Cocaine Anonymous follows the Twelve Steps, adapted from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, as a practical program of recovery from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. Guided by a sponsor and a higher being of our own understanding, we begin by admitting our powerlessness and the unmanageability of our lives, then progress through self-examination, admitting our wrongs, becoming ready to change, making amends, and continuing daily reflection. Through prayer, meditation, and carrying the message to others, we practise these principles in all our affairs, finding freedom from active addiction and building a new way of life.
This pamphlet contains a description of one method for taking the Twelve Steps of Cocaine Anonymous. To help us work the Twelve Steps, Cocaine Anonymous uses a text entitled Alcoholics Anonymous, commonly referred to as the “Big Book.” When studying this text, some of us find it useful to substitute the word “cocaine” for “alcohol” and the word “using” for “drinking,” although in the process, some of us discovered that we are alcoholics as well as addicts.
Because some of our members believe there are ways to take the Steps other than the method described in the Big Book, we suggest that the reader seek guidance from a sponsor, an experienced C.A. member, or their Higher Power, to help them decide on the method that is right for them.
This pamphlet is not a substitute for using the Big Book and a sponsor. Its purpose is to shed light on the Twelve-Step program in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, as it relates to our addiction.