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.....AND ALL OTHER MIND ALTERING
SUBSTANCES
STEP
ONE
We
admitted we were powerless over cocaine and all other
mind-altering substances--that our lives had become unmanageable.
What
exactly does the "and all other mind-altering substances" part
mean? I
came to Cocaine Anonymous because cocaine had become a problem in my
life.
We in Cocaine Anonymous, who have been around a while, hear this statement
all the time from newcomers. If you read on, we will share with you how we
learned that our real problem was not just cocaine or any specific drug; it
was
the disease of addiction.
Some of us never even used cocaine. There were other drugs that got us into
trouble. Or, maybe it was the combination of cocaine, alcohol, marijuana,
or
heroin that had made our lives miserable. Cocaine Anonymous' first step is
viewed by our Fellowship as a "blanket" first step. All types of
drug users are
welcome as long as they have the desire to stop using.
In our using days, we rode drug roller coasters. There were drugs to come
down
with, drugs to go up with, and drugs to mellow out with. In recovery, we
had
discovered, sometimes the hard way, through relapse, that we could not
control
our use of any mind-altering substances. If our bodies were not absolutely
drug-free, the compulsion to use was always lurking. We inevitably returned
to
our favorite drug, or went back to an old preference in chemicals. Whatever
the
drug, the problem of not being able to stop would resurface, usually
stronger
than before.
Here is an example: imagine that you have just run out of cocaine and
cannot get
any more. What would you use as it's substitute? Alcohol? Speed? Heroin?
The
list could go on and on. It really wouldn't matter what you'd substitute
for
cocaine. The point is that you would soon find yourself unable to stop
using and
would be worrying about when you would run out of your replacement drug.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is a mind-altering chemical in liquid form. Many people don't
realize that it is no different from cocaine, marijuana, painkillers, or
tranquilizers in its ability to lead to addiction. One drink is never
enough,
just as one hit, fix, pill or snort is never enough. We are masters at
combining and substituting one drug for another to get high. Many of us
never felt that alcohol was part of our problem. However, take away the
drug of choice, substitute another, and eventually it becomes a problem
drug.
PAINKILLERS
Our bodies and minds don't know the difference between drugs used for
pain relief and drugs used for pleasure. It is wise to inform each of your
physicians, from your dentist to your
orthopedic surgeon, from your psychiatrist to your medical doctor, that
you are a recovering addict. They might already know, especially if you
have abused prescription drugs. Informing your doctors is suggested
because they should keep this in mind before prescribing anything that
could threaten your recovery.
Sometimes, the use of painkillers is necessary if you are suffering
physically. Don't be alone with your worst enemy. We are people who
like drugs -- a lot! The drugs can talk to you and soon have you
convinced that you need them more frequently than prescribed. Another
recovering addict to talk to, an informed prescribing physician, and
medication dispensed by someone other than yourself can be helpful in
preventing abuse.
TRANQUILIZERS, ANTI-DEPRESSANTS AND OTHER
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
In sobriety we begin to experience feelings that have been buried deep
within ourselves. Sometimes these feelings seem to surface all at once.
Follow the advice of a physician who is aware that you are a recovering
addict if it comes to the need to use tranquilizers, antidepressants, or
other
prescription drugs.
Abruptly stopping the use of such drugs can be dangerous and even
deadly if not done under the guidance of an informed physician.
OVER THE COUNTER AND COMMONLY USED LEGAL DRUGS
Over-the-counter and legal drugs, such as cough syrup that contain
alcohol and/or codeine, diet pills that act like speed, and antihistamines
that cause drowsiness and can be abused to induce sleep, can be just as
addicting as street drugs. We suggest that you become a label reader.
There are many more products on the market that contain mind-altering
chemicals that can be dangerous to an addict who has the potential to
abuse just about anything.
In summary, we suggest that you ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have
any
questions that are unanswered. Be honest with your sponsor about what drugs
you take or are prescribed to you. Uninformed addicts are a danger to
themselves.
When you realize that you no longer need drugs to come down, go up, or
maintain, you have experienced one of the many joys and freedoms of
recovery.
You have stopped using and have started to live.
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