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H&I
MEETINGS IN
METHADONE CLINICS |
Many times
over the course of a year a member(s) will contact the WSC H&I Committee
regarding an H&I meeting/presentation in a methadone clinic. The purpose
of an H&I panel is to carry the Narcotics Anonymous message of recovery
to Addicts who are not able to attend regularly scheduled NA meetings.
addicts who have access to regularly scheduled NA meetings do not require
the services of H&I. If the needs of the facility do not fall within
the scope of H&I some of the services that can be provided are NA phoneline
information, meeting lists, and WSO literature order forms.
If it is determined that
an H&I meeting/presentation is needed, initial meetings with the facility
must be very clear about what our message is. NA is a program of complete
abstinence from all drugs. We do not have an opinion about methods used
in a treatment facility, nor do we endorse the use of any mind or mood
altering drugs. When the subject of methadone comes up, it is important
not to judge. Based on our Eighth and Tenth Traditions, we are not in a
position to do so. We can only tell them they are welcome at any NA meeting,
read NA literature, and keep coming back.
Our Eighth Tradition tells
us that we are not physicians, psychiatrists, or therapists. We are recovering
addicts. The principles underlying the Eighth Tradition are eminently practical
ones: Prudence, anonymity, and integrity.
The Tenth Tradition states
that, "We have no opinion on outside issues..." Our primary purpose, as
a member of H&I, is to share our experience, strength, and hope with
addicts in an H&I setting. Aside from that, we have no opinion whatsoever.
By refusing to take sides on other issues, we avoid becoming embroiled
in controversies that could detract us from our primary purpose.
Our program approaches recovery
from addiction through abstinence, cautioning against substituting one
drug from another. That’s our program. That’s what we have to offer the
addict that still suffers. However, we have absolutely no opinion on methadone
maintenance, or anyother program aimed at treating addiction. Our only
purpose in addressing drug replacement, and it’s use by our members is
to define abstinence for our selves.
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