Northern California Co-Dependents Anonymous
Working the Program
What is Working the Program?
Codependence is often elusive and sometimes has a devastating impact in our lives. For many, the Patterns and undesirable traits found in the Characteristics of being Codependent shows up in our lives negatively impacting our relationships - with others and perhaps more importantly, with ourselves.
It is Your Happiness - and Your Program
Working the Program is not a predetermined series of steps; rather, a spiritually based recovery program based on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. The course you take in your recovery is an individual journey. We encourage you - to the degree you feel comfortable - to seek the input from those who seem to have a recovery similar to what you would like. Work at your own pace. Find happiness by working your program.
Working the Program is a personal choice. It is not compulsory, not a requirement, nor mandatory. It cannot be demanded or forced upon anyone that does not want to change or recover from their own unwanted circumstances. Recovery takes a leap of faith that offers no guarantees or benefits that can and will make life more meaningful and worthwhile for perhaps the first time in life’s experiences.
It is More Than a Choice...
- Choose to do as little or as much as you want to do, or nothing at all
- The choice is up to you whether you know it or not, or want it or not
- You can take what you need and leave the rest
- You can make the choices that produce the best or worst consequences
- The power and responsibility of choice is your hands– if you choose
Where Do I Begin?
Working the Program is more than a choice, it's choice in action and for many, a leap of faith. CoDA doesn’t automatically work for those who need it. It only works for those who want to change their lives. It works when you work it.
The first step is to attend a CoDA meeting. Online and telephone meetings are available for those who happen not to live near a CoDA meeting.
CoDA is not something to get through but a spiritual journey to learn a new way to let go and find peace with your self and others.
Working the Program
The definition of insanity, it has been said, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results! Taking action begins with baby steps:
- Attend Meetings
- Mini-Conferences
- Step Study Groups
- Writing Groups
- 12 Steps “Working the Steps”
- Program Calls
- Service Work
- Use the phone list. Call someone!
- 12 Traditions
- Prayer and Meditation
- CoDA Books and Literature
- Family of Origin Work
- Fun, Play, & Relaxation
- Be a Sponsor
- Find a Sponsor
What is the CoDA Promise?
Working the CoDA Program is as unique as each person's life story. Many new to attending meetings and finding their path to their individual recovery begin noticing positive changes in their relationship with themselves and others. The CoDA 12 Promises helps guide us that each of us can expect a miraculous change in our lives, knowing a sense of belonging, and a release from guilt, worry, or being controlled by our fears.
Begin today with exploring the realization of your PROMISE!
Am I Codependent?
The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and loving relationships. Review What is Codependency and find out whether CoDA is for you.
What is Working the Program ?
CoDA offers a number ways to work the your CoDA program from codependence such as we working the 12 Steps and finding our path to our Higher Power. Working the program is unique to each person.
A Relationship of Recovery: Sponsorship
CoDA encourages those with recovery to share their hope and wisdom through sponsorship with sponsees through a structured process.
Patterns and Characteristics
Download and print the CoDA Patterns and Characteristics of Codepedency.
Welcome to CoDA Pamphlet
Download our free Welcome to CoDA Packet filled with information about the CoDA 12 Step Program of recovery from codependence.
What Happens at a CoDA Meeting?
Attending your first meeting may cause some to needless feel anxious and uncertain what to expect. We invite you to read about what you are likely to encounter at your first CoDA meeting, a warm, safe, and loving fellowship of men and women.
Where Can I Find a CoDA Meeting?
Our CoDA meeting directory provides a number of resources where you can find a meeting.
12 Tips for Sponsors
Have a CoDA Question?
Contact us with questions about CoDA. Please remember we are an all-volunteer organization.