About How It Works Global

We are one of many groups worldwide that follow the original How It Works structure to provide an answer for those suffering from alcoholism

“We are responsible when anyone reaches out their hand for help. All are welcome.”

A brief introduction to How It Works

Alcoholism is a condition of abnormal mind and body; an abnormal brain that usually sees the negative in everything, that constantly searches for security, pleasure, and comfort, that is void of selfless consideration of others, and that demands to be treated by something/anything providing this relief. If you are having trouble with your personal relationships, can't seem to control your emotional nature, are a prey to misery and depression, are full of fear, are unhappy, are struggling with addictions of any kind, then chances are you are suffering from Alcoholism.

The HIW Group program of recovery has evolved out of many years of Group Conscience meetings deciding how best to provide an answer to those suffering from Alcoholism. Once the HIW Group program was finalized for presentation in this book, the Group Conscience has fulfilled its mission in producing a complete program to be passed along. This Group Conscience of combined experience is what governs the HIW Group program and all HIW Groups share this unified program of recovery. Business Meetings are held by each group to maintain their own individual operations.

Find out more

Preamble

How the group describes itself and its mission to help alcoholics around the world find a common solution.

History of the How It Works Group Conscience

The beginnings of the How It Works approach to recovery from alcoholism.

Business meeting

How the group is run by members and how decisions affecting the group are made in regular meetings.

Two meetings a day

Why we recommend two meetings a day, especially for those early in their recovery journey.

The fifth step – seeing a clergy member

Why it is important that we take step 5 with a member of the clergy.

Cake night

Celebrating continuous sobriety milestones with our fellows on a regular basis.

Children, animals, cell phones…

…and other distractions / disruptions are inappropriate at meetings.

Meeting format

About the original meeting format, which has been more recently adapted for Zoom.

No dues or fees – we pass the basket

We are self-supporting through our own contributions.

Group sponsorship rather than individual sponsorship

One of the cornerstones of the HIW approach.

Daily readings

Why we read from the Big Book and only the Big Book.

Big Book study meetings

History and importance of the special Big Book study meetings.

We hold five Zoom meetings every day of the year.

USA - Pacific

4:00am

7:30am

11:00am

2:30pm

10:30pm

USA - Eastern

1:30am

7:00am

10:30am

2:00pm

5:30pm

UK - GMT/BST

6:30am

12:00pm

3:30pm

7:00pm

10:30pm

European Central

7:30am

1:00pm

4:30pm

8:00pm

11:30pm

Our meetings are open to all who are affected by alcoholism – that is everyone.