Crystal Meth Anonymous Meetings and CMA Alternatives
If you are struggling with methamphetamine use, you are not alone. In 2020, approximately 1.5 million people in the United States had a past-year methamphetamine use disorder.1 One of the ways in which people have found support for methamphetamine use is by attending Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA). CMA is a self-help group that is based on the 12-Step model used by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and may supplement addiction treatment as an aftercare resource.2 Learn more about CMA and how the self-help group works here, as well as alternative groups that may be helpful on your path to recovery.
What Is Crystal Meth Addiction?
Meth, crystal meth, and methamphetamine are terms used to describe the highly addictive substance that affects the central nervous system.3 When a person uses meth, there is an increase in the amount of dopamine in the brain. This increase in dopamine can strongly reinforce drug-taking behavior.3
Methamphetamine use disorder falls under the stimulant use disorder category within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Methamphetamine use disorder is diagnosed based on an individual meeting any two of the below criteria within a 12-month period:4
- Methamphetamine is taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
- A persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control methamphetamine use.
- A significant amount of time is spent obtaining, using, or recovering from methamphetamine.
- Inability to fulfill major obligations at home, school, or work, due to methamphetamine use.
- Continuing to use methamphetamine despite having recurrent interpersonal or social problems caused by the effects of methamphetamine.
- Forgoing important occupational, recreational, or social activities because of methamphetamine use.
- Using methamphetamine in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
- Continuing to use methamphetamine despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem likely caused by methamphetamine use.
- Developing a tolerance to methamphetamine.
- Experiencing withdrawal.
What Is Crystal Meth Anonymous?
Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) is a self-help group of individuals who are in recovery.5 These individuals share their experience, hope, and strength to help others struggling with addiction.5 CMA is spiritual in nature but does not associate with a particular denomination, organization, religion, or sect and the only requirement to join is a desire to recover from crystal meth addiction.6 Anonymity and confidentiality are at the heart of CMA, so if you attend a meeting you can expect complete privacy.6
CMA uses the 12-Step approach, which is similar to groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Attending CMA may benefit you because it can provide a place you can be anonymous and still receive help. You can talk to others who have been through meth addiction, and you may find their experiences helpful. Research also shows that people who attend 12-Step programs like CMA may have higher rates of abstinence.7
The 12 Steps of Crystal Meth Anonymous
The 12 Steps are the foundation of Crystal Meth Anonymous:8
- We admitted that we were powerless over crystal meth and our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of a God of our understanding.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- 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.
- 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.
How to Find Crystal Meth Anonymous Meetings Near Me
You can search for a Crystal Meth Anonymous meeting near me by using the CMA Meeting Directory. Just enter your location to find a nearby meeting at a convenient time. If you cannot find a CMA meeting specifically, AA, NA, and other groups follow a similar model rooted in the 12-Steps and may be available in your area.
Are There Virtual Crystal Meth Anonymous Meetings?
Yes, you can attend Crystal Meth Anonymous online. CMA is committed to helping people with crystal meth addiction, whether they can attend in person or not. For that reason, CMA created online/hybrid meetings which allow people to join meetings in the comfort of their homes.9 You can find out when a virtual meeting is happening by using the Online/Hybrid CMA Meetings search tool and selecting the day you’d like to attend.
If you are looking for alternatives to virtual CMA meetings, American Addiction Centers (AAC) hosts a weekly virtual support meeting you can join.
How to Find Alternative Programs to Crystal Meth Anonymous Near Me
Attending Crystal Meth Anonymous or another similar support group can be an excellent step in your recovery process. CMA may provide an extra layer of support to help you stay abstinent from meth and other substances. However, CMA may not be ideal for everyone. Instead, you may prefer to connect with a group more aligned to your specific needs, such as AA or NA. Or perhaps you may benefit from a structured crystal meth addiction rehab treatment program in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
12-Step programs are popular, but not everyone wants to use this approach. Some alternatives to CMA include:
- LifeRing: An abstinence-based group providing recovery conversation in a safe space.
- Moderation Management: A national support group helping individuals concerned with their drinking habits make positive lifestyle changes.
- SMART Recovery: A national support group offering an approach that emphasizes the use of evidence-based practices.
- SOS: Emphasizes taking responsibility for one’s actions and uses a scientific approach to recovery.
- Women for Sobriety: An abstinence-based group of women helping other women in recovery.
Crystal Meth Anonymous Hotline and Addiction Helpline Numbers
If you are looking for additional resources for meth addiction, you can reach out to these helplines to receive addiction support:
- American Addiction Centers (AAC):
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): (212) 870-3400
- Cocaine Anonymous (CA): (310) 559-5833
- Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA): (855) 638-4373
- LifeRing: 1-800-811-4142
- SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357
- SMART Recovery: (440) 951-5357
- Women for Sobriety: (215) 536-8026
Does My Insurance Cover Crystal Meth Addiction Rehab?
Searching for rehabs near me can feel overwhelming, especially if you are not sure if insurance will cover the cost of treatment. The good news is most insurance plans cover at least part of, if not all, meth addiction treatment. You can call the number on the back of your insurance card or check your insurance coverage online by filling out the form below.
Getting Help for Crystal Meth Addiction
American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab treatment services. AAC is committed to supporting those struggling with addiction on their journey to recovery. If you are looking for information on meth addiction treatment, you can contact us 24/7 at to learn more about your treatment options.