Tools of Recovery

There comes a time when the cocaine stops working-a time when the coke, the other drugs, and all the madness become unbearable. By then, you just can't stop, so you manage to score and somehow survive and keep on using be- cause, although it's killing you, cocaine has become the most important thing in your life. If, somehow, some way, you get a break from it, get free for a moment with a little clarity, you will know this may be your last chance. You must stop using now, and you are really scared. You want to stay away from cocaine, but you don't know how.

If you want to be clean and sober, you can be. If you want what we have, you can have it. No matter how much cocaine you have used or how low you have sunk, you can get away and stay away from cocaine. But you must do what we have done. Thousands of recovering cocaine addicts are living drug-free and own their lives again. They are doing this by actively using the tools of recovery in the program of Cocaine Anonymous. These are some of the tools that work for us:

TOTAL ABSTINENCE: We who have lost control of our cocaine consumption must abstain from all mind-altering substances. Our experience is that our addiction is invariably triggered by the use of alcohol or other drugs. just don't drink or use, no matter what.

MEETINGS: This is where we meet other recovering addicts. What we failed to do alone we can do together. We share our experience, strength, and hope at meetings. We also learn valuable information about our disease and how the program of Cocaine Anonymous works in our lives. We suggest that you get a meeting directory and go to 90 meetings in 90 days.

LITERATURE: The books Alcoholics Anonymous (the 'Big Book') and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (the 'Twelve and Twelve') of Alcoholics Anonymous are two of our most valuable tools of recovery. Cocaine Anonymous publishes numerous pieces of literature to further help the recovering addict.

SPONSOR: A sponsor is a recovering addict with more sobriety and Program experience than yourself who will help you work the Steps. He or she (same sex is recommended) should be someone you think you can communicate with. Begin looking for a sponsor immediately. You can change sponsors if the relationship doesn't work.

THE TWELVE STEPS: Meetings may keep you sober for some time, but the Twelve Steps of Cocaine Anonymous are vital for a stable and happy recovery. The Steps of Cocaine Anonymous are the means by which we move from the problem of drug addiction to the solution of recovery. We learn about the Steps by reading the literature, by attending Step study meetings, and by working with a knowledgeable sponsor.

HIGHER POWER: We urge new members to explore whatever beliefs they may have in a Power greater than themselves. There are no religious requirements or beliefs necessary for membership. Some of us either lost our spirituality before we came to C.A. or have never had any spiritual beliefs. As we recovered, many of us experienced new or reawakened spiritual feelings. Be open-minded.

SERVICE: One of the keys to successful recovery is getting involved. Begin by getting and keeping commitments at meetings - make coffee; help clean up; put away chairs. Help yourself by helping others.

TELEPHONE: The telephone is our lifeline between meetings. Get phone numbers from other C.A. members. We are usually shy about calling at first, but we must find a way to do it. We suggest you cal I someone in the Program daily.

ONE DAY AT A TIME: The thought of making a pledge to never use again can be discouraging. We stay clean and sober one day at a time, and if necessary, one hour or even one minute at a time.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION: These are the tools with which we establish and improve our conscious contact with God, as we understand Him. We have found the Serenity Prayer to be very helpful:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

Make your recovery your number one priority. All your hopes and plans, your very survival, depend on a drug-free you. Staying away from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances may be the greatest challenge you will ever face. The early period can be tough. This does not mean you are not getting better. Beware of thoughts like "I don't feel good", or "This is not working.' Recovery is a process and it takes time.

We hope that by using these tools you will find the same joy and freedom we have found. Just remember to be patient and keep coming back.