Our addictions and problems are primarily rooted to a warped way of thinking. We also felt that the opinions and advice of others who cared were wrong. We talked a lot; but said nothing of what we truly felt. Our only true relationships were primarily with a chemical substance or an addictive behaviour to violence and illegal activity. We even thought that going to school was not important. We rejected the basic principles to success; to learn how to live.

We were Wrong

We existed day by day, hour by hour, confused and angry, and sought relief and gratification through drugs or alcohol and maintaining hostilities with others for no valid reason. We even found territory as a reason to hate another person. We thought life was supposed to be exciting. We chose to live for the moment, on the edge, in the fast lane.

We harmed so many people through words or actions: family, friends, innocent strangers and ourselves. We saw life as revolving around us, and our wants and needs. Other people's thoughts and feelings were a low priority.

We thought of ourselves too, as proud hunters, yet were only hunted.

Rarely did we find peace and harmony. We had a tunnel-view of ourselves and of life, which focused directly on destruction of self and others.

Unlike any other time in our lives, we are now seeking a better way to live. Today we realize what true courage and pride is really all about; by coming to CGA.

Whether the person next to us is right or wrong in their thinking, or perhaps is or is not doing their best to improve themselves, we will not judge them, because we are here to focus on and repair the damage done to ourselves. Others can then learn by our example.

We, participating members of CGA come to meetings regularly and express the genuine details of our lives, past and present; not to glorify our wrongs, but rather, so others may find where we went wrong and learn from our mistakes.

In our relationships here, we let our emotions out freely in a safe environment. We express our Hopes, find Solutions and Share alternatives to living a happier life.

We discover the power of things like self-talk, self-esteem, honesty, willingness and the position of God in our lives, through spiritual principles; by opening the windows in our minds. We are more aware of people, places and things, as we know how cunning these three influences can be.

We will seek more trust and support in CGA, while we strive to practice in all our affairs, these twelve simple steps that have been times-tested and proven as a solid foundation of

a Better Way of Life