Get Details on a Leading Support Program for the Loved Ones of Cocaine Addicts
You’ve heard of Al-Anon, but are now asking another important question: What is Co-Anon?
Just as Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship of people trying to stay free from cocaine, Co-Anon members are friends and loved ones of people with a cocaine addiction.
Co-Anon provides a structured, confidential place where the family and friends of drug users. In these groups, they start understanding why their loved one uses substances, and to help build the skill set to love without enabling.
Men and women in the group find hope that Co-Anon may solve their common problem – caring about a struggling person, perhaps even enabling the behavior. Whether your loved one remains in active addiction without intent to quit or wants to stop using cocaine, Co-Anon participation can help.
What Is Co-Anon and Who Is It For?
Co-Anon is a fully self-supporting worldwide fellowship for any person impacted by another’s cocaine or other drug use. Members are often parents, close friends, spouses, or siblings who have watched their loved one’s spiral into addiction. Participants must only desire to stop enabling
The goal of these local groups is to support people who have felt isolated by someone else’s behavior. In Co-Anon, group members learn that they’re not alone. They also learn that they didn’t contribute to the addiction, and they can’t stop it.
While Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship to help others recover from their addiction, Co-Anon helps impacted friends and family members achieve the same freedom.
How Co-Anon Supports Families Affected by Other Mind-Altering Substances
The Co-Anon Preamble clearly states how membership is open to all who wish to engage in the program:
“The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of addiction in a relative or friend. In Co-Anon we are fully self-supporting through our own voluntary contributions.”
-Co-Anon Family Groups World Service Organization. “Co-Anon Family Groups Preamble.” Co-Anon Family Groups, Inc.
Their website also notes that Co-Anon, based in Gilbert, Arizona, is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.”
How Cocaine Anonymous World Service Started Family Support Programs
Cocaine Anonymous, or CA, was formed in 1982. It follows the Twelve-Step Recovery program in collaboration with Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. As the cocaine and drug-specific fellowship grew, it became clear that families, too, needed a recovery program. Family and friends suffered emotionally and financially as they watched the decline of their loved ones.
As Al-Anon fills the gap for Alcoholics Anonymous, Co-Anon helps others achieve the same freedom when loved ones abuse drugs.
Understanding the Twelve-Step Principles in Co-Anon
The primary purpose of Co-Anon is to help members understand that alcohol and drug addiction is a disease. Members of other 12-Step programs must desire to stop using drugs or alcohol. Behind Co-Anon membership is a desire to stop allowing the person struggling with addiction to control their emotional well-being. It requires a mental abstinence from enabling behaviors.
Similar to the famous Twelve-Step Recovery program, it also invites its members to connect with a Higher Power, take a personal inventory, and develop healthier expectations and behaviors in themselves.
Sharing Experience, Strength, and Hope in Recovery
Co-Anon meetings provide a safe place where members can openly discuss their past experiences, while also looking forward to a hopeful new future.
They find emotional strength by listening to others who have shared similar experiences. New attendees often express that they feel a sense of relief right away.
Co-Anon In-Person and Online Meetings in Phoenix, Arizona
Co-Anon has fewer in-person meeting opportunities than other 12-Step Groups; however, they offer a robust online platform. In the Phoenix, Arizona area, you have two good meeting options:
Online/Zoom meeting: Monday at 6 PM “Vision of Hope” meeting.
In-person meeting: Thursday at 6:30 PM, “Off the Roller Coaster” meeting. Join them at 325 E. Elliot Road, Suite 29, Chandler, AZ.
Staying Involved with Co-Anon’s Upcoming Events
Following the 7th tradition of the Twelve Traditions:
“We are fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.” -Co-Anon World Services
While there are no fees for membership, you can make your own contributions to the financial health of the program by purchasing literature and attending any local events.
Check with your local group to learn how you can help others recover by providing financial support if you have the means.
Find Peace and Understanding as Your Loved One Heals
Your peace and mental well-being matter. Like Co-Anon, we help others to recover from their addiction – both those struggling and their loved ones. If you hope to encourage someone to get treatment, consider the evidence-based treatment program they will receive at Purpose Healing Center.
Our Joint-Commission Accredited programs include individual and family counseling, helping families put the pieces of lives shattered by addiction back together.
Connect with Purpose to Provide Your Loved One With Support
When it’s time for healing, our treatment center can help equip your loved one with the coping skills to overcome addiction and find a new sense of purpose.
Our Scottsdale and Phoenix area locations offer a full continuum of care to ensure all have the opportunity to heal.
Call us today for free, confidential information on how our team can help your loved one get clean.
480-579-3319