What is Cocaine Anonymous?

Cocaine Anonymous is a 12 step program that was created to help people recover from cocaine use. It is a fellowship of peer supporters who want to follow a proven program for long term abstinence from cocaine and all other mind altering substances.

The organization is spiritual in nature, but is not affiliated with any denomination, religion or political party. The goal of Cocaine Anonymous is to help others find freedom from cocaine addiction.

How Do Cocaine and Narcotics Anonymous Work?

Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous are both structured after the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 step mode of recovery. Like AA, Narcotics Anonymous meetings and Cocaine Anonymous meetings include peer coaching, individual sponsorship and fellowship.

Their 12 step programs are based largely on the literature, such as the Narcotics Anonymous book and the Cocaine Anonymous book. These are, respectively, The NA White Book and Hope, Faith, & Courage. Both Cocaine Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous online meetings offer virtual recovery support and education anytime and anywhere it may be needed.

What are the 12 Steps of Cocaine Anonymous?

The Cocaine Anonymous 12 Steps are inspired by and similar to those used in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as well as the Narcotics Anonymous 12 steps. These include:

Step 1. We admitted we were powerless over cocaine and all other mind-altering substances and that our lives had become unmanageable.

The first step is surrendering to the realization of powerlessness over the addiction because all efforts to quit have failed.

Step 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

The second step is surrendering to the realization that they are no longer the center of the universe and they must trust something or someone bigger than themself if they are to recover.

Step 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

The third step is the beginning of the action of surrendering.

Step 4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

Step four is a realistic evaluation of behavior and beliefs that have been destructive in life.

Step 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

Step five is the acknowledgement that cocaine addiction has damaged others and not just self.

Step 6. We’re entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

Step six is the act of surrendering the identified flaws to the higher power as it is understood, and building awareness of these flaws as they integrate into our identity and are overcome in recovery.

Step 7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

Step seven is the recognition that meaningful change must occur through the recognition of our flaws and their power over us until we release them into the hands of our Higher Power.

Step 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

Step eight is the action of listing all those injuries in preparation of the next step. When done with a sponsor, it is a crucial follow up to steps four through seven.

Step 9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

Step nine is perhaps the most difficult of all the steps because it includes approaching those harmed during cocaine use and making amends. Amends are more than an apology. They are a direct demonstration of a changed life.

Step 10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

The final three steps initiate the maintenance phase of recovery where practices become part of the everyday life of sobriety.

Step 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.

The continuation of the spiritual emphasis of recovery is the grounding element in remaining abstinent from cocaine long term.

Step 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.

The growth of the message of the 12 steps is established in this final step, being of service to others and sharing the experience, strength and hope of recovery.

How is Cocaine Anonymous Different from Narcotics Anonymous?

Narcotics Anonymous focuses on recovery from various drug types including narcotics that are both legally prescribed or illegally obtained. Cocaine Anonymous focuses on overcoming cocaine addiction principally.

However, if you have a polysubstance addiction then CA can help you overcome those dependencies as well. Both programs follow the original 12 Step pattern of group therapy meetings, individual sponsorship and peer support recovery.

Is Cocaine Anonymous Right for Me?

Addiction may not be limited to cocaine and may include additional substances. If you are able to answer yes to any of these questions then Cocaine Anonymous may be a good support for recovery.

Have you ever used more cocaine than intended?
Has the use of cocaine interfered with your work?
Is using cocaine interfering with your relationships?
Do you feel guilty after using cocaine?
Have you tried to stop using cocaine and been unable to?
Are you craving cocaine when not using it?
Are you experiencing any physical problems as a result of using cocaine?
Are you struggling to sleep regularly because of using cocaine?
Do you keep using cocaine until it is all gone and then crave more?
Are you making high risk decisions or acting in dangerous situations to get cocaine?

Where Can I Find Information about Cocaine Anonymous?

These resources provide the best information on how to find cocaine anonymous meetings close to home, or how to get help for a cocaine addiction.

Rehab.com: Our online treatment finder can help you connect with local providers that offer cocaine recovery support.

SAMHSA Helpline: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline can help you better understand addiction and connect you with services.

Doctor: Your physician knows your health history well and can help you find the support you need to overcome addiction.

Local Support Groups: Local 12 step groups including CA and NA meetings can help you connect with others who are on a similar recovery journey.

What Are the Treatment Options for Cocaine Addiction?

Evidence suggests the longer a person stays in treatment, the better the outcome of long term sobriety. This often involves a gradual step-down approach, combining structured treatment programs with ongoing support, such as 12-step groups and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which can continue throughout recovery. These are the most common treatment options available: