In Cocaine Anonymous, we have learned that recovery is open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and that our primary focus is the shared desire to live free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. Many LGBTQ+ members once feared judgment or rejection, yet found unconditional acceptance, understanding, and a sense of belonging within the Fellowship. By recognising our similarities rather than our differences, working the Twelve Steps, and supporting one another, we discover the courage to be ourselves, the joy of sobriety, and the responsibility to extend the same welcome to every newcomer seeking hope and recovery.
“The first time I shared my story at a Cocaine Anonymous meeting, I had expected looks of disgust and fear, but instead I received warm hugs and appreciation. It’s a big change for someone who grew up being taunted and feeling rejected. People in the Fellowship value my individual experience, and many have thanked me for being honest about who I am.”
Many of us have lived our lives in a world of prejudice, bigotry and hatred just because we were lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer/questioning (LGBTQ+)—different from mainstream society. Some of us started using cocaine or other drugs out of a simple desire to feel accepted in a world that seemingly had no place for us. Perhaps it was as simple as finding ourselves swept up in the fast and decadent world of all-night clubs and circuit parties that we had discovered while we explored our sexual orientation. Others sought escape from the harsh judgment and rejection we felt from our families and friends every time we got drunk or high. For many of us, the only way we could deal with our feelings of being different was to numb ourselves with drugs and alcohol.