The History Of CAFAA

Caffeine Addicts Anonymous (CAFAA) began on April 12, 2010, when Sue B. (MA) and another caffeine addict, Amelia (CA), hosted the very first CAFAA phone meeting. Claire K. (WI) was the third attendee. The format was a literature meeting, based on the AA Big Book and 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. As the phone meeting continued over the next few months, most of the attendees came from Madison, WI and an artificial sweetener phone meeting.

In 2011, Rena C. (WI) joined and created our first phone/email contacts list. She also updated the meeting format and began updating and circulating the contacts list and the meeting formats. In October of that year, Sue B. and Claire K. traveled to Vermont together and had the first face-to-face CAFAA meeting during their trip.

Claire K. went back to Wisconsin, and, in 2012, started a Sunday night phone meeting. Although it continued for just a few months, the meeting did attract a newcomers to the fellowship, including Mike A. (WI).

In 2013, Rena C. created the first CAFAA posters to be displayed in AA clubhouses in different time zones and began posting them in her local clubhouse. In July of that year, Sue B. flew to Wisconsin, where she met CAFAA members Rena C., Mike A., Tracy, Pamela and Gerri for the first ever CAFAA face-to-face meeting at the Monona Serenity Club, in Monona, WI, followed by dinner at Bunky’s Cafe. In September, Mike A. started the Thursday night telephone meeting.

In 2014, CAFAA landed on the internet when Rena C. and Sue B. ordered the Caffeine Addicts Anonymous domain name and website builder. By October, Rena had launched the CaffeineAddictsAnonymous website.

In 2015, Mike A. found a company who would customize bronze coins for CAFAA, and the fellowship shared their first anniversary coins for annual anniversaries. In July of that year, the Monday night and Thursday night meetings were merged due to declining attendance.

2017 brought on big exciting changes for CAFAA. That year, Sue B. and Rena C. ordered a website optimizer to improve CAFAA’s search engine visibility and optimization. In May of that year, CAFAA began sending out plastic celebration coins for monthly anniversaries. In June, Mike A. and Rena C. started the Sunday afternoon telephone meeting. In July, Sue B. started the process of recording voluntary speakers at the Sunday meeting and uploading the recordings to the CAFAA website. In September, CAFAA ordered an SSL certificate to ensure safe encryption for caffeine addicts visiting the CAFAA website. Later that month, Rena C. added a PayPal link to the website, and CAFAA accepted its first PayPal 7th Tradition contribution.

In 2018, Mike A., Rena C. and Susan W. (CA) launched the Tuesday morning telephone meeting. A Saturday meeting was started by Kate (NY) and Mike A.

Also in 2018, Sue from Florida initiated and managed the development of our current multi-functional website to more effectively carry the message to caffeine addicts. The new website provides instant access to other members’ contact information (which allows for quick support), meeting formats and minutes, and reduces many CAFAA administrative tasks.

Now: As of July 2018, CAFAA has many well-attended telephone meetings every week, offers anniversary coins for monthly and yearly celebrations, and holds a lively and productive monthly business meeting. CAFAA is poised to carry the message of caffeine addiction in bigger and better ways, thus making our caffeine recovery fellowship more prepared to support everyone, worldwide.

CAFAA Safety Statement

Safety is a topic within CAFAA that groups and members can address. Developing workable solutions to help keep meetings safe can be based on the principles of A.A., our predecessor recovery program. In discussions about safety, keep the focus on our primary purpose, our common welfare, and placing principles before personalities.

CAFFA membership does not include having to tolerate sexual harassment, threats of violence, financial coercion, or bullying. Nor is pressuring A.A. members into a particular point of view or belief relating to medications, religion and other outside issues acceptable. No one should have to tolerate racial, sexual orientation, gender, age or other discrimination when they seek help from CAFFA. Crosstalk and critical references of other fellows during meetings is not permitted. Predatory behaviours and unwanted sexual advances are in conflict with carrying the CAFAA message of recovery using AA’s principles and traditions.

Tradition 10 states: CAFFA has no opinion on outside issues. This includes medication of any kind for physical or psychiatric conditions. Medical advice should come from a qualified physician.

Tradition Five states: “Each group has but one primary purpose — to carry its message to the caffeine addict who still suffers.” And tradition 3 states “the only requirement for CAFAA membership is a desire to stop consuming caffeine.” Any person seeking help with caffeine addiction is welcome at this group. No CAFAA entity determines an individual’s membership in CAFAA.

Tradition One states: “Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon CAFAA unity.” Recognizing the importance of group unity, our group strives to create a safe meeting environment in which caffeine addicts can focus on achieving abstinence from all forms of caffeine. Therefore, if any person endangers another individual or disrupts the group’s efforts to carry CAFAA’s message, the group may ask that person to leave the meeting.

Suggested Group Safety Statement
It is this group’s conscience that if any person endangers another individual or disrupts the group’s efforts to carry CAFAA’s message, the group may ask that person to leave the meeting. This group strives to safeguard the anonymity of CAFAA members and attendees; however, keep in mind that anonymity in CAFAA is not a cloak for unsafe and illegal behavior. Addressing such behavior and/or contacting the proper authorities when appropriate, does not go against any Traditions and is meant to ensure the safety of all in attendance.

If you feel unsafe or unwelcome at CAFFA you can:

• Speak with a sponsor, trusted friend or fellow member and/or a professional.
• Raise the issue for discussion at your group conscience meeting.
• Contact your Group service Representative (GSR) or Central Service Committee (CSC) for local shared experience.
• If you are experiencing violence or criminal behaviour, contact the police