Where do I start?
Many of us were in your situation or a situation like yours and we came to SAA to discover there is hope and a solution. Rarely have we seen people not make progress in their recovery if they work the program and take action.
The first step is to come to an SAA meeting.
We recommend you attend at least 6 or more SAA meetings to see if SAA is right for you. Here are some common questions many of us had.
I am fearful and not sure I want to go to a meeting?
For many of us, the thought of going to an SAA® meeting for the first time filled us with fear, shame and guilt. When we came to our first meeting, we found that our fears were unfounded. No one judged us and instead we found a group of compassionate people who shared our problem but offered a solution (a program of recovery) and a fellowship.
At the start we may be embarrassed and think we are the only one with this problem. Once we came to meetings, our initial discomfort gave way to a sense of belonging and a feeling of relief that there are others like us.
What about anonymity?
Anonymity is in our name (Sex Addicts Anonymous®). We practice strict anonymity and confidentiality, so our meetings are safe for all of us. We use first names only and there is no requirement to share information. Newcomers to our program will find a warm welcome and peer support in all our meetings.
Why do I need to go to SAA? Why can’t I do recovery on my own?
Meetings offer us a place to share our struggle and to learn a new way of life with freedom from compulsive and addictive sexual behaviors. The SAA program of recovery consists of working the twelve steps of SAA®, learning and practicing recovery skills, interactions between members where we offer each other peer support, and meetings where we share our experience, strength, and hope. Many of us tried to avoid our sexual addictive and destructive behaviors on our own but we failed until we came to SAA®. Only you can decide what is right for you. The first step is to come to a meeting and learn more to see what is right for you.
I see a therapist so why do I need SAA?
Participation in SAA complements and enhances any mental health treatment and therapy you are participating in. Many of us realize that our experiences and participation in SAA complement and enhance our recovery in ways that therapy alone cannot fully address.
I already am in recovery for alcohol or drugs why do I need SAA?
SAA focusses on addictive, compulsive, and destructive sexual behaviors and offers a program of recovery and skills of recovery that are unique to sexual addiction. Only you know what is best for you.
How do I know I am addicted to pornography or sex?
A great first step to answering this question is to come to an SAA meeting and determine for yourself if you believe you are addicted to pornography or sex. You can also review the characteristics of pornography and sexual addiction here.