RECOVERING ADDICTS REJOICE IN BEING CLEAN

Cocaine Anonymous Quebec Convention Offers Support, Workshops And
Camaraderie

At the height of his cocaine use, Gerald was spending up to $300 a day
on his habit.

Doing two to three grams a day "at about $100 a gram, you need a lot
of money, and sometimes the way to make that money was not totally
legit," the 49-year-old former user said yesterday.

"I abused alcohol, cocaine and pot. That will keep you stupid for many
years."

Fifteen years ago, Gerald attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting
with his girlfriend at the time to offer his support for her drinking
problem.

"I ended up finding out I had a problem, too," he said.

But thanks to Cocaine Anonymous Quebec, Gerald has been clean and
sober for 14 years.

Gerald is attending CA Quebec's 21st annual convention, which began
last night and ends tomorrow at the Delta Hotel.

As the group's name implies, members shield their identity, so Gerald
does not want his last name published.

CA Quebec has been a presence in Montreal since its first meeting, in
August 1986, drew 16 people. There now are 45 meetings a week in
Greater Montreal, 10 in English and the rest in French.

The convention is normally held in the fall, but CA Quebec decided to
schedule its 2007 event event now, right after the holiday period.
This is a time when many users have difficulty dealing with the
ubiquitous parties and with the New Year's resolutions to give up
drugs, which can be difficult to achieve.

The bilingual convention features workshops on the 12-step program and
sessions about medications, conjugal violence, spirituality and sexuality.

It's also a party, albeit without mind-altering substances.

"This is an event to rejoice in being clean and an opportunity for
everyone to meet," Gerald said.

Organizers expect between 500 and 700 people to attend the three day
convention. Tonight's main event is a large banquet with music and
dancing.

Attendance at the weekend workshops costs $30 for two days. The
banquet costs $70 and is nearly sold out.

"Just like the meetings, our policy is: Those who can pay, do," Gerald
said of the workshops.

"We really want to reach out to newcomers. Anyone can come for
free."