Chemically Dependent Anonymous (CDA)

What Is Chemically Dependent Anonymous?

Chemically Dependent Anonymous (CDA) is a 12-step fellowship for people addicted to any type of mind-altering substance, including alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescriptions. They place more emphasis on breaking the patterns of addiction than on any one vice.

CDA is ideal for people with more than one addiction, like alcohol and opioids, or for addicts who don’t identify with a single label.

The fellowship was specifically designed to create an inclusive atmosphere for all drug and alcohol addictions. The only requirement to join is a desire to live clean and abstain from “all mood-changing and mind-altering chemicals.”

How Chemically Dependent Anonymous Differs From Other 12-Step Programs

At first glance, CDA may sound similar to groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). They all use the same basic 12-step structure and many of the same principles, like anonymity.

However, AA is meant explicitly for alcohol abuse, while NA is meant for drug use. Both groups discourage members from sharing outside the group’s focus area.

Meanwhile, CDA isn’t concerned with a person’s drug or drink of choice. Members can discuss any drug or alcohol-related struggle without singling out one addiction.

This makes CDA a good 12-step group for people who may feel out of place at other support groups or those who don’t want to join more than one fellowship.

Core Principles of Chemically Dependent Anonymous

In the tradition of AA, CDA is non-denominational, and members of any faith or spiritual background are welcome. You only need to acknowledge a Higher Power “of your own understanding.”

CDA also follows strict anonymity: What you say at meetings stays at meetings. Other members keep your identity and stories secret outside the group. You can openly share without fear of judgment, and gain courage and validation as other members do the same.

Meetings are always free, and every chapter self-funds through donations.

The Twelve Steps of Chemically Dependent Anonymous

Chemically Dependent Anonymous uses the same 12-step structure as AA, but modified to apply to any addictive substance, not just alcohol.

If references to “God” make you uncomfortable, you can substitute any other term you prefer.

The 12 steps of Chemically Dependent Anonymous are as follows:

1. We admitted we were powerless over mood-changing and mind-altering chemicals and that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood Him.
4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. We made a list of all persons we harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
11. We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for the knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to the chemically dependent and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

CDA also has a set of “spiritual gifts” that replace addictive habits. CDA believes that these gifts come directly from a higher power and are signs of peace and recovery from addiction.

You can see the 10 gifts of Chemically Dependent Anonymous below: 

1. We live one day at a time with dignity and self‐respect.
2. We replace fear and self‐pity with courage and gratitude.
3. We accept the changes in our life with optimism and hope.
4. We learn how to lighten up, laugh often and have fun again.
5. We find that challenges and setbacks become the touchstones of spiritual growth.
6. We discover our talents and gifts and unlock their full potential.
7. We experience freedom as we forgive ourselves and others.
8. We are willing to take risks as we choose growth over fear.
9. We develop healthy relationships as we learn how to communicate with respect and love.
10. We believe that love and service are the foundation of a lifetime of happiness

Chemically Dependent Anonymous Meetings

Chemically Dependent Anonymous hosts meetings in the United States, Canada, and England. CDA meetings are usually in-person, but online options are also available.

Some meetings may be open to everyone, including newcomers or family and friends, while others may be “closed,” meaning only group members can attend. Most CDA meetings are co-ed, but some special meetings may be for women only or men only.

What Is a Chemically Dependent Anonymous Meeting Like?

Since CDA chapters run independently, no single group’s meetings will look exactly like another’s.

Most meetings will start with the Serenity Prayer, followed by a reading of the 12 steps and any group announcements. Newcomers and other guests can introduce themselves or sit and observe.

From there, a speaker will set the topic of discussion before members have the chance to share. Meetings close with reading the 10 gifts and another prayer.

How Can I Find a Chemically Dependent Anonymous Meeting?

You can find in-person Chemically Dependent Anonymous meetings at CDA’s meeting finder. Meetings marked “O” are open to everyone. You can sort meetings by state and the day they take place.

CDA has in-person meetings in the following 13 states:

• Arkansas
• Delaware
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Maryland
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Utah
• Virginia

If your state isn’t included on the list, you can also search the meeting finder’s main page for “Zoom” to find chapters that host online meetings.

The page doesn’t allow you to filter between online or in-person meetings, so you’ll need to search with your browser’s “find on this page” tool.

Get Support Through Chemically Dependent Anonymous

If you’re trapped in a cycle of alcohol and drug abuse, sobriety can feel impossible, but know that breaking the cycle is possible, no matter your addiction.

Visit Cdaweb.org to learn more about Chemically Dependent Anonymous’s approach and attend your first meeting, or visit our 12-Step Group Finder to see other recovery support groups in your area. With a community behind you, you may be surprised at what you can accomplish.

Remember that quitting certain substances, like alcohol and benzodiazepines, can cause dangerous and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

If you’re dependent on alcohol or drugs, don’t try to quit without medical help. Ask your doctor about referrals to medical detox programs in your area, or visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA)’s online treatment locator.

Written by

Jessica Miller

Editorial Director

Jessica Miller is the Editorial Director of Addiction Help. Jessica graduated from the University of South Florida (USF) with an English degree and combines her writing expertise and passion for helping others to deliver reliable information to those impacted by addiction. Informed by her personal journey to recovery and support of loved ones in sobriety, Jessica's empathetic and authentic approach resonates deeply with the Addiction Help community.

Reviewed by

• Fact-Checked
• Editor

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O.

Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. has been an expert in addiction medicine for more than 15 years. In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM). Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction. Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality.