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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 because,
although it's killing you, cocaine has become the most important thing in
your life. If you somehow, some way, get a break from it, get free for a
moment with a little clarity, you will know this could 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, by doing what we have done. Thousands of recovering
cocaine addicts are living drug-free and owning their lives again, 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 call 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
We use these tools to 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, even 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, but that 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.
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