFIDENTIALITY - H&I 

All personal information provided to the subcommittee (last  names, social insurance numbers, etc.) must be treated with complete confidentiality to protect  the anonymity of all N.A. members.

 

5.0  MEETING OUTLINES - H&I

5.1  H&I PANEL PRESENTATION FORMAT

  1. We have come here today to tell you a little about the Fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous including our own personal experience of recovery in N.A. After our presentation we’ll try to answer any questions you might have.
  2. The first N.A. meeting look place in California in 1953 when a number of addicts who had sought recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous began adapting that program to recovery from drug addiction. We are very grateful to them for showing us the way. The Twelve Steps of N.A. as adapted from A.A. are the basis of our recovery program. We have only broadened their perspective. We follow the same path with a single exception: our identification as addicts is all inclusive with respect to any mood-changing mind-altering substance. Our problem is not a specific substance; it is a disease called addiction.
  3. Grew considerably with the rise of the drug culture in the 1960’s. Today there are thousands of groups in over 50 different countries. In 1983 N.A. published its Basic Text which explains in detail its program of recovery and contains the personal stories of a number of addicts. By 1989 over one million copies had been sold. Our Basic Text is available in English and French and is being produced in a number of other languages as well.
  4. Addicts in Québec began holding meetings in 1983. Today we have over 260 meetings in some 20 organized Areas. Many of these groups are in the Montréal region. There are about 20 English language meetings including groups in Ormstown, the Eastern Townships and Québec city.
  5. Meetings are also held in many prisons and treatment centers where addicts do not have free access to regular N.A. group meetings. A 24-hour Helpline can be reached by dialing 525-0333 for up-to-date meeting information or for addicts who are hurting and need to talk with another addict. This number is stamped on all of our literature here. Our Fellowship also regularly organizes social events such as dances and a bilingual convention is held every Thanksgiving week-end.
  6. We have brought  some meeting lists as well as a few pamphlets which may interest you so please help yourselves.  There are various types of meetings - some have a speaker others are discussion groups. There are Basic Text study meetings and even special interest meetings such as women’s or gay groups. The type of meeting is indicated on the meeting list. Meetings that are called closed  are for addicts only. Open  meetings are open to the public so you can bring friends or members of your family.
  7. We have a number of readings that we always do at meetings so to give you a taste of an N.A. meeting we will do a couple of those readings now. Who would like to read  “Who is an addict?” “What is the N.A. Program?” “How it Works?”
  8. Now             and I will tell you a little about our own experience as addicts and how we have been finding a new way of life in Narcotics Anonymous.
  9. Sharing
  10. Does anyone have any questions?
  11. Informal fellowship (maximum 1/2 hour)

 


5.2  H&I SPEAKER /DISCUSSION FORMAT

  1. Hi, I'm an addict my name is                 . Welcome to the regular meeting of Narcotics Anonymous here at  (name of institution).
  2. Let’s open with a moment  of silence for he addict  still suffering inside and outside of this room followed by the Serenity Prayer.
  3. Is there anyone attending their very first  N.A. meeting? We would like to extend a special welcome to newcomers.
  4. There is a must  that  applies to everyone attending that there be no drugs or paraphernalia on your person at meetings. This is for the protection of this meeting and N.A. as a whole.
  5. Our identification as addicts covers any mood-changing or mind-altering substance. Our problem is not  any particular substance; it  is a disease called addiction.
  6. Has no opinion on the program policies or staff of this institution so please do no ask us to comment on these questions. This meeting is sponsored by the Hospitals & Institutions committee of N.A. Our sole purpose in coming here is to bring the message that  recovery from active addiction is possible in Narcotics Anonymous. When you program/sentence is completed N.A. will be there for everyone who wants our support  in their recovery.
  7. There are local N.A. meeting lists and literature on the table here so please help yourselves. The pamphlets are free for the taking and the hard-cover Basic Text  is available at cost.
  8. Readings: “Who is an addict?”  “What is the Narcotics Anonymous program?”  “Why are we here?” “How it  works?”
  9. Individual identification.
  10. Introduction of the speaker (shares for 15-20 minutes).
  11. Are there any questions for the speaker?
  12. Sharing - suggest  topic - please no cross-talk.
  13. A word on anonymity: We need an atmosphere of trust  to speak openly and honestly here. We betray that trust when we make fun of or gossip about what  is said at  meetings. So please keep to yourself who you saw here tonight and what they said. If someone said something that  you feel might help someone else pass on the idea or the story but  please leave the person’s name out of it. In N.A. we learn to place principles before personalities.
  14. Reading: “Just  for Today”
  15. Closing: This circle reminds us that  together we can do what we cannot  do alone. Let’s close with a moment  of silence for the addict who died today without finding recovery. My gratitude speaks when I care and when I share wit h others the N.A. way. Keep coming back it works if you work it!
  16. Informal fellowship (maximum 1/2 hour)

 

6.0  LITERATURE POLICY - H&I
 
Who, What, How & Why Used
The Group (Revised) Coordinator's Discretion  
Another Look Used 
Recovery & Relapse Used
Am I an Addict? Used
Just for Today Used
Living the Program Used
Working Step Four in Narcotics Anonymous 's Discretion
Sponsorship Used
The Triangle of Self-Obsession 's Discretion
Youth & Recovery Coordinator's Discretion
One Addict's Experience 's Discretion
P.I. & the N.A. Member Never Used
For the Newcomer Always Used
For Those in Treatment Particular Setting/Coordinator's Discretion
Self Acceptance Used
Hospitals, Institutions and the N.A. Member Learning Days
The Loner, Staying Clean in Isolation 's Discretion
Welcome to N.A. Used
Staying Clean on the Outside Used
Hey! What's the Basket for? Never Needed
N.A. White Book Used
Narcotics Anonymous - Basic Text Used
Regional Meeting List Always Used
EANA. Meeting List Used
The Group Booklet 's Discretion
the Walls 's Discretion/Particular Settings
N.A. - A Resource in your Community Used
An Introductory Guide to N.A. 's Discretion
Out  Magazine Coordinator's Discretion


6.2  POSTERS 

The following Literature is all at the Coordinator’s Discretion

bullet        My Gratitude Speaks
bullet        Serenity Prayer
bullet        Twelve Steps
bullet        Twelve Traditions
bullet        N.A. Logo (Plastic Sheet)
bullet        Honesty, Open-mindedness and Willingness (Plastic Sheet)
bullet        Just for Today (Plastic Sheet)
bullet        That No Addict Seeking Recovery Need Ever Die (Plastic Sheet)
bullet        Keep Coming Back (Plastic Sheet)
bullet        I Can't, We Can (Plastic Sheet)

 


6.3  OTHER LANGUAGE LITERATURE - AUDIO TAPES

 


6.4  SUBCOMMITTEE MATERIALS 

The following literature is all for Internal Use

bullet Hospitals and Institutions Handbook  
bullet Subcommittee Guidelines  
bullet Sharing at an H&I Meeting  
bullet Coordinator's Monthly Report Form  
bullet Literature Order Form  
bullet Record of H&I Meeting  
bullet Others?