Do you have a problem with drugs or alcohol?
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Addict
Do you have the same problem we had?
In CA, members often describe the problem as having difficulty controlling when we choose to use drugs or drink alcohol and when we use/drink we lose the ability to decide how much we use/drink. We have developed a kind of "mental obsession" and a "physical allergy". The mental obsession involves an irresistible thought of drugs or alcohol and the next high. Despite increasing consequences or promises to ourselves to stop, we use/drink again. The physical allergy makes us react differently to drugs and alcohol than normal people. We lose our ability to stop using or drink once we have started.
Do you have difficulty controlling at which times you choose to use drugs or drink alcohol?
When you use drugs or drink alcohol, do you find it difficult to limit the amount you use/drink?
If you recognize yourself, you may have the same problem we had. Only you can decide.
Drug addiction/alcoholism is a disease that affects us mentally, physically and spiritually. The disease is chronic and progressive, meaning there is no cure that turns us into non-drug addicts/alcoholics and seen over time the problem only gets worse.
The solution through the 12 Step Program
We, who today, identify ourselves as members of CA came to CA because our drug use or drinking had become a problem that was difficult for us to solve ourselves, although we were often reluctant to admit it. Many of us were doubtful that CA and CA's 12 Steps would be the solution to our problem.
We have found that through the practice of the program – CA's 12 Steps – we have moved from the problem of drug and alcohol addiction to the solution for recovery. Today we are sober and free from addiction.
You'll find us at CA meetings — we are there to help you and other addicts achieve the same freedom that we ourselves have found. Part of the 12th Step is to help others – by doing so, we keep our own sobriety.
Only you can decide if you want CA's program, no one else can make that decision for you.
CA Helpline Sweden : +46(0)735-83 86 30
The helpline is mainly for those who have a problem with drugs or alcohol and want to get in touch with us. You can call at any time of the day. If we don't respond, you have the option to leave a message if you want us to call you back.
In CA, members often describe the problem as having difficulty controlling when we choose to use drugs or drink alcohol and when we use/drink we lose the ability to decide how much we use/drink.
CA is a non-professional, non-profit twelve-step fellowship of addicts that helps each other become and stay sober. CA offers a worldwide supportive fellowship and a lasting recovery program.
The first step towards solving any problem is admitting that there is a problem. We need to realize that we are powerless to drugs and alcohol and understand that we have lost control.
All forms of participation in CA are entirely voluntary. CA's third tradition reads: "The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances".
One of CA's most important principles is anonymity. Members and visitors in meetings are asked not to disclose who we have seen at a meeting or what someone has shared.
In CA meetings, we meet with other recovering addicts that we can help and who can help us. Most CA meetings in Sweden have a given basic form.
It's important to have a sponsor in order to be able to work the twelve steps. A sponsor is a sober addict who has taken the twelve steps and is available to guide others through step work and support them in recovery.
An important part of recovery and belonging to the fellowship is being of service. For example, this might mean having an assignment (so-called service position) in a service group for a specific meeting.
There are no costs for being a CA member, attending meetings or having a sponsor. However, since CA is entirely self-supporting, we ask for voluntary contributions from members at meetings to cover expenses such as coffee and the rental of venues.
CA has only one requirement for membership: A desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. That's the only thing, nothing else. Few come to CA to find God, we came to CA to find a solution to our problems.
As a family member, friend or colleague of a person with substance abuse problems, it can be tempting to try to solve the person's problem in different ways.
CA can function as an important complement to other forms of care and treatment. Together we can help more people.
CA welcomes all types of inquiries and is happy to cooperate with the media, provided that the requirement to preserve the anonymity of our members is met.
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1. We admitted we were powerless over cocaine and all other mind-altering substances — that our lives had become unmanageable.
The readings "To the Newcomer", "Preamble", "Who is a C.A. member", "We can recover" and "Reaching out" are usually read at CA meetings.