The following explains the structure within which INA operates, and how we came to be an organization. At the first meeting of INA in Minneapolis in 1988, the decision was made to operate as closely as we could to the guiding principles of the 12-step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Our goal was then, and still is, to provide support and networking among nurses in recovery from chemical dependence and co-dependence. The recovering nurses present at that first meeting wanted to include all members of 12-step groups, such as Alanon, Overeaters Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, etc., as well as alcoholics and drug addicts. Because of this liberal inclusion of members, INA does not qualify to be an AA or NA group. However, because INA members have had experience in the 12-step groups, there is an understanding of the basic principles of these groups such as anonymity and the guidelines of the 12 Traditions.

One principle that is very important but may be somewhat confusing is that INA should remain unaffiliated with other organizations or causes. Many of our members have been, and may still be, involved in programs to help impaired nurses. These may be peer assistance, diversion programs through regulatory boards, or professional treatment programs. These activities are completely separate from INA. We must be ever vigilant to keep our "hats" separated. INA can give information to its members about activities that are taking place, meetings, etc., but, as an organization, INA should not advocate for any particular program or organization.

In the beginning, membership forms were only accepted from nurses who were members of a traditional 12-step group, such as AA, NA, Alanon, etc. However, a decision was made by the Steering Committee to accept into membership nurses who were unaffiliated with any 12-step group, but were in recovery. The number of these nurses has remained very small. Again, it is because the vast majority of our members have an understanding of the 12-step programs that INA can operate in the fashion that we do. At the time INA was organized, physicians had maintained a group they called "International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous (IDAA)' since 1975. We borrowed heavily from their experience, as well as that of the pharmacists, (IPA), which is a few years older than INA. A physician, LeClair Bissell, was instrumental in helping all of the professions begin groups for their members.

One question we are frequently asked is whether INA has groups meeting on a regular basis. Unfortunately, this has not happened. Many INA members do attend nurse support groups, but these are held by other programs, such as peer assistance, monitoring groups, or treatment facilities. INA is governed by a Steering Committee composed of members of INA. At the present time the members are: Kathy K., Huntersville, NC; Mary Kay B., Warrior, AL; Etta W., Lenexa, Kansas; Barbara G., Albany, New York; and Pat G., Lawrence, KS. As in the traditional 12-step groups, anonymity is an important aspect of INA. When a nurse joins the network, the membership form asks them to check if they choose to remain anonymous. A small minority takes this option. When that happens, their desire is strictly observed. Sometimes they check that they may be called if a nurse in their area asks for help, but they do not want their name included on the membership list. Their name is so designated in the database. From time to time, you will see first and last names in the newsletter. When this happens it is because the person has given permission that their full name be used. Otherwise, first name and last initial is given.