Stay sober one day at a time
Most sexaholics find the idea of years of sexual sobriety difficult to comprehend, but anyone can stay sober just for one day, today.
Read the literature
Read these books, which explain SA’s 12-step programme of recovery:
- Sexaholics Anonymous (also called the “White Book”)
- Member Stories - 1989
- Recovery Continues
Members are also urged to read Alcoholics Anonymous (the AA “Big Book”) and “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions”. These two books are generally available from your Literature Officer or at any AA meeting or service office.
Go to meetings
Attend as many meetings as you can. They are listed in the "Where to Find". Listen and learn. Share your own story. Members welcome newcomers. You’re not alone if you use the tools SA has to offer. Participate when possible and pick one or two meetings you can join regularly - have a “home” group. Focus on the solution to your problem.
SA meetings are for sexaholics only. Family members and friends can contact S-Anon..
Tips on staying sober
Avoid situations leading to “acting out” (masturbation, sex outside marriage, etc.). These include people, places or things, “triggers”, such as: all forms of pornography, cruising, prostitutes, even so-called “relationships” based solely on sex. As new AA’s avoid pubs, so do SA’s avoid porno shops and massage parlours like the plague.
Recite the Serenity Prayer:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
Call another SA member every day. Attend meetings. Read a piece of literature every day. Work the Steps with your sponsor. Take the actions of recovery. Get involved with service work. Don’t think too much - our best thinking got us where we are today.
Get a sponsor
Seek out an SA member with more sobriety to be a guide. Women are encouraged to choose other women and men to choose men. Ask for a sponsor to come forward at a meeting. A good sponsor will be actively working the steps and will be available to answer questions and assist you in recovery by listening to you and sharing his/her experience, strength and hope. New members are encouraged to get a temporary sponsor for the first ninety days.
Use the telephone
Using the telephone helps us to stay sober between meetings by enabling us to stay close to the fellowship. Use it. Ask other members for their numbers. Volunteer your own if you feel right about it.