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The Thirty-Six Spiritual Principles of Cocaine Anonymous work together as a complete design for living. The Twelve Steps guide personal recovery, the Twelve Traditions protect group unity, and the Twelve Concepts ensure responsible and trusted service.

Each set builds upon the one before it—moving from individual healing, to collective strength, to selfless leadership. Together, they form a spiritual blueprint for not only staying clean and sober, but for living with purpose, humility, and integrity.

 

The Twelve Principles of Recovery

1. Honesty – We admit the truth about our addiction and the chaos it created in our lives.

2. Hope – We come to believe that recovery is possible and that a new way of life awaits us.

3. Faith – We begin to trust a Power greater than ourselves and take direction toward change.

4. Courage – We face our past with accountability and a willingness to grow.

5. Integrity – We tell the truth about who we are and take responsibility for our actions.

6. Willingness – We open ourselves to transformation, ready to let go of what no longer serves us.

7. Humility – We recognize our limitations and seek guidance through service and grace.

8. Responsibility – We accept the harm we have caused and prepare to make it right.

9. Justice – We make amends and strive to restore what can be repaired.

10. Perseverance – We maintain continuous self-examination and correct our mistakes as they arise.

11. Spiritual Awareness – We seek conscious contact with our Higher Power and live by spiritual principles.

12. Service – We share our recovery with others, carrying the message freely and without expectation.

 

The Twelve Principles of Unity

1. Unity – Our personal recovery depends upon our collective strength and connection.

2. Humility – The welfare of the group comes before personal ambition or recognition.

3. Inclusivity – The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.

4. Autonomy – Each group manages its own affairs while respecting the unity of the fellowship as a whole.

5. Purpose – Our single goal is to carry the message of recovery to the addict who still suffers.

6. Independence – We avoid outside affiliations or influences that might compromise our purpose.

7. Self-Support – We sustain ourselves through our own contributions, declining outside donations.

8. Service – Helping others is a spiritual duty, not a means of control or status.

9. Leadership Through Service – Our trusted servants lead by example, never by authority.

10. Neutrality – We remain focused on recovery, taking no stance on outside issues.

11. Anonymity – We protect our members’ privacy and practice humility in all public relations.

12. Principles Before Personalities – We place unity and purpose above ego or personal opinion.

 

The Twelve Principles of Service

1. Responsibility – Our service rests on the foundation of trust and accountability.

2. Stewardship – Leadership exists to serve, never to rule or control.

3. Participation – Every member has a voice, and collective conscience guides our actions.

4. Collaboration – We work together in mutual respect, valuing diversity of thought and experience.

5. Clarity – Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined at every level of service.

6. Trust – Authority in service is granted through faith in our trusted servants, not personal power.

7. Accountability – Those who serve answer to those they serve.

8. Efficiency – Our structure remains flexible and practical, focused on carrying the message.

9. Guidance – Effective leadership draws on humility, wisdom, and experience.

10. Simplicity – We avoid unnecessary rules and bureaucracy that complicate our mission.

11. Transparency – Clear communication keeps us honest, aligned, and unified.

12. Unity in Action – True service is collective effort—principled, transparent, and grounded in love.

 

Closing Reflection

The Steps teach us how to recover.
The Traditions teach us how to live together.
The Concepts teach us how to serve.

When practiced as one design, they offer not only freedom from addiction—but a way to live with meaning, balance, and purpose.

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• The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Cocaine Anonymous © Cocaine Anonymous World Services, Inc. (CAWS). Used or adapted with permission.

• Portions of the Twelve Concepts for World Service © Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (AAWS). Used with permission.

• Cocaine Anonymous and the C.A. logo are registered trademarks of Cocaine Anonymous World Services, Inc.

• This content is an educational adaptation by the Cocaine Anonymous 5 Boroughs Group and is not officially endorsed by CAWS.