A TAVISTOCK resident has set up an anonymous group in the town for those with a drug problem.

The person, who also wants to remain anonymous, has brought the world-wide group ‘Cocaine Anonymous’ to Tavistock after noticing there was ‘a need’ in the town.

Cocaine Anonymous fellowship is now in its third month of meetings which are held at The Printworks, formerly Kingdon House, and has already been well-received.

Having been clean and sober for ten years, the Tavistock resident had been attending Alcoholics Anonymous in Tavistock as the closest group for those with a drug problem was Plymouth.

They said: ‘I have been going to Alcoholics Anonymous as I have a history of drug abuse and there was nothing in Tavistock — so I decided to set up Cocaine Anonymous as I saw there was a need in Tavistock.’

Cocaine Anonymous is concerned solely with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of individual addicts who turn to the fellowship for help.

They added: ‘Cocaine Anonymous is for people who have a drug and drink problem. The group is world-wide but the only place locally to attend was Plymouth.

‘Cocaine Anonymous is for anyone who has a drug or alcohol problem and has a desire to stop — regardless of how much they used.

‘At the meetings people share their experiences, what they were like and what they did to recover from the life shattering drug addiction.’

‘Everyone finds their own way — if you are trying to stop you are welcome, as long as you have that desire to stop.

‘It takes a lot to admit there is a problem but at the meetings there is no judgement and it is all anonymous.’

Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from their addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. It is not a drug-specific group

The group meets every Tuesday at Printworks, on Pym Street.

Doors open at 6.30pm where there is tea and coffee and time for ‘a chat’ before the meeting is held from 7pm to 8pm in the Editor’s Room. The meetings are free to attend.

For any information on the group, visit cocaineanonymous.org.uk