Abstinence
We commit ourselves to abstain from all use of marijuana/cannabis, one day at a time. Abstinence allows our bodies to heal from the negative effects of addiction. As our brains heal and our minds clear, our emotional and spiritual issues become clearer. We can then more effectively follow MA’s Twelve Steps of Recovery to find solutions, moving toward a happier, healthier and more spiritual life. Many of us find we must avoid marijuana, alcohol, and all other mind-altering substances (unless those other substances are taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider) to preserve our abstinence.
Meetings
We attend MA meetings to learn how the program works, to identify our common problem and our common solution in the Twelve Steps. We share our experience, strength and hope with each other in a supportive fellowship that helps us all stay free of marijuana/cannabis. In addition to in-person meetings, there are numerous online and telephone MA meetings that are useful in breaking through the deadly isolation caused by distance, illness, or personal challenges. MA suggests newcomers try attending 90 meetings in 90 days. Together, we can do what we could never do alone.
Sponsorship
A sponsor is a recovering member of MA who is committed to abstinence from marijuana, and who is willing to share their recovery with other members. A sponsor can help us understand and work through the Twelve Steps and guide us along the path of recovery. We find a sponsor who “has what we want” or a recovery we admire,and ask that person how they are achieving it. Finding a sponsor in the program can take time and effort, but it’s worth it.
Telephone, Text, and Email
Many members regularly call, text, or email their sponsors and other MA members.This one-to-one contact helps us to avoid the isolation that is so common among us. Telephone or electronic contact can be a lifeline, providing an immediate outlet for those hard-to-handle highs and lows we may experience. Having multiple numbers assures that we can reach someone when we need to. Making regular “program calls” makes it easier to pick up the phone and call someone when we really need support. Members should respect anonymity when leaving any type of voicemail or electronic message.
Literature
We read MA-approved literature, which includes our foundational text, Life with Hope and the Life with Hope Workbook; MA’s daily reader, Living Every Day with Hope; pamphlets and our monthly publication of member-submitted content, A New Leaf. These all provide insight into our Step work, our recovery, and our unique contact with a power greater than ourselves. It is a common practice of members to read MA literature daily and to turn to it for extra support when we need the experience, strength and hope shared in our literature.
Avoiding Triggers
To support our recovery, we actively avoid people, places, and things wherever possible that might tempt us or trigger the urge to use. These include:
- People, such as drug dealers, friends we used with, or people who create emotional distress.
- Places, like bars, clubs, specific streets or houses associated with past substance use.
- Things, including drug paraphernalia or any objects that evoke memories of using.
By steering clear of these triggers, we create a safer environment for maintaining our recovery.
Centering, Prayer, and Meditation
We all experience moments of anxiety, confusion, or negative thinking, which can be especially pronounced during withdrawal. However, such feelings are part of the human experience and can arise at any time. It’s beneficial to learn and practice centering techniques that help reduce these emotions and anchor us in the present moment. Various methods can provide relief, and it’s essential to identify and practice the ones that resonate with us early in recovery. The first step is recognizing when we feel distressed,
followed by employing a centering technique. Options include prayer, meditation, deep breathing, mindful observation, walking, listening to music, and journaling. Some of us find it helpful to create a gratitude list or recite “The Serenity Prayer” repetitively as simple calming strategies. With consistent practice, we become adept at utilizing these centering skills during times of distress.
Writing
Putting our thoughts and feelings down on paper, or describing a troubling or joyous incident, helps us better understand our actions and reactions in a way that is often not revealed by simply thinking or talking about them. When we write about our difficulties, it becomes easier to see situations more clearly and better determine any necessary action. Writing gratitude lists can aid in changing your attitude to one of gratitude.
Action Plan
Creating an action plan for each day is the process of identifying and implementing attainable actions to support our physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery. The daily plan varies among members but usually includes time practicing the Tools of the Program: reading recovery literature, quiet time of some form of prayer and meditation, phone calls, meetings, sponsor times and for many, writing or journaling. Some members include a fitness routine, time to address medical or mental health issues, or finances. Planning can help us balance work or school, personal interactions with family and friends, and our recovery program.
Anonymity
According to MA’s Twelfth: “Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.” Anonymity assures us that only we, as individual MA members, have the right to make our membership known to others. Anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, television, and other public media of communication means that we never allow our faces or last names to be used once we identify ourselves as MA members. Within the fellowship, anonymity means that whatever we share with another MA member will be respected and kept confidential. What we hear at meetings should remain there. Another aspect of anonymity is that we are all equal in MA, whether we are newcomers or seasoned long-timers. Our outside status makes no difference in MA; we have no stars or VIPs. We come together simply as marijuana / cannabis addicts.
Service
Any form of service—no matter how small—that helps reach a fellow sufferer adds to the quality of our own recovery; helping others helps us take the focus off ourselves and makes us feel better. Members who are new to MA can give service simply by attending meetings, sharing and listening to others. Members who feel they are finding their footing in MA can give service by welcoming newcomers, co-hosting a virtual meeting or volunteering to be a timer or reader. With some time in recovery, members might chair a meeting, share their recovery as a speaker, and be a sponsor, helping others through the Twelve Steps. Members who meet specified requirements can give service beyond the group level by serving at the regional, district, or World Services level.
Program Slogans
There are helpful slogans that we hear often in MA meetings. Twelve Step slogans are simple, yet profound phrases that are easy to remember when we need them. They can provide focus, hope and inspiration. One of the most common slogans is “One Day at a Time.”
The thought of committing to never use cannabis ever again can be discouraging and overwhelming. So instead, we strive to stay sober, and abstinent from marijuana one day at a time, and if necessary, one hour or even one minute at a time. These are some other examples:
One Day at a Time
Easy Does It
Progress, Not Perfection
First Things First
We’ll Love You Until You Learn to Love Yourself
Keep an Attitude of Gratitude
This Too Shall Pass
Let Go and Let God
Act as If…
It Works if You Work It
Live Life on Life’s Terms
Principles Before Personalities
You’re Only as Sick as Your Secrets
Surrender to Win
Don’t Quit Before the Miracle Happens!
Keep Coming Back!
GOD = Good Orderly Direction
KISS = Keep It Simple Stoners
HALT = Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
HOW = Honest, Open-minded, and Willing
The Twelve Steps are the core of the Marijuana Anonymous recovery program. The Twelve Traditions guide our groups. In MA, the terms marijuana and cannabis are often used interchangeably. These suggested Tools of Recovery are practical actions we can take to help us achieve and maintain freedom from addiction.
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Portions of this pamphlet are adapted from The Tools of Recovery: Helping Us Live and Work the Twelve Steps, ©1981–2022 Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. Used with permission. Overeaters Anonymous is not affiliated with Marijuana Anonymous and has not reviewed or approved this publication.
P–21 ©2026 MA World Services Conference Approved Literature
