Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)

What Is Crystal Meth Anonymous?

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) is a 12-step program and support group modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). CMA aims to provide a supportive environment free of judgement for people with a collective goal to stop using crystal meth. Members are able to encourage and help each other reach their goals and recover from crystal meth addiction.

CMA is not a rehab program and cannot offer medical advice or counseling. CMA is run by former addicts who have chosen a better way of life and wish to help and support others in their journey towards sobriety.

The first step towards recovery in CMA is to admit that you are powerless against crystal meth and that life has become unmanageable. CMA helps individuals achieve and maintain sobriety through education, resources, peer support, and encouragement through stories of hope.

Brief History

In 1994, a recovering crystal meth addict named Bill C., who was 16 years sober, noticed a growing number of other crystal meth addicts attending AA meetings. He observed those who were recovering from crystal meth benefited from the 12-step program designed by AA, but did not get called on and didn’t feel comfortable sharing during meetings.

Bill recognized the need for a support group and recovery program specifically for those addicted to crystal meth, and Crystal Meth Anonymous was born. The first meeting in Los Angeles in 1994 was attended by only 12 people, but has grown over the years to now over 800 meetings worldwide.

How Is CMA Different from Other Twelve-Step Programs?

Although CMA maintains principles similar to other 12-step programs, CMA is unique in that members share a common understanding of the specific struggles that come with crystal meth addiction.

As stated by a CMA member, “After all, who but another crystal meth addict understands the insanity that accompanies the high or the seemingly bottomless drop into depression that makes us desperate to use still more?”.

CMA recognizes that only other crystal meth addicts can truly grasp the burden of crystal meth addiction, and successfully aid in recovery and maintaining sobriety from crystal meth.

Core Principles of Crystal Meth Anonymous

CMA’s core mission is to help individuals quit using crystal meth through the Twelve Steps and emphasize spiritual growth, despite your beliefs or religious background. CMA is free of charge and values inclusivity, mutual support, and respecting privacy and anonymity. A Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee was established within CMA to ensure that people from all walks of life feel safe and have a sense of belonging within CMA.

The Twelve Steps of Crystal Meth Anonymous

The Twelve Steps of CMA are guidelines for members to live by, encouraging a more honest way of living and helping to heal and correct the destruction caused by their addiction to crystal meth. By following these 12 steps, members can find fulfillment in leading sober lives.

1. We admitted that we were powerless over crystal meth and our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of a God of our understanding.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with a God of our understanding praying only for the knowledge of God’s 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 crystal meth addicts, and to practice these principles in all of our affairs.

CMA Meetings

CMA meetings aim to be a safe place for all people suffering from crystal meth addiction to meet, share their experiences and struggles, and help each other move towards recovery and leading sober lives.

Meetings are held all across the world, in-person and online, and share the common theme: “We come to CMA because of our common problem. We stay because of our common solution.”

What Is a CMA Meeting Like?

CMA meetings are warm and welcoming, encouraging people to share their experiences and offer guidance and support to others in various stages of recovery.

Some meetings focus on specific topics, such as relapse prevention or self-forgiveness, while others are geared towards beginners, highlight literature studies, or promote discussion groups.

You can choose to share or listen. Members are there to understand, not to judge, and everything you say will be kept confidential and anonymous.

How Can I Find a CMA Meeting?

To find a meeting that best suits your needs and location, visit the official CMA website directory. In-person, online, and hybrid meetings exist in hundreds of locations worldwide to reach anyone who needs help with crystal meth substance abuse.

Can I Start a New Meeting in My Area?

If you notice a need in your area, you can start your own CMA meeting by using resources from the CMA website. The site provides formats, pamphlets, and literature, and how to order chips and other materials to make your meetings a success. You can then request to list your meeting on the CMA directory so others in your area can join.

Help For Crystal Meth Addiction

Crystal meth addiction is intense, and finding others who understand can help you or a loved one successfully quit using crystal meth, and stay sober. Crystal Meth Anonymous is a great place to start for anyone desiring to quit using crystal meth. CMA offers a free, 24 hour helpline to provide information and support by calling (855) METH-FREE or (855) 638-4373, or by contacting them online. CMA members are available right now to help you start a better life. Don’t wait!

Written by

Kerilyn Ward

Registered Nurse

Kerilyn Ward, BSN, RN, is a compassionate Registered Nurse who specializes in maternal and neonatal health. Focusing on supporting drug-affected mothers and their infants, she combines medical expertise with empathy to empower her patients and educate them on healthy lifestyles. Through her writing on AddictionHelp.com, she reaches a broader audience, offering practical insights into health and recovery.

Reviewed by

• Fact-Checked
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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.