Cocaine Anonymous (CA): What to Expect
Cocaine Anonymous (CA) is a 12-step fellowship for people who want to stop using cocaine, crack, and other drugs. Founded in 1982, CA runs meetings in person and online through ca.org, with formats ranging from speaker meetings to newcomer meetings.
Why Does Cocaine Anonymous Exist?
Cocaine and crack cocaine are real drugs with real consequences. But if you've tried AA or NA, you might have felt like you didn't quite fit.
Cocaine addiction has specific features:
- Binge patterns
- Specific triggers
- Unique shame and stigma
- Financial devastation
- Legal consequences
- Relationship destruction
In NA or AA, these experiences don't always resonate. In CA, people understand. This guide covers what CA is and what to expect.
What Is CA?
Cocaine Anonymous was founded in 1982. Like AA and NA, it's a 12-step program based on the idea that addicts can help each other stay clean.
CA focuses specifically on cocaine and crack addiction, but members often struggle with other substances too. The key requirement is "a desire to stop using cocaine."
Who Is CA For?
CA is for anyone who wants to stop using:
- Cocaine
- Crack cocaine
- Other drugs (many CA members also use other substances)
You don't have to be a "hardcore" user. If cocaine or crack has become a problem, CA is for you.
What Are CA Meetings Like?
Common formats:
- Speaker meetings
- Discussion meetings
- Step meetings
- Newcomer meetings
The meeting flow:
- Opening readings (CA literature)
- Introductions: "Hi, I'm [name], and I'm an addict"
- Sharing
- Closing readings
What people share:
- Their using history with cocaine
- How it affected their life
- What recovery has given them
- Struggles and successes
How Does CA Compare to Other Programs?
| Factor | CA | NA | AA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary drug focus | Cocaine | All drugs | Alcohol |
| Size | Smaller than NA/AA | Medium | Largest |
| Format | 12-step | 12-step | 12-step |
Important: Many CA members also use other drugs. CA is welcoming to anyone with a cocaine problem, even if you also used other substances.
How Do You Find CA Meetings?
Online:
- CA website: ca.org (check for virtual meetings)
- InTheRooms.com sometimes hosts CA meetings
- Video calls through local groups
In-person:
- Use the CA meeting finder on ca.org
- Check major cities (more likely to have meetings)
- Some NA/AA spaces host CA meetings
If there isn't a meeting near you:
- Try online CA meetings
- Attend NA meetings (some are cocaine-friendly)
- Consider SMART Recovery
What Does the CA Community Look Like?
CA offers peer support, sponsorship, step work, and a place where everyone understands what cocaine does to a life.
The community is smaller than NA or AA, but that can mean tighter bonds.
Is CA Right for You?
CA is a good fit if:
- Cocaine is your primary drug
- You don't feel understood in other meetings
- You want specific support for your experience
- You're comfortable with the 12-step model
CA probably isn't right if:
- You prefer secular approaches (try SMART Recovery)
- There are no meetings near you
- You want a different recovery model
How Do You Get Started?
- Find a meeting. Check ca.org.
- Try online if local isn't available.
- Go to a newcomer meeting.
- Get a phone number.
- Go back three times before deciding.
Virtual meetings exist, so check online first. NA meetings welcome cocaine users too. SMART Recovery is another option if you want something science-based. Whatever you try, give it at least three meetings before you decide. Get numbers. Build community.
If cocaine is your struggle, CA offers community with people who get it. That's worth finding.
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