GIGI – I REMEMBER IT WELL
“We can’t reliably distinguish true memories from false memories,” declares psychologist Elizabeth Loftus who studies memory, but in an unconventional way. “I don’t study when people forget,” she says. “I study when people remember things that didn’t happen. I study false memories.” It’s an issue that comes up often in courts, which highly values witness testimony. In a survey of 300 cases of wrongful conviction, where a person was later exonerated of a crime, three-quarters of them had been incarcerated due to faulty human memory.
A Chronology History of Cocaine Anonymous®
‘If you truly want to understand the present, or yourself, you must begin in the past. You see, history is not simply the study of the past. It is an explanation of the present.’ – Paul Hunham (The Holdovers 2023)
Note: This document has been compiled from the C.A. World Services Conference, World Service Board of Trustee, and World Service Office Board Minutes, as well as and other archival documents, including local and national newspaper and magazine publications.
October 1979 to December 1982
October 12, 1979 is the earliest known date for the name “Cocaine Anonymous” – A New York drug counsellor, John Burrell launched a special treatment group for coke users calling it “Cocaine Anonymous.” (Albany Student Press, October 12, 1979. p. 9) Later, on November 20, 1979, on WBAB Radio with Joel Martin, the topic of discussion is Cocaine Anonymous and John Burell is featured as the founder of Cocaine Anonymous. (Newsday Nov. 20, 1979. p. 104).
Cocaine usage and abuse was running so rampant throughout the country and quite prevalent in the Los Angeles Area, that in August of 1982, the Beverly Glen Hospital on West Pico Blvd., in Los Angeles took out ads in entertainment trade publications such as Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety—as well as the Westside edition of The Times offering help to those with cocaine, alcohol and drug dependencies.
Working at the Beverly Glen Hospital, Psychotherapist Allan Rosenthal called cocaine “the most psychologically devastating” drug and developed a voluntary $7000 – 21 day program, which included detoxification, drug education and intensive individual and group therapy. By the fall 1982, the program has 17 adults and six adolescent in-patients. Rosenthal said the hospital offers one of the most specialized treatment programs against cocaine addiction in the nation, he stressed that in-patient treatment offers no guarantee of permanent recovery. In fact, he said, the long-term recovery rate of cocaine abusers “is so small that I will not work with anybody privately unless at the end of the first month of treatment” they join an ongoing self-help group such as A.A. (LA Times, Dec. 26, 1982 p. 208)
Contemporaneous Beginnings
1) The Beverly Glen Hospital Meeting
In the late fall of 1982, Allan Rosenthal suggests to Chip P. to start a 12 Step “Cocaine Anonymous” meeting at the Beverly Glen Hospital. Chip rewords some A.A. preambles and changes them to Cocaine Anonymous and asks his friend, Bobby N. to be the first C.A. speaker. In addition, the Beverly Glen hospital provided a room for the weekly, free “Cocaine Anonymous” meeting which was open to drug abusers. The hospital also provided a small room with an answering machine for taking inquires about getting help with cocaine abuse. Chip P. stated that this was really the first central office for early Cocaine Anonymous. By December of 1982, the group averages 30 people in attendance. Allan Rosenthal said the response from doctors and other health-care professionals has been “so overwhelming” that he envisions a mushrooming “Cocaine Anonymous” organization in Los Angeles, complete with a telephone hotline, literature and an administrative office.
In the fall of 1982 (date unknown) Tom Kenny, director of alcoholism services for the Motion Picture and Television Fund, a charitable organization supported by contributions from people who work in films and TV, approaches Allan Rosenthal and inquires about the Beverly Glen Hospital program for the treatment of cocaine addiction and wanted to know more about the program and Allan’s approach to recovery.
2) Alcoholics Anonymous – The Whatever Meeting
Tuesday, November 16, 1982, about 20 people show up at a new meeting Tuesday evening called the “Whatever” meeting at the Motion Picture TV, Health and Welfare Fund building at 7429 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA. A new weekly cocaine self-help meeting that was free and open to admitted drug and alcohol abusers. Tom Kenny said he “was getting a lot of calls from people with cocaine problems. When he suggested they check out Alcoholics Anonymous, some said their problem was cocaine and they didn’t think they could relate to A.A., so Tom gets together with two or three people in the industry who had overcome their cocaine habit, and started the “Whatever” meeting by word of mouth where people could talk about “whatever”—mostly cocaine abuse problems. Tom Kenny said that, to his knowledge, his group (the A.A. Whatever Group) was the first of its kind to address cocaine addiction. By late December 1982, just five weeks after the “Whatever” meeting started, the attendance has doubled. Tom Kenny said he was planning to organize more such meetings after the holidays, to deal with the expected response to a major drug and alcohol awareness effort by movie studios. (LA Times, Dec. 26, 1982 p. 208)
3) The “Johnny S. Thursday Night Meeting
At the “Whatever” meeting, someone suggests a vote be taken to change this A.A. meeting to a Cocaine Anonymous meeting, but the suggestion is voted down. Tom Kenny who was present, offers Johnny S., whom Tom Kenny invited to the “Whatever” meeting, and several others in the room that he had a meeting space available on Thursday evenings for their use. (NewsGram, July/August 1987 Vol. 1, No.2., pg 4.)
Thus on Thursday, November 18, 1982, at the Motion Picture Health and Welfare Fund building, located at 335 North La Brea in Hollywood (North of Beverly Blvd.), California, 12 – 19 people show up, including Michael G., Johnny S., Tony M., Tom K., Marshal R., Richard L., and Veronica Jo K. who, as acting secretary, calls the meeting to order with a gavel and announces: “Welcome to the first meeting of Cocaine Anonymous, a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other and help others recover from their addiction.”4 Within 30 days 5 more C.A. meetings start up. (NewsGram July/Aug. 1987).
How many people were present at the Thursday, November 18, 1982 meeting? According to the The Connection – Spring 1986 Vol. 1, Issue 1, there was 19 people were in attendance at the first C.A. meeting, but according to the Ventura County Star – 12 Jun 1983, Sun · Page 94, mentions that there were 12 people present at the Thursday night meeting of Cocaine Anonymous.
December 26, 1982, LA Times publishes a full page article: “The New Hollywood Connection: ‘Cocaine Anonymous.’ The article interviews Tom K. (the man who called Johnny S. about the “Whatever” meeting), and early supporter of Cocaine Anonymous. (Source: Daltry, Laura, Dec. 26, 1982, LA Times, Calendar pp. 183 & 208.)
1983 – Early Beginnings
February 1983 – The secretaries of the six C.A. meetings got together and formed what eventually became the first General Services Organization. (Source: CAWS NewsGram, Vol. 1, No.2., pg 4. July/August 1987)
April 1983, the Los Angeles Central Office was formed. (Source: CAWS NewsGram, Vol. 1, No.2., pg. 4 July/August 1987)
April 11, 1983, Time Magazine Cover features a story on fighting cocaine’s grip on millions of users. The article references Cocaine Anonymous…”In Los Angeles, new Cocaine Anonymous groups draw 700 people to weekly meetings.” (Source: Time Magazine, April 11, 1983. pg 27)
Ray G. is in charge of the Cocaine Anonymous phone number. It rings on an answering machine in a small Beverly Glen Hospital room and Ray G. returns most of the calls. The room and phone machine are provided by Beverly Glen Hospital. C.A. sets up a hotline phone number during the first year. Ray G. manages the hotline for the first year. “If any of you called in the first year of existence of Cocaine Anonymous and talked to the man on the telephone, that was Ray G. — who took all the calls for the first year of Cocaine Anonymous.” (1990). (Source: History of C.A. with Johnny S. & Ray G. 5-26-90 6th C.A. World Service Convention—Phoenix, AZ, Cassette Recording No. 10525, Phoenix, Arizona: Coast to Coast.)
May 5, 1983 – Inception date for Chicago C.A. (Source: WSBT Minutes, Sept. 27-28, 1986 ) “One day we (CALA) received a package from Chicago – a piece of literature called, To the Newcomer, that they wanted to suggest that we adopt…it was magnificent.” This is C.A.’s first piece of literature.
May 8, 1983, Los Angeles Herald Examiner publishes a large article on cocaine abuse in the canyons of Beverly Hills and the streets of South Central L.A. The article highlights the good works of Cocaine Anonymous. (Source: Warren, Elaine, May 8, 1983, The high that unleashed the depths. Los Angeles Herald Examiner, STYLE: Section E / Page 1)
July 25, 1983 – Inception date for San Francisco Bay Area of C.A. (Source: WSBT Minutes, Sept. 27-28, 1986)
August 1, 1983 – First Atlanta Area meeting of Cocaine Anonymous. (Source: The Atlanta Constitution, Thu, Jul 28, 1983 – Main Edition, p. 120)
November 11, 1983 – Inception date for New York C.A. (Source: WSBT Minutes, Sept. 27-28, 1986 )
November 23, 1983. – Gil M. orders 1500 chips. They will be available through the General Services Office for $2.50 per chip. Gil will be responsible for sales. (Minutes C.A. General Services Meeting, November 23, 1983) C.A. chips (30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 2 years — there was no ‘newcomer’ or 18 month chip) were square in shape, with the letters “CA” printed on them. It was found that people were using these square chips to chop up cocaine. At this same time, some others Area’s of C.A. (of course none of them had met together yet) had also created chips. Atlanta had chips, Chicago had chips, and Northern California had chips.
The words Hope, Faith and Courage were not the original words for the logo. Originally, the words were going to be “Hope, Faith and Willingness.” They wanted to put these words into the circle around C.A., but the word Willingness wouldn’t fit. Johnny S., a founding member, was listening to a speech by John F. Kennedy about having courage to do difficult things in your life. Johnny felt the word Courage would fit in the circle, and would be appropriate. The members at the time voted for this logo.
1984 – Crystallization
January 3, 1984 – Santa Cruz Sentinel publishes Cocaine Anonymous just like Alcoholics Anonymous. One year after inception, C.A. in Southern California has more than 2000 members. (AP) article on January 3, 1984. (Source: Cocaine Anonymous just like Alcoholics Anonymous. 1984, January 3. Santa Cruz Sentinel, p. 11.)
February 1984 – Inception date for Texas Area of C.A. (Source: WSBT Minutes, Sept. 27-28, 1986 )
June 4, 1984 – Six page Newsweek Article, mentions Cocaine Anonymous. (Source: Newsweek, Getting Straight: How Americans Are Breaking The Grip of Drugs and Alcohol. p. 63)
June 18, 1984, Incorporation of Cocaine Anonymous World Services. Appointed Directors are: Gilbert Mosko, Jonathan Segal, and Ray Grossa. (Source: 1984 Incorporation Papers)
August 9, 1984 – The first regular meeting of the World Services Board was called to order at 7:15 PM by Willie O., Chairman, at 6125 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, California. (Source Minutes C.A. World Services Board Minutes, August 9, 1984).
August 16, 1984 – AAWS Board reprint report of August 16, 1984 references a motion was made and passed, that permission be granted to Cocaine Anonymous, Van Nuys, CA, to reprint for adaptation, the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. (Michelle V. M., Archivist, General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous – 2023-01-29)
1985 – Growth
May 3,4,5, 1985, 1st World Convention: Seaside Unity & Acceptance, Santa Barbara, C.A.. In 1985 it was decided to have the first convention of C.A. Fellowships to be held in Santa Barbara California. Members from C.A. meetings from across the United States attended. It was an incredibly exciting event. During the convention, a three-hour business meeting was held to let the fellowships know what the fledgling World Service organization was doing. It was decided the next year to have the first World Service Conference. (Bob L. – C.A. History)
June 27, 1985, The official Cocaine Anonymous World Services Board of Directors meeting of June 27th, 1985, was called to order by Willie O. at 8:12. Board members in attendance were: Willie, Ray, Laurence, Neil, Robert, Richard, Jennifer and Michael. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Micheal. (Source: CAWS Inc., June 27, 1985. WS Board of Directors Meeting Minutes. C.A.World Services Inc. 1-2 pp.)
August 20, 1985, the words, “Cocaine Anonymous” are formally registered by the United States Patent and Trademark Office to Cocaine Anonymous, Inc. Corporation, Texas Post Office Box 5487, Pasadena, Texas, 77505. (United States Patent and Trademark Office. (Source: August 20, 1985). Typed Drawing Trademark Form. (Registration No. 1355926).
1986 – World Services
February 8, 9, 1986 – 1st World Services Conference, San Diego, California.
The Conference lasted two days. The original Area’s in that first conference were:
- Los Angeles
- San Gabriel Valley
- San Diego
- San Fernando Valley
- Antelope Valley
- Orange County
- New Mexico
- Texas
- Washington
- New York
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Arizona
- Northern California
- Inland Empire
(Source: First World Services Conference Minutes, Feb. 8, 9, 1986)
When Northern California came down to this original conference, they sent six representatives and all wearing T-shirts with the C.A. logo that they had created. Later at the 3rd World Conference in March 1987, there was vote between the logo that CALA had created, and the logo that Northern California created. The CALA (C.A. Los Angeles) logo with HOPE, FAITH AND COURAGE won and is the official logo we have today. The logo was to be put on the new key tag round chips. In Northern California created the first metal chip, with their logo, with the serenity prayer (with Cocaine Anonymous around the number) on the back, and ca and HOPE FAITH AND COURAGE on the front. It was an error that the words Cocaine Anonymous were on the back! Since Northern California had the first metal chip, the chip company would not make chips for CA World Service. So at the 3rd World Conference in March 1987, Northern California deeded to World Service the right to make metal chips. (Bob L. one of the original six from Northern California)
July 2, 3, 1986 – 2nd World Services Conference, San Diego, California.
New C.A. Areas represented July 2, 1986 – 2nd World Services Conference included: Connecticut, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan and Tennessee.
July 3, 1986, 1st World Services Board of Trustees. New Trustees: Reggie L. (Los Angeles), Bob L. (Northern California), Fenn P. (Northern California), H. Lee S. (Texas), Greg D. (Chicago), Jennifer R. (New York). Current Trustees: Johnny S. (Southern California) and Ray G. (Southern California). (Source: Minutes from the July 2,3, 1986 Business Conference).
This first Board Trustees were voted on by Ray G. and Johnny S. (The Original Trustees who comprised a self-perpetuating board.)
July 4, 5, 6, 1986, 2nd World Convention: Celebration of Freedom , San Diego, California.
August 21, 1986 – On a Thursday night, August 21, 1986, the first C.A. meeting outside the United States was held in Montreal, Quebec. About 20 people attended. Dave S. was the speaker and Robert F. was the secretary.
1987
March 21, 22, 1987, 3rd World Services Conference, Woodland Hills, California. At this conference, it came up that there seemed to be an imbalance of our voting procedures. We had 10 voting members of the Office Board, 7 votes on the WSBT, and then delegates. Lionel’s motion that ONLY THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE ALLOWED TO VOTE ARE THE ONES PERMITTED TO DISCUSS PROPOSALS AT THE MICROPHONE; THAT INCLUDES DELEGATES, TRUSTEES, AND ONE VOTE FROM THE WORLD SERVICE OFFICE was passed (45 to 15). They were not happy. And original Office Board left the conference in protest. One member stayed, and became the Conference Chair. His name was Lionel. Shortly after the conference, the WSBT had to appoint an Office Board to replace the walk out members. (March 1987 Conference Minutes – Summary of Motions)
March 22, 1987, The C.A. Logo from World Services was ratified by the 3rd World Services Conference. The Conference also approved the use of the San Francisco’s dyes for metal chips for the following year.
March 22, 1987, The Twelve Steps of Cocaine Anonymous, The Twelve Traditions of Cocaine Anonymous and The Twelve Concepts of Cocaine Anonymous were ratified at the 3rd World Services Conference. (Source: March 21-22, 1987 Third World Services Conference Minutes). *Note: The evolution of our Step One was initially referenced at the 1st World Conference (Feb. 9, 1986) where it was ratified that “WSO approved literature – whenever Cocaine is mentioned it should read “Cocaine and all other mind altering chemicals.” Then, cited in the 2nd World Conference (July 2, 1986) minutes, under “Qualifications for a Trustee,” point 5, it reads, “A minimum of 2 years of continuous abstinence from cocaine and all other mind altering substances.” And so at the 3rd WSC, on March 22, 1987, the First Step of C.A. was ratified as it is read today, “We admitted we were powerless over Cocaine and all other Mind Altering Substances.”
Johnny S. talks about how the inception first step.(Source: History of C.A. with Johnny S. & Ray G. 5-26-90 6th C.A. World Service Convention—Phoenix, AZ, Cassette Recording No. 10525, Phoenix, Arizona: Coast to Coast.)
May 1987 – C.A. referenced in May 1987 Playboy Magazine. (Source: Gonzales, Lawrence, Addiction and Rehabilitation, Playboy Magazine. Vol. 34, No.5)
May/June 1987, First Issue of the NewsGram, Vol. 1, No. 1. The NewsGram will report on activities at the World level and on news of interest to members of the fellowship. (Source: CAWS NewsGram, May/June 1987, Vol. 1, No.1)
July 4, 1987 – The San Francisco Chronicle publishes an article, Cocaine Anonymous Holding 3rd S.F. Convention, on July 4, 1987; reports that 600 chapters of Cocaine Anonymous exist in 28 states and Canada. (Source: Liberatore, Paul.(1987, July 04. Cocaine Anonymous holding 3rd S.F. convention.)
July 3, 4, 5, 1987 – 3rd World Convention: Out of the Fog, San Francisco, California
November 13, 14, 15, 1987, 4th World Services Conference, Marina Del Ray, California. The delegates, trustees and directors divided up into eight committees: 1) Finance, 2) Structure and By-Laws, 3) Hospitals and Institutions, 4) Convention, 5) National Directory, 6) Literature, Chips and Format, 7) Public Information, 8) Conference. (Source: November 13-15, 1987, Fourth World Services Conference Minutes).
New C.A. Areas represented in November 13, 1987 – 4th World Services Conference included: Oregon and Idaho.
1988
April/May 1988 – Trustee Jack P. (Southport, CT) forms a committee of lawyers for the purpose of 1) have a cadre of attorneys to represent C.A. locally and to provide a support group for recovering attorneys. (Source: CAWS NewGram, Vol .1, No. 5, pg 2. April/May 1988)
July 1,2,3,4, 1988, 4th World Convention: Under New Management, Chicago, IL
August 11, 12, 13, 14, 1988 – 5th World Service Conference. Bob L.’s motion to ACCEPT THE REGIONAL BORDERS AS THEY ARE DRAWN ON THE MAP AT THIS CONFERENCE passed (Atlantic North, Atlantic South, Midwest, Southwest, Pacific North, Pacific South.)
New C.A. Areas represented August 11, 1988 – 5th World Service Conference included: Quebec, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Virginia.
New C.A. Areas represented August 12, 1988 – 5th World Service Conference included: Utah and Ohio.
September 13, 1988, Ann Landers applauds C.A. published by the Chicago Tribune. A letter and reply by Ann Landers in which the author of the letter credits Cocaine Anonymous as essential to her husband’s continuing recovery. Signed it “A True Believer” Ann Landers replied by printing the address and phone number of the WSO. Response was phenomenal: over a 3-day period, Helene H. WSO Chairperson reports receiving over 500 letters of inquiry! (Source: NewsGram, October-December 1988 p.1)
1989
July/August 1989 – Trustee Jack P. spearheads “Enforce It or Lose” campaign whereby C.A. battles to protect copyright privileges. In 1989, a Dr. Baron advertised a C.A. recovery program in Houston, Texas by the name of “C.A. Aftercare.” C.A. had to defend itself by sending communication to Dr. Baron that this was not an organization that had anything to do with C.A. It came to the point where this issue may have had to go to court. But after much communication between our lawyer and Dr. Baron he finally changed the name of his program. (Source: CAWS NewsGram, Vol II., No. 4, pg. 1., July-August 1989)
July 1, 2, 3, 1989 – 5th World Convention: Steps to Liberty, New York, NY
August 16, 1989, D.C. Area, Minnesota Area, Maine Area, Nebraska Area, South Florida Area, Pennsylvania/South New Jersey Area, Kansas Area, Memphis, Tennessee Area, The Central California Area were ratified by 6th C.A. World Services Conference, August 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 1989′.
August 20, 1989. The Literature, Chips and Formats (LCF) Committee’s motion THAT THE WSO BE DIRECTED TO PRODUCE AN 18 MONTH CHIP passed.
August 20, 1989. The LCF Committee’s motion to approve the advisory opinion, “the books alcoholics anonymous and twelve steps and twelve traditions of alcoholics anonymous are two of our most valuable tools of recovery and as such, it is the opinion of cocaine anonymous that meetings should be allowed to have these books available to support members in their recovery” was passed. In addition, The LCF Committee’s motion to AUTHORIZE THE LCF COMMITTEE TO BEGIN WORK ON A C.A. BOOK INCLUDING GATHERING STORIES passed. (Source: Minutes, World Conference, August 20, 1989.)
1990
May 25, 26, 27, 28, 1990 – 6th World Convention: Admission to Freedom, Phoenix, Arizona
August 29, 1990, Rhode Island Area, Arkansas Area, Louisiana Area, Massachusetts Area were ratified by the 7th C.A. World Services Conference.
August 29 to September 2, 1990, 7th World Services Conference, San Diego, California
1991
May 24, 25, 26, 27, 1991, 7th World Convention: We’re Entirely Ready , Anaheim, Southern California.
August 28, 29, 30, 31, September 1, 1991 – 8th World Services Conference
1992
May 22, 23, 24, 1992, 8th World Convention: Humbly Asked Him, Montreal, PQ, Canada. This is the first C.A. World Convention held outside the United States.
September 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1992, 9th World Services Conference.
September 6, 1992, A C.A. Storybook subcommittee motion that THE CA STORYBOOK BE TITLED, “HOPE, FAITH AND COURAGE: STORIES FROM THE FELLOWSHIP OF COCAINE ANONYMOUS” passed. (Proposed Minutes, 9th WS Conference (1992) p.g 12)
September 1992 the Trustee Election Committee was formed. Up until this time, it had always been a self-perpetuating board. Now, each Region and a TEC Delegate with a vote, and the WSBT members each had a vote. (Source: 1992 WS Conference Summary of Motions)
1993
May 28, 29, 30, 31, 1993, 9th World Convention: Became Willing in the Heart of Texas, Houston, TX
September 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1993, 10th World Services Conference. Theme: “Capitalizing on our Diversity.”
1994
February 16, 1994, The first copies of Hope, Faith & Courage: Stories from the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous came off the presses. (Source: NewsGram, 2nd Quarter, 1994, Vol. 7. No. 1)
May 27, 28, 29, 30, 1994, 10th World Convention: …To Reach For The Promises, Cleveland, OH
August 31, September 1, 2, 3, 4, 1994, 11th World Services Conference. Theme: “Love and Tolerance.” (Source: Day 1 Summary of Minutes, August 31, 1994)
August 31, 1994, Alabama Area is ratified by the 11th World Service Conference. (Source: Day 1 Summary of Minutes, August 31, 1994)
October 20, 1994, the domain ca.org was registered.. The site was online shortly thereafter generating a small number of telephone contacts to CAWSO. There was no e-mail address. C.A. was the first 12-Step Fellowship to have such a web site—NA, AA and Al-Anon all put up sites during the following year.
December 1994, C.A. created its first web site with the home page including a picture of the C.A. “Escape Cocaine” billboard. Almost immediately, the C.A. office began to receive dozens of emails each day. (Source: NewsGram, 3rd Quarter 1995, Vol. 8, No. 2)
1995
May 26, 27, 28, 29, 1995, 11th World Convention: A Host of Friends, Salt Lake City, Utah
August 30, 31, September 1, 2, 3, 1995, 12th World Services Conference.
August 30, 1995, Indiana Area, Alberta Area were ratified. (Source: NewsGram, 1st Quarter 1996, Vol. 9, No. 1) (Source: 1995 Conference Minutes)
1996
May 24, 25, 26, 27, 1996, 12th World Convention: 12 Years/12 Steps, Atlanta, Georgia
August 28, 29, 30, 31, 1996, 13th World Services Conference. Theme: “Unity begins with the individual.”
August 28, 1996, Nevada Area, Toronto Ontario Canada Area and the United Kingdom Area were ratified by the 13th World Service Conference. (Source: NewsGram, 2nd Quarter 1997, Vol. 10, No. 1)
1997
February 1, 1997 – the “Hope, Faith & Courage” (aka HFC) became the first online/virtual meeting facilitated through email.
May 23, 24, 25, 26, 1997, 13th World Convention: We Carry This Message, Denver, Colorado
August 27, 1997, Alaska Area was ratified by the 1997 WS Conference. (Source: Day 1, August 27, 1997 Summary of Motions)
August 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 1997, 14th World Services Conference: Theme: “Carrying the Message in the Spirit of Love.” (Source: Day 1, August 27, 1997 Summary of Motions)
August 31, 1997, 14th World Services Conference ratifies Tennessee Area and Nevada Area.
1998
May 22, 23, 24, 25, 1998, 14th World Convention: Serenity by the Sea: , Irvine, CA
September 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1998, 15th World Service Conference. Theme: “Many Roads-One Journey”
September 2, 1998, Toronto Area changed its name to Southern Ontario Area is ratified by the 15th World Service Conference.
September 2, 1998, North Carolina Area, British Columbia Area was ratified by the 15th World Service Conference.
1999
May, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 1999, 15th World Convention: Greater Than Ourselves: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
September 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1999, 16th World Service Conference. Theme: “Together We Can!”
September 1, 1999, Kentucky Area and the Canadian Maritimes Area were ratified by the World Service Conference.
September 3, 1999 – The Conference approves the creation of an Online Service Committee and https://ca-online.org is registered on 1999-09-16.
October 31, 1999. Cocaine Anonymous inception member, Johnny S. (born July 8, 1953), passed away at the age of 46 on October 31, 1999.
2000
May, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 2000, 16th World Convention: C.A. Comes of Age: , Phoenix, AZ
August 30, 31, September 1, 2, 3, 2000, 17th World Service Conference. Theme: “Diversity – A Source of Strength.”
August 30, 2000, Manitoba Area and the Online Service Area were ratified by the 17th World Service Conference.
2001
May 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 2001, 17th World Convention: 2001: A Grace of Odyssey, New York, NY
August 29, 30, 31, September 1, 2, 2001, 18th World Service Conference. Theme: “Unity Has No Borders.”
August 29, 2001, South Central Texas Area was ratified by the 18th World Service Conference.
2002
May 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 2002, 18th World Convention: Moment Of Clarity:, Portland, OR
August 28, 29, 30, 31, 2002, 19th World Service Conference.
August 28, 2002, Northern Nevada Area and Northern Alberta Area were ratified by the 19th World Service Conference.
2003
May 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 2003, 19th World Convention: Miracle Mile: , Chicago, IL
August 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 2003, 20th World Service Conference. Theme: ”6 Days of Love and Tolerance.”
August 27, 2003, North Texas Area was ratified by the 20th World Service Conference.
August 31, 2003 – Motion to approve the concept of a C.A. 12 Step meditation book/daily reader in response to the results of the Book Survey conducted in 2001-2002.
2004
May 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 2004, 20th World Convention: Spotlight On Recovery: , Los Angeles, CA
September 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2004, 21st World Service Conference. Theme: “United In Love and Service.”
September 1, 2004, Scotland Area, Sweden Area, Hong Kong Area were ratified by the 21st World Service Conference.
2005
May 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 2005, 21st World Convention: Rendezvous On The River , Memphis, Tenn.
August 30, 31, September 1, 2, 3, 4, 2005, 22nd World Service Conference. Theme: “Opening the doors to the world.”
August 30, 2005, South Africa, The European Region were ratified by the 22nd World Service Conference.
2006
May 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 2006, 22nd World Convention: Global Awakening , Houston, TX
August 29, 30, 31, September 1, 2, 3, 2006, 23rd World Service Conference. Theme: “Open Arms, Open Hearts, Open Minds.”
August 29, 2006, Spain Area is ratified by the 23rd World Service Conference.
2007
May 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 2007, 23rd World Convention: Recovery in the Heartland , Kansas City, Missouri
August 2007 – Cocaine Anonymous World Services, Inc. publishes Hope, Faith, & Courage, Volume II: Stories and Literature from the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous. (Source: 23rd World Services Conference Minutes)
August 28, 29, 30, 31, September 1, 2, 2007, 24th World Service Conference. Theme: “Each One, Reach One, Teach One.”
August 28, 2007, West Inland Empire Area, Germany (Deutschland) Area, were ratified by the 24th World Service Conference.
2008
May 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 2008, 24th World Convention: To Practice These Principles , Salt Lake City, Utah
August 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 2008, 25th World Service Conference. Theme: Hope, Faith & Courage…the next 25!
August 26, 2008, South Carolina Area is ratified by the 25th World Service Conference.
2009
May 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 2009, 25th World Convention: One With the Spirit of Recovery, Denver, Colorado
September 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2009, 26th World Service Conference. Theme: “Unity – Celebration of Life 2009.”
2010
May 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 2010, 26th World Convention: Farfrumusin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
August 31, September 1, 2, 3, 4, 2010, 27th World Service Conference. Theme: “Our Common Welfare Should Come First.”
August 31, 2010, Ireland Area is ratified by the 27th World Service Conference.
2011
May 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 2011, 27th World Convention: WE, Phoenix, AZ
August 30, 31, September 1, 2, 3, 2011, 28th World Service Conference. Theme: “Big Book – $8, HFC – $10, Unity – Priceless!”
2012
May 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 2012, 28th World Convention: Keys Of The Kingdom, Birmingham, UK. This is the first World Convention to be held outside of North America.
August 28, 29, 30, 31, 2012, 29th World Service Conference. Theme: “Though we are different, we are the same.”
2013
May 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 2013, 29th World Convention: A Splash of Serenity, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
August 28, 29, 30, 31, 2013, 30th World Service Conference. Theme: “United We Stand – Divided We Fall.”
August 28, 2013, Switzerland Area, Russia Area, Peru Area were ratified by the 30th World Service Conference.
2014
May 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 2014, 30th World Convention: Voyage into Recovery, Long Beach, CA
August 27, 28, 29, 30, 2014, 31st World Service Conference. Theme: “Unity + Diversity = Strength.”
August 2014 – Publication of “A Quiet Peace: Daily Meditations” by C.A. World Services Inc.
2015
May 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 2015, 31st World Convention: We Absolutely Insist on Enjoying Life, Las Vegas, NV
July 23rd 2015 – Kindle Version of “A Quiet Peace” is published by Cocaine Anonymous
September 2, 3, 4, 5, 2015, 32nd World Service Conference. Theme: “Working Together, Never Alone.”
September 2, 2015, Denmark Area is ratified by the 32nd World Service Conference.
2016
June 30 – July 1, 2, 3, 4, 2016, 32nd World Convention: Sweet Home Chicago: , Chicago, IL
August 31, September 1, 2, 3, 2016, 33rd World Service Conference. Theme: “Unity Strengthens Our Community.”
August 31, 2016, Antelope Valley Area, Central UK Area, London Area were ratified by the 33rd World Service Conference.
2017
June 30 – July 1, 2, 3, 4, 2017, 33rd World Convention: Spoonless in Seattle, Seattle, Washington
August 30, 31, September 1, 2, 2017, 34th World Service Conference. Theme: “12 Steps, One Solution.”
August 30, 2017, Southern Colorado Area was ratified by the 34th World Service Conference.
2018
June 28, 29, 30, July 1, 2, 2018, 34th World Convention: Celebrate C.A. Without Borders, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
August 29, 30, 31, September 1, 2, 2018, 35th World Service Conference. Theme: “Service Work is Gratitude in Action.”
September 1, 2018, A “1 Week” Chip is ratified by the 35th World Service Conference.
2019
July 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 2019, 35th World Convention: Stockholm Syndrome, Stockholm, Sweden
August 28, 29, 30, 31, September 1, 2019. 36th World Service Conference. Theme: “Many voices, One Sound.”
August 28, 2019, New Region, “Mainland Europe” and two new Areas, Portugal and Thailand were ratified by the 36th World Service Conference.
2020
Due to COVID-19 the May 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 2020, 36th World Convention: Deep in the Heart of Recovery, Austin, Texas was cancelled and rescheduled the following year.
Due to COVID-19 the September 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 2020, 37th World Convention: Deep in the Heart of Recovery, Austin, Texas was cancelled and rescheduled the following year.
2021
May 27 – 31, 2021, 36th World Convention: Deep in the Heart of Recovery, Austin, Texas (CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19)
September 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2021. The 37th World Service Conference – Hybrid Conference, both in-person (Los Angeles, CA) and by virtual-online attendance.
September 1, 2021, China, Indonesia, Wales and West County in the UK were ratified as new C.A. Areas by the 37th World Service Conference.
2022
May 26 – 30, 2022, 36th C.A. World Convention: Deep in the Heart of Recovery, Austin, Texas
38th World Convention: New York, NY (CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19)
August 31, September 1, 2, 3, 4, 2022. The 38th World Service Conference in Fort Worth, Dallas TX. (First time the Conference has been held out side Los Angeles, California).
August 31, 2022, Sussex and Greece were ratified as new C.A. Areas by the 38th World Service Conference and Southern Colorado was re-consolidated with Colorado Area.
2023
May 25 – 29, 2023, 37th C.A. World Convention: Recovery on my Mind. Atlanta, Georgia
August 30, September 1, 2, 3, 2023. The 39th World Service Conference in Fort Worth, Dallas TX.
August 31, 2023 CA Holland Noord was ratified as a new C.A. Area.
2024
July 11 – 15, 2024. 38th World Convention: Hope, Faith, Courage. Holland
August 28, 29, 30, 31, September 1, 2024. The 40th World Service Conference in Fort Worth, Dallas TX. Theme: “Principles not Personalities.”
August 29, 2024, France and Poland are ratified as new C.A. Areas. Petition for Devon & Cornwall District to change their Area from CAUK to West Country Area, passed.
August 30, 2024: Motion 16: To change Tradition 11 “Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, television and films.” To: “Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of all public media.” Motion passed.
2025
May 22 – 26, 2025: 39th World Convention: Phoenix, Arizona
August 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 2025. The 41st World Service Conference in Fort Worth, Dallas TX.
2026
May 21 – 25, 2026: 40th World Convention: Orlando, Florida
2027
41st World Convention: Seattle, Washington
2028
42nd World Convention: Glasgow, Scotland: June 29, 30, July 1, 2, 3, 2028