We go through life surviving problems. It is a fact that cannot be denied. We may cry and ignore some of these problems but we cannot ever fully escape from them. Indeed, we are evidently alive 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 glad? 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. Relating this to addiction, one should not face the struggle of addiction alone. There are plenty of people who are very eager to help. Loved ones are there to offer 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.
There is a companionship of people who share the same experiences from cocaine. Their companionship is called Cocaine Anonymous. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop the use of cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. There are no dues for membership; they are fully self supporting by their own contributions. They are not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution. They do not wish to engage in any hullabaloo and they neither support nor resist 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.
Cocaine Anonymous began in Los Angeles in 1982, and has since expanded throughout the United States and Canada, with groups now forming in Europe. Their literature 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.
Similar to alcoholics anonymous, cocaine anonymous uses the twelve step program in dealing with their members’ problems. They personalized some steps to fit the needs of the group. The dynamics of cocaine anonymous believes that being of service to others is a way towards recovery from cocaine dependence. With this, fellow addicts share their own experiences, feelings, and struggles among each other hoping that through this, one would appreciate the beauty of life and that he is not alone in the battle. The main purpose 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 ridiculed; rather, they are helped and loved. Here, members are acknowledged 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 always there to lend a hand to your cocaine problems.