Whenever a problem arises in your life, what do you do? Cry for help? Figure it out on your own? Or simply ignore it? Life is not life without problems. Indeed, we are evidently living because we bleed, we get hurt. We have weaknesses. That’s human nature. Moreover, being human is not just self-centered. It’s not just me-directed. Human beings cannot live alone. Visualize a person who is left on the streets alone with nothing. Is he happy? Or imagine a very wealthy person living in a mansion, alone. Is he happy? No. nobody is happy when they are isolated.
Above might be an introduction worth pondering about and you may begin to speculate why I am writing about it. In relation to addiction, one should not face the struggle of addiction on his/her own. There are lots of people who are very willing to help. Loved ones are there to provide love and care. Friends are there to support you along the way. In dealing with addiction one should try to find aid from others. And for some, they seek help from fellow addicts.
Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from their addiction. The only requirement for membership is the want to stop the use of cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. There are no fees for membership; they are fully self supporting through their own contributions. They are not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution. They do not wish to take on in any controversy and they neither approve nor oppose any causes. Their main principle is to stay free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, and to help others achieve the same freedom.
Now there is an association growing even in Europe; Cocaine Anonymous which started in Los Angeles on 1982 and expanded throughout the United States and Canada. Their writing is accessible in English, French, and Spanish and their first book “Hope, Faith and Courage: Stories from the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous” was published in 1994. As of 1996, they estimated their membership at 30,000 members in over 2,000 groups.
Cocaine Anonymous uses the twelve step program just as Alcoholics Anonymous uses it in dealing with problems of their members. They modified some steps to fit the needs of the group. The dynamics of cocaine anonymous believes that being of service to others is a path towards recovery from addiction. With this, fellow addicts share their own experiences, feelings, and struggles among each other hoping that through this, one would appreciate the splendor of life and that he is not alone in the battle. The primary goal of cocaine anonymous is merely not to cure the person from the addiction, but mostly, to heal the person’s heart after all the struggles he had been through. It is more of spiritual healing and practicing willpower to start life anew away from the drugs that once destroyed his or her life.
Cocaine anonymous, just like any other fellowship such as alcoholics anonymous, emotions anonymous, overeaters anonymous, is a very good channel for those who are suffering from addiction, most especially cocaine addiction in pouring out their emotions and pain. Here, addicts are not mocked; rather, they are helped and loved. Here, members are praised for their bravery and courage in facing their problems and for their humility that they need others to help them fight the battle. Moreover, previous addicts who have already improved could be a good source of inspiration for active addicts. They could sponsor those who are still in the process of healing and guide these people towards the light.
Cocaine Anonymous is an organization that can help you fight your problems.