The online Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous provides access to meetings and information about C.A.’s Twelve-Step recovery program 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in addition to in-person meetings around the globe.
Online meetings* are a bridge that connects the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous to addicts in recovery as well as those who still suffer from active addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. In many cases, online meetings are the first point of contact in establishing a lifeline of recovery from addiction.
People choose to attend online meetings for many different reasons. Some may wish to explore online meetings simply for a new experience. Whatever the inspiration, online meetings have something to offer everyone.
A Brief History
In 1995, Cocaine Anonymous created its first website. Almost immediately, the C.A. World Service Office was flooded with emails asking, “Are there any online meetings?”
C.A.’s first online meeting, “Hope, Faith & Courage,” began on an email platform in 1997. By 1999, two more online meetings had formed: “Sisters in Sobriety;” and “The Study.” At the 2000 C.A. World Service Conference, the Online Service Area was formally recognized, making it the online equivalent to our traditional Areas. VoIP and virtual platform meetings began in 2010.
Our online community continues to grow, bringing its light into places where the message of Cocaine Anonymous has not yet shone for the addict who still suffers.
In 2020, when many of our usual meeting facilities closed due to the pandemic, C.A.’s online presence rapidly expanded. Groups have been able to not only survive, but thrive by taking their meetings online. No longer limited by geography, connections within the same meeting are now possible for members across different time zones, even on different continents.
Today, there are daily online meetings for members from countries around the world and in a multitude of languages. Translation services may be available as well.
By engaging in online meetings, many have found the solution offered by C.A.’s Twelve-Step program as well as a place to call home. Cocaine Anonymous members have formed lifelong friendships, found sponsors and/or sponsees, and have been inspired to attend C.A. conventions and events worldwide.
Starting an Online C.A. Meeting
Anyone can start an online C.A. meeting, so long as they have access to the necessary technology.** Starting a meeting not only enhances your own recovery, but it contributes to the growth of Cocaine Anonymous as a whole. The effort involved is minimal, but the rewards are infinite. All it takes is willingness, commitment, and at least one person with a desire to stay sober and help others do the same.
Due to the technologies used for online meetings, protecting members’ anonymity, collecting Seventh-Tradition donations, and otherwise observing C.A.’s Traditions involves a different approach than in face- to-face meetings. We suggest you first contact your local C.A. District or Area for guidance.*** You may also wish to reach out to the World Service Office via the contact information on the front of this pamphlet or via email at cawso@ca.org.
Once the platform, day, and time for the new meeting have been established, the next task is to get the word out. Have the new meeting listed on your local C.A. website. Announce it in other C.A. meetings, and share details with anyone needing additional information. Let people know the new meeting is for newcomers and old-timers alike and that support would be appreciated. We recover together.
Getting Connected
Whether you’re a computer wizard or someone who doesn’t even have a smartphone, online recovery is always at your fingertips. All that’s required is internet access or even just a landline.** The key is having the courage to ask for help, whether you’re reaching out to a tech-savvy friend or family member or to someone in C.A. We will always be here to help. You too can find recovery and create a life filled with hope, faith and courage.
