A Short History of CoDA
The journey began in June 1982 in a meeting in Phoenix, Arizona when the co-founders met for the first time – whilst working their own programme. They would go on to meet with recovery professionals who would eventually join the first CoDA board – as there was no programme of recovery for codependents.
The first CoDA meeting attended by 30 people was held on 22 October 1986 in Phoenix, Arizona. Within four weeks there were 100 people and before the year was up there were 120 groups. CoDA held its first National Service Conference the next year with 29 representatives from seven US states. CoDA has now has meetings active in more than 70 countries and online.
CoDA UK started in Craven Street, near Trafalgar Square in London with 4 members. The first official meeting was held in Wood Green in 1989.
Initially 4 meetings existed in London held in Wood Green, Hampstead (2) and St Pancras. The founding members from London formed a national steering committee (NSC) and invited others to join. As the number of meetings grew rapidly, 2 members from Bath produced a CODA newsletter.
In 1990 there were celebrations held on 1st anniversary. Founders of CoDA, Ken and Mary visited the UK for work and met with the committee and invited them to the World Service conference in 1991 in Scottsdale.
From the Archives
First CoDA – “Bear Facts” Newsletter – (Oct 1987)
“CoDA Connections” Online newsletters
CoDA Step leaflets (1989 / 90)
First CoDA Inc – Website (Jan 2003)
Share from – First CSC (March 2003)
First CoDA UK – Website (Apr 2004)
CoDA Founder Shares (1987 >)
CoDA ICC Conference – Melody B – Keynote session (2010)
25th Anniversary – CoDA Birthday – CoDA Founders letter (2011)
35th Anniversary – CoDA Birthday Celebration shares (2021)
Wikipedia page for Co-Dependents Anonymous
