Fellowship wants to help people dependant on drugs in Luton

A global fellowship wants to help people in Luton who want to stop using cocaine and other drugs by inviting them to support workshops.

Cocaine Anonymous is a global fellowship that helps those with a desire to stop using cocaine and other substances where this has become a major problem in their lives.

The Public Information (PI) for Cocaine Anonymous team is raising awareness of the work the fellowship are doing in Luton.

A spokesman for the PI team said: "Any drugs, alcohol or mind-altering substances ruining your life, can’t stop using?

"We have a solution, we can help, we are here and we are free.

"We are a 12 step fellowship that offers a solution to those suffering with any mind altering addictions, all are welcome.

"It is suggested to find a sponsor at the meetings to take the individual suffering addict through the 12 step process.

"We invite those that are seeking help to come along to a meeting, to find a local meeting near you."

The fellowship started in the USA in the 1980s. There are now over 2,000 weekly meetings held around the world, in England and Wales there are more than 350 weekly meetings.

Cocaine Anonymous is not a religious organisation and there are strong requirements of anonymity which allows addicts to attend meetings without fear of legal or social repercussions. There are no fees for membership and they rely on contributions.

In January, an anonymous member said: "I came into Cocaine Anonymous in 2012 for many years before coming into recovery I tried to stop using cocaine and other drugs I was using on my own.

"I tried many many things, I could stop for a few days but never stay stopped completely, I always ended up back in a dark place alone where I promised I wouldn’t go there again.

"I felt suicidal most days and just did not know how to live my life without drugs or alcohol, CA gave me a solution that worked I have not only been clean, sober and free from wanting to use any substance for over 5 years.

"My life has completely transformed through the fellowship and working the 12 step programme, I never thought I could be content and happy without drugs and alcohol, CA has given me a whole new way of living my life in freedom. Life really is worth living after all."

Cocaine Anonymous support groups in Luton:

> Methodist Church Hall, Crawley Green Road: Monday, 1pm till 2.15pm, and Wednesday, 12.30pm till 1.30pm

> Friends Meeting House (Quakers), Crawley Green Road: Monday and Tuesday, 7.30pm till 8.30pm

> Housing Support Squared, Inkerman Street: Wednesday, 7.45pm till 9pm

> St Matthew's Church, Wenlock Street: Friday, 7pm till 8pm, and Saturday, 7pm till 8.15pm

> Bushmead Community Hub, Hancock Drive: Saturday, 9am till 10.15am

> Strathmore Methodist Church Hall, Strathmore Avenue: Sunday, 7pm till 8.15pm

For more information visit: www.centralukca.co.uk.