The Tina Resource Guide

Emergency
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Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) Toronto

Introduction to CMA
Other 12-Step programmes

Introduction to the CMA programme

What is CMA?

CMA is a fellowship of people for whom crystal meth has become a serious problem. The members of CMA meet regularly to create a safe environment to share support and fellowship.

The fellowship advocates abstinence from crystal meth. Many in attendance at a typical meeting will identify as addicts, though not all. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using Tina. CMA can be a useful tool for those wanting to change their use patterns.

CMA is part of the 12-Step anonymous fellowship family begun with Alcoholics Anonymous. CMA was formed because it was recognized that there are particular issues related to Tina use and sex, especially with gay and bi men.

What are the 12-steps?

The 12-Steps are a set of principles designed to produce a spiritual awakening. The steps promote actions that help people achieve and maintain sobriety. They offer a plan for recovery that helps repair the damage crystal meth has caused. The steps guide members in new ways of living to create a fulfilling life in recovery.

Why one day at a time?

One day at a time is a core message of all 12-Step programmes including CMA. For many users, the idea of never using again seems impossible. Focusing on forever means users may lose sight of what they can do now. CMA advocates making a commitment to not use ‘just for today.’

What about slips and relapse?

While slips and relapses are common in recovery from substance abuse, especially from Tina, they don’t have to be. If members sincerely want to stay clean, the programme helps makes it possible - one day at a time.

It is easier to stay clean than to get clean. Using again starts the cycle of craving and reinforces the old brain pathways the user is trying to modify. It is important to quickly break the pattern of slips especially when they become full fledged relapses, or returns to regular use patterns.

CMA reinforces the value of being able to identify risk situations. CMA members are encouraged to call someone from the programme or their sponsor and get to a meeting to discuss the urge.

If relapses do occur, they can be powerful learning experiences. CMA suggests rigorous honesty in admitting use and returning to meetings and working the programme immediately.

What about alcohol and other drug use?

CMA is an abstinence based programme based on the disease model of addiction. This perspective views all mind altering substances as dangerous because they can lead users back to crystal meth. Tina users sometimes chase the crystal meth rush with other drugs. Some Tina users are also ‘cross-addicted’ to other drugs. These are reasons to support a choice of abstinence according to CMA philosophy.

While complete abstinence from all drugs can offer many benefits, including a faster and more certain recovery, for many people this is difficult or impossible to achieve. Members of CMA make different choices about their other substance use at different times in their recovery process.

How can to stay clean?

CMA promotes the practice of 3 basic actions for recovery:

1. Meetings and fellowship
Active addiction is often a lonely place. Being around others who are in recovery may be uncomfortable at first, but helps with the fear, sadness and isolation that addiction or abuse creates.

Meetings offer a supportive framework, and allow members to hear how others have stayed clean and sober. Immersing ourselves in the programme gives us the opportunity to change our ways of thinking and emphasizes new ideas that support recovery.

2. Sponsorship and step work
A sponsor is a person of experience in the programme who new members choose to offer one-on-one guidance in working the 12-Steps. ‘Working the steps’ means understanding what the steps mean, and finding ways to apply them in daily life.

3. Service and commitments
Service in the programme refers to working with and for others, to help them stay sober. A commitment is a responsibility members take, on a volunteer basis, at a specific meeting. Commitments to be of service in the meeting and beyond helps keep members attending meetings and provides the satisfaction of following through on what we’ve committed to do.

For more on the CMA programme please click here.

For more information about other 12-Step programmes please click here.

Adapted from Crystal Meth Anonymous