What is H&I?

H&I (Hospitals and Institutions) is a service of Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Its purpose is to share the message of addiction recovery with people in treatment facilities like detox centers, drug rehabs near me or hospitals, where the ability to attend NA meetings is limited. H&I meetings also seek to introduce people to NA and the 12-Step Program.

What Happens at an H&I Meeting?

During an H&I meeting, a speaker or a small panel of speakers share their personal testimonies of recovery with clients at the treatment center. This usually includes details about life while they were addicted and what their life is like now in recovery. This process of sharing is especially beneficial for people in treatment because hearing about others’ success in sobriety can be very motivating and powerful.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 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, they are held 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.

To learn more about this at Nova Recovery Center, please call (888) 427-4932 to speak with a member of our admissions team.

For more information about coordinating H&I meetings with Nova Recovery Center, please contact Tabatha LaMere at (512) 516-3178 or admissions@novarecoverycenter.com.