Cocaine Anonymous emerged during the cocaine epidemic of the 1980s to address the specific needs of people struggling with cocaine addiction. Today, CA serves anyone seeking freedom from cocaine, crack, and all mind-altering substances.
For recovery professionals, understanding CA provides another option in the Twelve Step landscape—particularly for clients whose cocaine use is central to their addiction story.
What is Cocaine Anonymous?
Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope to help each other recover from addiction. Founded in 1982 in Los Angeles, CA adapted the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions for cocaine addiction.
Despite its name, CA isn't limited to cocaine users. CA's Third Tradition states that the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. This means CA welcomes anyone struggling with addiction, regardless of their drug of choice.
This broad definition reflects how addiction works in practice—most people struggling with cocaine also use other substances, and CA recognizes that recovery means freedom from all mind-altering chemicals.
CA's Scope
CA serves people whose experience includes:
- Powder cocaine
- Crack cocaine
- Any other mind-altering substances
- Multiple substance use patterns
While CA's history is rooted in cocaine addiction specifically, the fellowship has evolved to welcome anyone seeking recovery from substance addiction.
The CA Program
CA uses the same Twelve Steps as AA, adapted by replacing "alcohol" with "cocaine and all other mind-altering substances" in the First Step:
"We admitted we were powerless over cocaine and all other mind-altering substances—that our lives had become unmanageable."
The remaining steps are identical to AA's, focusing on spiritual awakening, moral inventory, amends, and carrying the message to others.
CA's Core Principles
Any Mind-Altering Substance – CA's abstinence model includes all mind-altering substances—alcohol, marijuana, prescription drug misuse—not just cocaine.
Focus on the Solution – CA emphasizes focusing on recovery ("the solution") rather than dwelling on problems and drug histories.
The Hope Message – CA's tagline is "We're Here and We're Free." The fellowship emphasizes hope and the possibility of full recovery.
Identification Over Comparison – Like other Twelve Step programs, CA encourages members to identify what they share with others rather than comparing differences.
Meeting Culture
CA meetings follow standard Twelve Step formats:
- Speaker meetings
- Discussion meetings
- Step study meetings
- Literature meetings
Cultural Characteristics
Cocaine-specific identification – For people whose cocaine use was central to their addiction, hearing others share about similar experiences provides powerful identification.
Often high-energy – Cocaine addiction can involve particular patterns (bingeing, comedowns, paranoia, financial ruin) that create shared understanding.
Broad substance acceptance – Despite the name, members' drug histories vary widely, creating diverse meetings.
Recovery celebration – CA culture emphasizes celebrating clean time and the freedom of recovery.
Sponsorship
CA uses the sponsorship model. Sponsors guide newcomers through the Twelve Steps and provide ongoing recovery support. Finding a sponsor whose experience resonates—particularly around cocaine if that's central to the newcomer's story—can enhance the relationship.
Who Benefits from CA?
People whose cocaine use was primary – For those who identify primarily as cocaine addicts, CA offers specific identification that AA or NA might not provide as directly.
People who want cocaine-specific community – Hearing stories that mirror their cocaine-specific experiences can strengthen connection and engagement.
People who used cocaine with other substances – CA's recognition that addiction rarely involves just one substance welcomes polysubstance users.
People seeking smaller meetings – CA meetings are typically smaller than AA meetings, which some people prefer.
Who Might Look Elsewhere?
People in areas without CA meetings – CA has far fewer meetings than AA or NA. Urban areas typically have some meetings; rural areas often have none.
People whose cocaine use was minor – Someone whose primary issue was alcohol or opioids might find better identification in AA or NA.
Secular individuals – Like all Twelve Step programs, CA has a spiritual foundation that may not suit thoroughly secular clients.
People seeking the largest possible meeting selection – NA or AA offer more meeting options in most locations.
CA vs. NA
Clients sometimes wonder whether CA or NA is the better fit. Some considerations:
Identification – Where does the client identify most? Someone who sees cocaine as their defining problem might prefer CA; someone who sees themselves as an addict regardless of substance might prefer NA's broader focus.
Availability – NA has far more meetings in most areas. Practical access may determine the choice.
Meeting feel – The only way to know is to try both. Encourage clients to attend several meetings of each before deciding.
Both is possible – Some people attend both CA and NA, depending on what's available and where they find connection.
Practical Information for Professionals
Finding Meetings
CA's meeting finder is at ca.org. Meeting availability varies significantly:
- Major metropolitan areas typically have multiple meetings
- Mid-sized cities may have a few meetings
- Rural areas rarely have CA meetings
Online meetings have expanded options for those without local meetings.
When to Suggest CA
Consider CA when:
- Cocaine is central to the client's story and identity
- The client has tried AA or NA and didn't connect
- The client expresses interest in cocaine-specific support
- CA meetings exist in the client's area
Integration with Treatment
CA works alongside professional treatment. For clients whose cocaine use is the presenting problem, introducing CA during treatment can establish connections that persist after discharge.
Like other Twelve Step programs, CA provides:
- Peer support and community
- Sponsorship for step work
- Structure and accountability
- A path for ongoing recovery
The Evidence Base
Research specifically on CA is limited, but the program shares AA's structure and theoretical foundation. Research on Twelve Step programs generally supports their effectiveness, and similar mechanisms likely apply to CA.
CA and Multiple Pathways
CA is one option among several for cocaine addiction recovery:
- NA serves cocaine addicts without the cocaine-specific focus
- SMART Recovery offers a secular, cognitive-behavioral approach
- Professional treatment (inpatient, outpatient, therapy)
- Matrix Model and other evidence-based outpatient programs
- Contingency management programs
The best approach depends on the individual. CA offers value for those who connect with its cocaine-specific focus and Twelve Step framework.
Help Your Clients Find CA Meetings Near Them
SobaSearch maintains a curated database covering many communities of CA (Cocaine Anonymous) meetings across the United States. Enter a zip code to find meetings in your client's area.
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