Our History
A Legacy of Recovery, Hope, and Service
More than four decades of peer-based recovery, community support, and service from Mexico City to communities across the United States.
The Beginning
How the Movement Began
Drogadictos Anónimos traces its roots to Mexico City in 1982, following the Second International Congress of Alcoholics Anonymous 24 Hours of Intensive Therapy. Several mothers seeking help for their children affected by addiction approached David Cervantes and asked a simple but powerful question: Why aren’t there recovery options for individuals affected by drug addiction similar to those available for alcoholics?
That question became the inspiration for a new recovery movement focused on helping individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. On September 4, 1983, the first Drogadictos Anónimos group, Grupo Liberación, began its activities. Despite limited financial resources and numerous challenges, the organization grew into an effective recovery alternative built upon the principles of mutual support, personal responsibility, and recovery through the Twelve Steps.
Why aren’t there recovery options for individuals affected by drug addiction similar to those available for alcoholics?
A question that started it all
Over time, Drogadictos Anónimos expanded throughout Mexico and eventually crossed international borders, carrying forward a message of recovery, hope, and shared responsibility.
Growth Across Borders
From its founding in Mexico to its expanding presence in the United States, DA America has continued to grow through peer support, recovery-focused environments, and community engagement.
Origins
A Foundation of Hope
DA America’s history is rooted in peer support, shared experience, and a commitment to long-term recovery for individuals and families.
1998
The Message Reached the United States
In 1998, longtime members brought the message of recovery to the United States with the vision of creating recovery support services for individuals and families seeking a path to recovery.
1999
First U.S. Group Opened
In November 1999, Grupo Manhattan opened in New York City, becoming the first D.A. group in the United States. To strengthen and expand its services, the organization incorporated as The Corona Self-Help Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing recovery support and safe recovery-focused environments.
Milestone
Growth in New York
The opening of the first U.S. group marked a major step in expanding recovery support and building a stronger nonprofit foundation in the United States.
Today
Service Across States
What began as a recovery message has grown into a broader network serving communities in New York, Connecticut, Florida, and Colorado.
Today
A Broader Recovery Network
Over the years, the organization expanded beyond recovery meetings to include recovery residences, peer support, wellness activities, family involvement, community outreach, and Twelve Step recovery programs. Today the organization serves communities in New York, Connecticut, Florida, and Colorado through a network of recovery-focused locations and recovery residences operating year-round.
2024 and Beyond
Continuing the Legacy
In 2024, The Corona Self-Help Center, Inc. officially changed its name to Drogadictos Anónimos USA Inc. to better reflect its mission, history, and growing national presence.
Today, DA America continues to build upon more than four decades of recovery experience while helping individuals and families achieve long-term recovery through the principles of the Twelve Steps, peer support, recovery residences, and community engagement.
Legacy
A Future of Recovery
DA America continues to move forward with a clear mission: strengthening recovery communities through the Twelve Steps, peer support, and recovery residences.