Cocaine Anonymous

What is Cocaine Anonymous?

Gaining an understanding of the ins and outs of Cocaine Anonymous is important for those cocaine addicts considering attending a meeting. While it may seem intimidating at first, CA members will attest to the fact that they relationships they have made there are critical to their continued sobriety.

How did Cocaine Anonymous start?

Cocaine Anonymous began in Los Angles in 1982 by Jonny Segal who was very prominent in the film industry. Through his work, he saw a number of people struggling with a cocaine addiction but there were very few resources to help.

Even though Alcoholics Anonymous was popular at this time, people struggling from substance abuse issues other than alcohol were discouraged from talking about it at these meetings. As more and more individuals struggled with cocaine addiction, Cocaine Anonymous was born.

Who does Cocaine Anonymous serve?

 The only requirement to join Cocaine Anonymous is the desire to stop the usage of cocaine and other mind-altering substances. There is no discrimination based on gender, age, race, or any other factor and there is no affiliation with any religion, political party, or any other outside organization.

Also, there are no dues or fees to participate in a group meeting; CA is funded by voluntary contributions. The only purpose of Cocaine Anonymous is to serve individuals who want to overcome their substance abuse addition and help others do the same.

How does Cocaine Anonymous work?

Cocaine Anonymous is standardized throughout the country. This means that cocaine addicts can expect a similar experience no matter where they attend a CA meeting. For someone struggling with a substance abuse disorder, familiarity is helpful in adding a level of comfort.

The Structure of Cocaine Anonymous

All of the CA meetings are led by someone who has successfully recovered using the 12-step program.

Using some of the teachings from the “Big Book” from Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous also takes advantage of the 12-step program. Following the 12 steps prepares the individual for their “spiritual awakening”, which refers to the change in thinking and attitudes that will lead to a healthy, sober life.

1. We admitted we were powerless over cocaine and all other mind-altering substances—that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrong.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. 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.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

How do I find a meeting for Cocaine Anonymous?

The “meetings” section on the Cocaine Anonymous website provides links and phone numbers to local meetings, including online options.

How do I know if I am a cocaine addict?

One time use of cocaine can quickly turn into a serious addiction. If you recognize any of the following behaviors in yourself or a love one it is time to take action.

• You have to take more and more of the drug to feel the desired effect
• When you stop using cocaine, you feel agitated, restless and depressed
• You cannot control your usage even when you try to
• You spend much of your time thinking about and trying to get cocaine
• You disregard family, friends and work to use cocaine
• You are aware of the damage and negative consequences, but you can’t stop taking it

Joining a meeting through Cocaine Anonymous can lead an individual to a community of people who understand these struggles and will be able to help you or a loved one overcome the cocaine addiction.

If you are struggling with a cocaine addiction there are options for you. We are here for you and we are here to help.