Cocaine Anonymous (CA) is a worldwide, nonprofit fellowship of people who share a common goal: freedom from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.(Source) It is modeled on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and uses a similar 12-step program, but it is a separate organization focused on recovery from cocaine and other drug use.

CA is:

• Open to anyone with a desire to stop using cocaine and other substances – you do not need a formal diagnosis to attend.
• Nonprofessional and self-supporting – members share their personal experience; CA does not provide clinical treatment or professional counseling.(Source)
• Nonreligious and nonpolitical – CA is spiritual in nature but is not affiliated with any religion, political group, or outside organization.(Source)
• Anonymous and confidential – members typically use first names only, and personal information shared in meetings is expected to be kept private.

For many people, CA becomes an important part of long-term recovery, offering structure, accountability, and a sense of belonging alongside professional treatment when needed.(Source)

Cocaine Anonymous began in Los Angeles, California, in 1982, when people in the entertainment and recovery communities recognized a growing need for support specifically focused on cocaine and other stimulant use.(Source) At that time, cocaine use was rising rapidly in the United States, and many people did not feel comfortable discussing drug use in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, which traditionally focused on alcohol.(Source)

A small group of recovering individuals came together to adapt the 12-step approach to address cocaine and other drug addictions. From those early meetings in Los Angeles, CA has grown into an international fellowship with meetings across North America and in many other countries.(Source)

Today, Cocaine Anonymous continues to evolve, offering:

• In-person meetings in many cities.
• Phone and online meetings that connect members worldwide.
• Conferences and workshops focused on recovery from cocaine and other substances.

Cocaine Anonymous is open to anyone who wants to stop using cocaine and other mind-altering substances, regardless of background or specific drug of choice.(Source)

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.(Source)

CA welcomes people of all:

• Ages (including young adults; minors may need to follow local guidelines).
• Genders and gender identities.
• Sexual orientations.
• Races, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Religious beliefs or nonbelief.

There are:

• No dues or fees for membership. CA is self-supporting through voluntary contributions from members.(Source)
• No insurance or paperwork requirements. You can attend meetings anonymously.

CA does not:

• Provide medical detox, therapy, or medication.
• Offer legal, financial, or housing services.

Instead, it focuses on peer support and spiritual growth in recovery. Many people use CA alongside professional addiction treatment, counseling, or medication-assisted treatment when appropriate.(Source)

Cocaine Anonymous follows a consistent 12-step model across its meetings worldwide, so you can expect a similar structure whether you attend in your local area or online.(Source)

Most CA meetings include:

• Opening readings that describe CA’s purpose, traditions, and guidelines.
• Member sharing, where individuals talk about their experiences with addiction and recovery.
• Discussion of the 12 steps and 12 traditions, often using CA or AA literature.
• Announcements and fellowship, including information about upcoming events or service opportunities.

Types of meetings may include:

• Open meetings – anyone can attend, including family members or professionals.
• Closed meetings – limited to people who have a desire to stop using cocaine and other substances.
• Speaker meetings – one or more members share their story in depth.
• Step or literature meetings – focus on reading and discussing recovery literature.

Many people in CA also work with a sponsor—a more experienced member who guides them through the 12 steps and offers support between meetings.(Source)

Cocaine Anonymous uses a 12-step program adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous. The steps are spiritual in nature but are written to allow each person to define a “Power greater than ourselves” in their own way.(Source)

The 12 steps include:

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 wrongs.
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.(Source)

Working the steps is usually done with the help of a sponsor and can take months or years. Many people continue to revisit the steps throughout their recovery as their understanding and life circumstances change.

For many people, Cocaine Anonymous becomes a key part of maintaining long-term sobriety from cocaine and other substances.(Source) While CA is not a substitute for medical or clinical care, it can offer powerful benefits when combined with professional treatment.

Potential benefits include:

• Peer support and connection – being around others who truly understand what cocaine addiction feels like can reduce shame and isolation.(Source)
• Structure and routine – regular meetings and step work help create healthy habits.
• Accountability – sponsors and peers can help you stay honest about cravings, triggers, and setbacks.
• Coping skills – members share practical strategies for staying sober in real-world situations.
• Hope and inspiration – hearing from people who have rebuilt their lives can make recovery feel possible.

Research on 12-step participation (including fellowships like AA and CA) suggests that regular involvement is associated with higher rates of abstinence and improved long-term outcomes for many people with substance use disorders.(Source)

Cocaine Anonymous offers in-person, phone, and online meetings, making support accessible almost anywhere.(Source)

To find a CA meeting:

1. Visit the official Cocaine Anonymous website and go to the “Meetings” section. There you can search by location, day, time, and meeting type, and you’ll find links and phone numbers for local and virtual meetings.
2. Check regional or local CA websites, which often list area-specific meetings and contact numbers.
3. Call local helplines listed on CA websites for help locating a nearby meeting or getting connected to an online group.

If you are new:

• You do not need to sign up in advance for most meetings.
• You can simply show up (or log in) a few minutes early, introduce yourself if you feel comfortable, and listen.
• You are not required to speak, share your story, or identify as an “addict” until you are ready.

If you are currently in treatment at Cardinal Recovery, our team can help you identify CA meetings that fit your schedule and comfort level, including online options that you can attend from home.

Cocaine can be highly addictive, and for some people, repeated use can lead to a cocaine use disorder—a medical condition characterized by compulsive use despite harmful consequences.(Source)

You may be struggling with a cocaine addiction if you notice:

• Needing more cocaine to get the same effect (tolerance).
• Feeling agitated, restless, depressed, or extremely tired when you stop using (withdrawal).(Source)
• Using more often or in larger amounts than you planned.
• Trying to cut down or stop but being unable to.
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from cocaine.
• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities because of use.
• Continuing to use despite health, legal, financial, or relationship problems.(Source)
• Using cocaine in risky situations, such as driving, caring for children, or combining it with alcohol or opioids.

If you recognize yourself or someone you love in these signs, it may be time to seek help. Cocaine Anonymous can provide peer support, while professional treatment can address the physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of addiction.(Source)

Cocaine Anonymous is a powerful support resource, but it is not the same as professional addiction treatment.

Cocaine Anonymous provides:

• Peer-led meetings and sponsorship.
• A spiritual and behavioral framework (the 12 steps).
• Community, accountability, and ongoing support.

Professional treatment programs provide:

• Medical assessment and monitoring.
• Supervised detox when needed.
• Individual and group therapy.
• Treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.(Source)
• Evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and motivational interviewing.(Source)

Current guidelines from major health organizations recommend combining mutual-help groups like CA with professional treatment for the best outcomes when possible.(Source)

At Cardinal Recovery, we encourage our clients to explore 12-step options such as Cocaine Anonymous as part of a comprehensive recovery plan. Our team can help you:

• Decide when to start attending CA (for example, during or after treatment).
• Find meetings that match your comfort level (in-person, online, open, or closed).
• Integrate what you learn in CA with your therapy and aftercare plan.

Walking into your first CA meeting can feel intimidating, but most people find that the atmosphere is welcoming and nonjudgmental.

At a typical first meeting, you can expect:

• A brief opening with readings about CA’s purpose and guidelines.
• Introductions – some meetings invite newcomers to introduce themselves by first name only; you can pass if you prefer.
• Sharing – members talk about their experiences with cocaine and other substances, how they got sober, and how they stay that way.
• Passing a basket – members may contribute voluntarily to help cover meeting expenses; there is no obligation to donate.(Source)
• Closing – often with a moment of silence or a group affirmation.

You are free to:

• Simply listen without speaking.
• Leave early if you feel overwhelmed.
• Ask questions after the meeting.

Many newcomers find it helpful to attend several different meetings to find a group where they feel most comfortable.

Since 2020, online and hybrid recovery meetings have expanded significantly, and Cocaine Anonymous has continued to offer virtual options through 2026.(Source)

Online CA meetings can be especially helpful if you:

• Live in an area with few in-person meetings.
• Have limited transportation or mobility.
• Need flexible times due to work or family responsibilities.
• Prefer more privacy when starting recovery.

Common formats include:

• Video meetings using secure platforms.
• Phone meetings.
• Text-based or chat meetings hosted by CA service bodies.

While online meetings may feel different from in-person groups, many people find that they can still build strong connections, find sponsors, and work the 12 steps virtually.(Source)

If you are unsure where to start, our team at Cardinal Recovery can help you identify reputable online CA meetings and integrate them into your aftercare plan.

If you or someone you love is struggling with cocaine use, you do not have to face it alone. Recovery is possible with the right combination of support, treatment, and ongoing care.(Source)

Steps you can take today:

1. Reach out for professional help. A licensed addiction treatment program can assess your needs and recommend an appropriate level of care, such as detox, residential treatment, or intensive outpatient services.
2. Consider attending a Cocaine Anonymous meeting. You can listen, learn, and connect with others who have been where you are.
3. Talk to someone you trust. Sharing what you are going through with a family member, friend, or therapist can be an important first step.
4. Create a safety plan. If you are at risk of overdose, self-harm, or other immediate danger, seek emergency help right away.

At Cardinal Recovery, we provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment for cocaine and other substance use disorders. Our team can help you stabilize, begin healing, and build a long-term recovery plan that may include ongoing participation in Cocaine Anonymous and other support groups.

If you are ready to explore your options, contact us to learn how we can support you or your loved one on the path to recovery.