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What Is Cocaine Anonymous or CA?

Cocaine Anonymous (CA) Meetings Near me

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug whose repeated use can cause long-term changes in the brain and other brain systems, which may lead to addiction, and sometimes, overdosing on the substance.1 In that case, several options for help with cocaine addiction are available:1

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Contingency management or motivational incentives
  • Therapeutic communities—drug-free residences in which people in recovery from substance use disorders help each other to understand and change their behaviors.
  • Community-based recovery groups, such as Cocaine Anonymous and other programs based on the 12-step model.

Cocaine Anonymous normally incorporates aspects of 12-step programs. It’s a support group for users who share experiences and together work on building strength and hope. This way, they may work on their shared issue and help others struggling users recover from their addiction.2 CA groups are found worldwide and across almost all American states.3

Cocaine Anonymous was derived from the original AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) program. It was started in 1982 in Los Angeles by a long-standing AA member who understood the importance of anonymous addiction help and easy access to different resources for battling addiction. Afterward, this model of support groups spread around the world, with the number of its members rising yearly.4

12 Steps of Cocaine Anonymous Recovery Program

Since the idea behind Cocaine Anonymous stems from the Alcoholics Anonymous program, CA also incorporates the model of 12 steps derived from AA meetings.2 Similarly, other anonymous meetings and support groups for addiction include Narcotics Anonymous, which is also based on 12 steps.5 The 12 steps typically go as follows:2

  1. We admit we were powerless over cocaine and other mind-altering substances and that our lives became unmanageable.
  2. We believe that a Power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity.
  3. We turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him.
  4. We took a moral inventory of ourselves.
  5. We admit to God, ourselves, and others our wrongs.
  6. We are ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
  7. We humbly ask Him to remove our shortcomings.
  8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed and are willing to make amends.
  9. We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
  10. We continue to take personal inventory and will admit when we’re wrong.
  11. We continue to improve our conscious contact with God through meditation and prayer.
  12. We continue to carry this message to addicts and practice these principles in all our affairs.

In general, 12-step programs including CA can be beneficial for its members who share a desire to stop using cocaine. Additionally, CA support groups are free of charge, offering access to support to individuals who need it.2

What might be challenging for some of the members is that it is sometimes necessary to go through the 12 steps more than once. This, however, allows each member to find their own pace and breeze through some steps while focusing on the others they find more helpful.4

It is also important to note that Cocaine Anonymous and other 12-step programs are not a substitute for evidence-based scientific treatment.5

What are the Benefits of Cocaine Anonymous or CA Recovery Program?

The CA program is not associated with any specific political group or other types of organizations or institutions. Everyone is welcome regardless of their gender, race, or sexual orientation.2 Also, CA meetings are a place where everyone shares their experience, but also listens to others, creating a sense of community. There are CA groups for those just starting their journey of recovery, but also for those who are already sober but need support.6

The main and only goal of Cocaine Anonymous is to help users maintain their sobriety and stay free from cocaine as well as other mind-altering substances.2 Finally, attendance is free of charge, which can be an important advantage for some individuals.6

What Happens at Cocaine Anonymous Meetings?

A Cocaine Anonymous meeting is when two or more people meet to share their experiences and support each other on their road to recovery.2 An open meeting is the one where friends and family are able to attend as well, allows them to gain insight into their loved ones’ struggles. Closed meetings, on the other hand, are reserved for CA members only. A group that one regularly attends is called a home group.7

Meetings normally follow the same pattern: they have a leader who describes the CA program and then turns the meeting over to its speakers. A meeting tends to start or end with some form of prayer. People are encouraged to open up and also listen to other people’s experiences, allowing them to connect with one another. There are also parts of meetings dedicated to announcements of interest to the meeting.7

It’s possible that the first group you attend does not suit you, which is why it’s normal to attend different groups until you find one that will be most suitable for you. The most important step is visiting the first one.6

Apart from the live sessions, there are also online CA meetings. There are email-based meetings that are available 24/7 and also voice meetings which are similar in structure as the live ones.9

What Is the Cost to Attend Cocaine Anonymous?

While some other forms of treatment may be costly, attending CA meetings is completely free of charge. Groups can accept some financial contributions for snacks, literature, and other expenses. However, contributions come exclusively from its members, never from organizations outside the fellowship.2

The reason behind this is that groups are fully self-supporting on every level.4 These and other 12-step programs are not just a guide for healing, but they also represent a new way of living, changing one’s habits, and accepting mistakes. This is why it is important for groups to be self-sufficient.8

What to Prepare Before Going for Cocaine Anonymous Meetings?

The only thing necessary for attending a CA meeting is the will to stop using cocaine or any other substance.2 Mindset is the only thing that matters and members should strive for group unity, growth, and discipline.7 The approach of meetings is spiritual although not connected to any specific religion, unlike some treatments which are e.g. Christian, and requires deep introspection.8

Who Should Go to Cocaine Anonymous Meetings?

Cocaine Anonymous is a space for people who are willing to share their experiences, fears, and hopes in order to beat their addiction and maintain sobriety. In that sense, a participant of these meetings is anyone who recognizes themselves in this description. This also means that age is not restricted and that even teenagers struggling with cocaine addiction are welcome.2 

There are many types of users based on the nature of their addiction, but whether you have only consumed cocaine once or you have been using it for a long time, a CA meeting can be the right place for a start. If you are recovering from cocaine addiction, CA meetings have also proved useful after specialized treatment.6

Additionally, CA meetings aren’t reserved for those consuming cocaine only. Individuals who may be using crack cocaine are also welcome. Crack cocaine is significantly more addictive and its withdrawal symptoms are stronger. It’s also more likely to overdose from crack quicker, so these members shouldn’t hesitate to get seek help at these meetings or call available helplines for information.1

Although they are primarily for those struggling with addiction, the CA meetings offer help for people who need new ways to cope with their problems. In general, addiction stems from some stressors in life. That is why there are special groups for those who are sober but need outside support, despite the fact they don’t consume drugs anymore.6

What Is the Duration of Cocaine Anonymous?

There is no defined time period for the duration of attending a single CA group. The time varies because different people have unique needs in terms of successfully going through the 12 steps. Sometimes, people need to go through the 12 steps multiple times, and for some, once is enough.4

However, for those who decide to stick around in a home group, there are possibilities to take certain duties within a group. These duties require a certain period of sobriety and have terms and elections, making people feel like a part of a small society. The duration of these terms varies from 6 months to a couple of years, and some positions are Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Literature, Coffeemaker/Hospitality, Greeter, etc.9

The duration of a single session is also not fixed. It depends on the group and its members.9

How to Find a Cocaine Anonymous Group or Meeting Near me?

If you are wondering whether there are Cocaine Anonymous meetings near you, the most likely answer is: yes. CA can be found nationwide, and it is normally located in the bigger cities, such as Dallas, Las Vegas, New York City, San Diego, and Chicago.3

Addicts’ Anonymous meetings are common in the U.S. and therefore could be separated and found by the regions: Atlantic North, Atlantic South, Midwest, Pacific North, Pacific South, and Southwest. There are also CA meetings in the European region, including Germany, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K.10

In case there are no meetings close by, you are not ready to attend them in person, or you need urgent help, there are always anonymous helplines that are available 24/7 with someone ready to answer your call. Whether it is a hotline offering assistance specifically to cocaine users, or you need help because of other substances, these lines are open and available for you to call.

Any other questions about addiction could be answered on reliable sites as well, and if you need any other type of support, you can find it at local American Addiction Centers, a recognized provider of addiction services that also offers a variety of payment options. Check your insurance eligibility here.

Cocaine Anonymous Meetings Near You

Cocaine Anonymous is organized by regions.11 The easiest and quickest way to track down the nearest local CA locations is to browse the CA network in your area or as close as possible to home or work and contact specific meeting locations.3 

Treatment-seeking and recovering individuals can attend their local Cocaine Anonymous meetings in person, although there is also the option to attend CA meetings online. Once there, they can get a sponsor to help guide them toward lasting sobriety and recovery.12

Cocaine Anonymous Alternatives

Depending on the duration of a person’s cocaine abuse and their proclivity for relapses, merely attending Cocaine Anonymous meetings may not suffice to maintain abstinence and commitment and learn to recognize triggers and implement coping strategies.13

Long-term inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation may be the optimal alternative for many individuals battling long-standing cocaine abuse. These programs often offer a comprehensive scope of services based on a tailored treatment plan, namely:13

  • Medications as part of medication-assisted treatment to manage withdrawal, prevent relapse and overdose, and facilitate recovery.
  • Various forms of behavioral counseling which help recovering individuals modify attitudes and behaviors related to drug use, persist with treatment and increase healthy life skills.
  • Diverse rehabilitation services and support groups.
  • Evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders.
  • Long-term follow-up and relapse prevention strategies.

For many treatment-seeking individuals, treatment is covered by insurance, partially or in full.14 Treatment-seeking individuals who wish to have their insurance verified and find more information about available treatment options nationwide can contact us without hesitation to discuss this and other matters in strict confidence.

Cocaine Anonymous Hotline Numbers

Treatment-seeking individuals can reach out to us at or call state-specific Cocaine Anonymous hotlines.3 Additionally, Alcoholics Anonymous has made it easy and straightforward to discover AA resources in specific areas across the country.15

Frequently Asked Questions

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