There comes a time when the cocaine
stops working -- a time when the coke, the other drugs, and all the
madness become unbearable.
By then, you just can't stop, so
you manage to score and somehow survive and keep on using because,
although it's killing you, cocaine has become the most important thing
in your life. If you somehow, some way, get a break from it, get free
for a moment with a little clarity, you will know this could be your
last chance. You must stop using now, and you are really scared. You
want to stay away from cocaine, but you don't know how.
If you want to be clean and sober, you can be. If you want what we
have, you can have it. No matter how much cocaine you have used or
how low you have sunk, you can get away and stay away from cocaine,
by doing what we have done. Thousands of recovering cocaine addicts
are living drug-free and owning their lives again, by actively using
the tools of recovery in the program of Cocaine Anonymous. These are
some of the tools that work for us.
TOTAL ABSTINENCE
We who have lost control of our cocaine consumption must abstain from
all mind-altering substances. Our experience is that our addiction
is invariably triggered by the use of alcohol or other drugs. Just
don't drink or use, no matter what.
MEETINGS
This is where we meet other recovering addicts. What we failed to
do alone we can do together. We share our experience, strength, and
hope at meetings. We also learn valuable information about our disease
and how the program of Cocaine Anonymous works in our lives. We suggest
that you get a meeting directory and go
to 90 meetings in 90 days.
LITERATURE
The books Alcoholics Anonymous (the "Big Book") and Twelve
Steps and Twelve Traditions (the "Twelve and Twelve") of
Alcoholics Anonymous are two of our most valuable tools of recovery.
Cocaine Anonymous publishes numerous pieces of literature to further
help the recovering addict.
SPONSOR
A sponsor is a recovering addict with more sobriety and Program experience
than yourself who will help you work the Steps. He or she (same sex
is recommended) should be someone you think you can communicate with.
Begin looking for a sponsor immediately. You can change sponsors if
the relationship doesn't work.
THE TWELVE
STEPS
Meetings may keep you sober for some time, but the Twelve Steps of
Cocaine Anonymous are vital for a stable and happy recovery. The Steps
of Cocaine Anonymous are the means by which we move from the problem
of drug addiction to the solution of recovery. We learn about the
Steps by reading the literature, by
attending Step study meetings, and by working with a knowledgeable
sponsor.
HIGHER POWER
We urge new members to explore whatever beliefs they may have in a
Power greater than themselves. There are no religious requirements
or beliefs necessary for membership. Some of us either lost our spirituality
before we came to C.A. or have never had any spiritual beliefs. As
we recovered, many of us experienced
new or reawakened spiritual feelings. Be open-minded.
SERVICE
One of the keys to successful recovery is getting involved. Begin
by getting and keeping commitments at meetings -make coffee; help
clean up; put away chairs. Help yourself by helping others.
TELEPHONE
The telephone is our lifeline between meetings. Get phone numbers
from other C.A. members. We are usually shy about calling at first,
but we must find a way to do it. We suggest you call someone in the
Program daily.
ONE DAY AT A TIME
The thought of making a pledge to never use again can be discouraging.
We stay clean and sober one day at a time, and if necessary, one hour
or even one minute at a time.
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
We use these tools to establish and improve our conscious contact
with God, as we understand Him. We have found the Serenity Prayer
to be very helpful:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
Make your recovery your number one priority. All your hopes and plans,
even your very survival, depend on a drug-free you. Staying away from
cocaine and all other mind-altering substances may be the greatest
challenge you will ever face.
The early period can be tough, but that does not mean you are not
getting better. Beware of thoughts like "I don't feel good,"
or "This is not working." Recovery is a process, and it
takes time.
We hope that by using these tools you will find the same joy and freedom
we have found. Just remember to be patient and keep coming back.
Approved Literature. Cocaine Anonymous
World Services, Inc. Copyright 2000.
