After addiction brought his life to breaking point, local resident Danny (not his real name) explains how Cocaine Anonymous helped him find sobriety and discover a second chance at life
“Welcome to Cocaine Anonymous. We do hugs, not drugs!” This was the warm greeting I was given when I entered my first Cocaine Anonymous meeting at a venue on Derby Road, South Woodford, back in March 2013.
At that point, my life had progressively fallen apart. Despite leaving school a straight-A student, studying law at a good university, building a successful career in the City, having a wife and two young babies and a nice home locally, I couldn’t stop using cocaine and drinking alcohol. I had to admit that I couldn’t do it on my own; I couldn’t control how much I drank or used once I started, and once I had stopped, I couldn’t stay stopped.
I thought addicts were junkies doing heroin on stairwells and alcoholics were old men on park benches. At Cocaine Anonymous, I found they were doctors, lawyers, teachers, men, women, Muslims, Catholics, mums and dads. I learnt that addiction doesn’t discriminate and isn’t caused by circumstances or trauma.
It was such a relief to finally understand that:
- Addiction is an illness.
- I wasn’t alone.
- There was a way out.
I got a sponsor at my first meeting, a man who was three years sober and who was willing to help me as he had been helped previously. This man took me through the 12-step recovery programme that was developed by Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1930s and has since helped millions of people around the world tackle all different forms of addiction.
That was 13 years ago, and I haven’t drunk or used since. I thought giving up was the end; in truth, it was the beginning.
Addiction is a family illness and the damage I did to my family haunted me for many years in my early sobriety. But Cocaine Anonymous delivered a family solution. I have been able to make amends for the harm I caused and to finally become the husband, father, son and brother I always wanted to be. Addiction robbed me of my ambition, my hopes and my dreams. Recovery has given me a second chance at life, something I will be eternally grateful for.
Sure, as is the case for most people, life isn’t without its challenges. But by working recovery, one day at a time, I know I never have to drink or use again, no matter what.
Cocaine Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship and there are 100 meetings in London every week. If you or someone you know thinks they have a problem with drink or drugs, there is a place that offers a way out. It did for me. I only wish I had found it sooner.
For more information on local Cocaine Anonymous meetings, visit ca-london.org
