Heroin Anonymous Meetings Near Me, Hotline Number, and HA Alternatives
If you are struggling with heroin use, you are not alone. In 2020, approximately 619,000 people in the U.S. had a past-year heroin use disorder.1 One of the ways that people have found support is by attending Heroin Anonymous (HA), a self-help group based on the 12-Step model used by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Groups like HA may supplement and support addiction treatment as an aftercare resource.2 HA is spiritual in nature, which may not be ideal for everyone. However, there are several alternatives to HA that may offer support on your recovery journey.
What Is Heroin Addiction?
In general, addiction is defined as a chronic disorder that is characterized by the compulsive use of a substance that continues despite knowing that the substance has harmful effects on a person’s well-being.3
Heroin use disorder is diagnosed based on an individual meeting any two of the below criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) within a 12-month period:4
- Using more heroin than was originally intended.
- Inability to lessen heroin use despite a desire to do so.
- Spending a lot of time and resources obtaining, using, and recovering from heroin.
- Craving or experiencing a strong desire to use heroin.
- Inability to fulfill obligations at home, school, or work due to heroin use.
- Continuing to use heroin despite negative interpersonal or social effects.
- Using heroin in physically-hazardous situations.
- Continuing to use heroin despite knowledge of having recurrent physical or psychological problems that are likely linked to or worsened by heroin use.
- Forgoing occupational, recreational, or social activities due to heroin use.
- Needing to use more heroin to experience the same effects.
- Showing signs of physical withdrawal when not using heroin.
What Is Heroin Anonymous?
Heroin Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals in recovery who offer support for those struggling with heroin use and want help. The primary purpose of HA is to help people stay sober and the only requirement to join HA is a desire to stop suffering from heroin addiction.5 Although HA is spiritual in nature, it is not associated with a particular denomination, organization, religion, or sect. 5 HA support groups are free, and there are no dues or fees for members, although voluntary donations are accepted.5
HA is similar to groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in that each uses the 12-Step approach. Many drug addiction treatment programs encourage participation in self-help group therapy during and after drug treatment as they can provide an additional layer of community-level support.6 Research suggests that attending 12-Step meetings may result in higher rates of abstinence after treatment.7
What Are the 12 Steps of Heroin Anonymous?
The 12 Steps are the foundation of Heroin Anonymous and are based upon the idea that one is powerless over the use of a substance and that a greater power can help a person recover. The 12 Steps of HA are:8
- We admitted we were powerless over heroin – that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- 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.
How to Find Heroin Anonymous Meetings Near Me
There are Heroin Anonymous meetings worldwide, with daily HA meetings taking place throughout the U.S. The easiest way to find an HA meeting is to use the HA directory. Simply select your country, state, and city for a list of HA meetings near you.
Are There Virtual Heroin Anonymous Meetings?
Yes, Heroin Anonymous offers virtual meetings for those who cannot attend in-person meetings or prefer to attend meetings online. When you search the HA directory, you will see an option to search for virtual meetings.
If you are looking for alternatives to virtual HA meetings, American Addiction Centers (AAC) hosts a weekly virtual support meeting you can join.
How to Find Alternative Programs to Heroin Anonymous Near Me
Heroin Anonymous and other 12-Step groups can offer an extra layer of support to help a person stay abstinent from heroin and other substances. However, HA may not be ideal for everyone. Perhaps you are looking to connect with a group more aligned to your specific needs, such as AA. Or maybe you would benefit from a structured heroin addiction rehab treatment program in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
Although 12-Step programs are popular, not everyone wants to use this approach. Some alternatives to HA include:
- LifeRing: An abstinence-based group that provides recovery conversation in a safe space.
- Moderation Management: A national support group that helps individuals concerned with their drinking habits make positive lifestyle changes.
- SMART Recovery: Offers an approach that emphasizes the use of evidence-based practices and follows a model that does not involve spirituality.
- SOS: Emphasizes taking responsibility for one’s actions and uses a scientific approach to recovery.
- Women for Sobriety: An abstinence-based group of women helping other women in recovery.
Heroin Anonymous Hotline and Addiction Helpline Numbers
If you are looking for additional resources, you can reach out to these helplines to receive addiction support:
- American Addiction Centers (AAC):
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): (212) 870-3400
- Cocaine Anonymous (CA): (310) 559-5833
- Heroin Anonymous: HA has contact information at the chapter level. If you are looking for a specific phone number, use the directory to find the nearest chapter.
- LifeRing: 1-800-811-4142
- SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357
- SMART Recovery: (440) 951-5357
- Women for Sobriety: (215) 536-8026
Does My Insurance Cover Heroin Addiction Rehab?
Searching for rehabs or rehab options can feel overwhelming, especially if you are not sure if insurance will cover the cost of treatment. The good news is most insurance plans cover at least part of, if not all, heroin addiction treatment. You can call the number on the back of your insurance card or check your insurance coverage online.
Getting Help for Heroin Addiction
American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of inpatient and outpatient rehab treatment services. AAC is committed to supporting those struggling with addiction on their path to sobriety.
If you are looking for information on heroin addiction treatment, what your treatment options are, services provided in treatment, or if you have any other questions you can contact our navigators 24/7 at to learn more. Our compassionate and knowledgeable navigators are on hand to guide and support you as you begin your recovery journey.