When you’re in detox or early treatment, it’s not always possible to leave the facility for outside meetings. H&I (Hospitals & Institutions) meetings bring recovery to you. Volunteers in long‑term recovery visit treatment centers, hospitals, and correctional settings to share lived experience, strength, and hope—and to introduce the fellowship and literature of programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
H&I (Hospitals and Institutions) is a service of Narcotics Anonymous (NA). The goal is to share the message of addiction recovery and support individuals in their recovery process.
This is for people in treatment facilities, like detox centers, drug rehabs, or hospitals. In these places, attending NA meetings can be hard. H&I meetings aim to introduce people to NA and the 12-Step Program. They also offer support through structured detox programs and long-term treatment.
What is an H&I meeting?
An H&I meeting is a speaker‑style presentation held inside a facility where regular outside meetings are difficult or restricted. The purpose is simple: carry a clear message of recovery to people who cannot attend outside meetings. H&I panels typically last 45–60 minutes and include brief shares, literature readings, and time for questions when the facility allows. H&I is not a therapy group and it isn’t a substitute for professional treatment—it’s peer‑led support that complements clinical care.
Key aims of H&I meetings
- Introduce the 12‑Step approach and how to access meetings after discharge
- Share real‑world recovery stories to build hope and motivation
- Offer literature and information about local meetings and temporary contacts/“Bridging the Gap” programs (AA)
Nova Recovery Center
What Happens at
an H&I Meeting?
In an H&I meeting, a speaker or a small group shares their personal stories of recovery with clients at the treatment center. These stories often include experiences with drug and alcohol addiction. They discuss the challenges of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. They also cover the journey through recovery, such as an outpatient program.
This usually includes details about life while they were addicted and what their life is like now in recovery. Sharing is immensely helpful for people in treatment and those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). Hearing about others’ success in staying sober can be motivating and powerful.
What happens during an H&I meeting?
- Brief welcome and purpose of H&I
- One or more speakers share their story—what it was like, what changed, and what recovery looks like today
- Literature may be read or provided (per facility rules)
- Q&A when permitted
- How to find meetings and request temporary contacts after discharge (AA), or find NA meetings in the community
ALCOHOL
Withdrawal can be life-threatening without medical care. We monitor vital signs and use medications when needed to reduce symptoms and complications.
Opiates & Opioids Detox
From prescription painkillers to illicit opioids like fentanyl, our detox programs help manage physical dependence and intense cravings.
Benzodiazepines
Stopping medications like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan slowly with a doctor’s help is important. Stopping suddenly can lead to seizures and more anxiety.
Cocaine
While not physically addictive in the same way as opioids, cocaine detox requires emotional and psychological stabilization.
Heroin
Our compassionate team provides 24/7 support during heroin withdrawal, using medications and therapy to reduce discomfort and promote stability.
Methamphetamine
Meth detox can cause extreme fatigue, depression, and anxiety. We help ease these symptoms in a structured, supportive setting.
Prescription Drugs
We assist individuals taking medications such as Adderall, Ambien, or painkillers, concentrating on their physical symptoms and psychological well-being through prescription drug detox.
Synthetic Drugs
Detox from synthetic cannabinoids, bath salts, or designer stimulants is managed with careful observation and individualized treatment plans.
Nova Recovery Center
Why are H&I Meetings
Beneficial in Detox?
Drug and alcohol detox can be challenging. But hearing from someone who has been in your shoes can offer strength and hope. Their story reminds you that recovery is possible.
Here are the primary benefits of H&I meetings for detox clients:
Benefits for clients in detox and residential care
- Hope in the hard part: Hearing from someone who has been through detox and early sobriety makes change feel possible.
- Peer connection: Exposure to a recovery community that extends beyond treatment.
- Next‑step clarity: Clients leave with concrete ways to plug into meetings—a proven predictor of ongoing engagement.
Our local H&I cadence (Austin & Houston)
We coordinate ongoing H&I presentations for Nova clients and partner programs.
| Location | Typical Cadence | Typical Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX | Nightly | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Speakers rotate to ensure diverse, relatable stories. |
| Houston, TX | Daily (sometimes twice) | Varies by day | We coordinate with local H&I committees to meet facility schedules. |
Times can change based on clinical programming and volunteer availability. Call admissions to confirm or request a custom panel.
H&I Meetings Show What
Recovery Can Look Like
Clients often struggle to imagine life without drugs or alcohol—especially during detox. Whether they’ve relapsed multiple times or are getting sober for the first time, the path ahead can seem unclear. Hearing a former addict share their journey can spark a glimmer of hope in a dark moment.
Meetings Offer Therapeutic Peer Support
Peer support plays a major role in recovery. H&I meetings bring people together who share similar struggles. Clients connect, share, and draw strength from one another’s victories. This shared experience has powerful emotional and therapeutic value.
Meetings Inspire Change
Many detox clients feel tired, overwhelmed, or uncertain about committing to sobriety. Meeting speakers who speak passionately about recovery can plant a seed of motivation. Their enthusiasm often inspires others to change too.
Meetings Introduce NA and the 12 Steps
Some clients don’t know what Narcotics Anonymous or the 12-Step Program is. H&I meetings provide a gentle introduction. Clients learn the purpose of the program and how it supports their rehab and sober living goals. This knowledge eases anxiety and builds familiarity.
Meetings Help Clients Find a Sponsor
Sponsors are key in recovery. H&I meetings connect clients with others in long-term sobriety. These connections can lead to finding a sponsor or joining a local NA group.
H&I Meetings Encourage Continued Treatment
Detox is just the beginning. H&I meetings show how important it is to stay in a treatment program. This includes outpatient programs to help with long-term recovery. Hearing others’ success stories motivates clients to stay engaged.
Nova Recovery Center
DETOX LOCATIONS
All facilities have licensed professionals. Each one offers private rooms, holistic services, and long-term treatment options.
Request an H&I panel for your facility
If you operate a detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, sober living, hospital, or justice‑involved program in Central Texas, we can help coordinate a compliant, consistent H&I panel.
What we’ll ask for:
- Facility name, address, and primary contact
- Requested dates/times and group size
- Rules on literature, Q&A, and speaker vetting
- Parking and check‑in instructions
How to begin: Call (512) 605‑2955 or submit the admissions form with “H&I request” in the message line. We’ll confirm details and align with the local AA/NA H&I committee as appropriate.
Volunteer with H&I (information for community members)
We partner with local H&I committees. If you’re interested in service:
- Clean‑time/eligibility: Requirements vary by facility and committee—panel leaders often need 1+ year, speakers 6+ months, with orientation prior to service. Always verify with the local committee.
- Orientation: Many committees host monthly orientations (in person or Zoom).
- Roles: Panel leader (coordinates), meeting speaker, or support volunteer.
Do’s and Don’ts (varies by committee/facility)
Do: be on time, dress appropriately, bring only approved literature, share your own experience, and follow all facility rules.
Don’t: exchange personal contact info with clients inside the facility, bring contraband, or present outside literature or opinions as fellowship policy. (Your local committee will provide full guidelines.)
Official resources & literature
- AA Treatment Committees: Workbook, kit, and Bridging the Gap information.
- NA H&I: Foundational guidance on purpose, roles, and service structure (regional examples linked for clarity).
- Learn about H&I meetings (CMA): Plain‑language overview of what H&I looks like in institutions.
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H&I Meetings Hosted by
Nova Recovery Center
Currently, we host these meetings at Briarwood Detox Center in Houston and Austin, TX. At our Houston location, H&I meetings occur once daily (sometimes twice).
In Austin, organizers hold them nightly from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. We host speakers of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures so our detox clients can have presentations that are relatable. We also have availability for H&Is at our sober living in Austin.
For more information about coordinating H&I meetings with Nova Recovery Center, please contact our admissions department at (512)605-2955.
Residential Rehab
Residential Rehab
Outpatient Rehab
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Sober Living
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
H&I stands for Hospitals and Institutions, a service provided by Narcotics Anonymous (NA). It brings NA members to places like detox centers, rehabs, and jails. They share their recovery stories and explain the 12-Step Program to those who cannot attend regular meetings.
In an H&I meeting, speakers share personal stories of addiction and recovery. The goal is to inspire hope. We want to introduce Narcotics Anonymous. We encourage clients in detox or treatment programs to seek long-term sobriety with community support.
H&I meetings are not formal treatment services but serve as a complementary tool in recovery. They support detox programs and treatment facilities by reinforcing motivation, introducing peer-based recovery frameworks, and encouraging participation in NA or 12-step groups.
While H&I meetings don’t treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms medically, they provide emotional support and hope. Hearing how others navigated detox and continued recovery can reduce anxiety and foster trust in the recovery process.
H&I meetings are for clients in hospitals, jails, or treatment centers. They are especially for those who cannot attend outside NA meetings. Volunteers in long-term recovery often lead these meetings and close them to the public.
Hospitals & Institutions—volunteers bring fellowship meetings inside facilities that restrict outside attendance.
No. They’re introduction‑style presentations in facilities, not open community meetings. After discharge, clients attend regular meetings in the community.
H&I is peer support—not medical or clinical care—but it complements detox and rehab by building motivation and a plan for meeting attendance after discharge.
Generally no; they’re held for facility clients. Volunteers are pre‑screened and oriented.
An AA service where volunteers connect newly discharged clients with local meetings and temporary contacts so no one has to attend their first meeting alone.