The Reading Room

Welcome to the Recovery Reading Room.  For a recovering addict, reading and learning about their addiction is crucial - it builds self-awareness, uncovers underlying patterns, and equips them with tools to manage triggers and prevent relapse.  Take ownership of your recovery by learning about addiction and how to build and sustain your sobriety - by reading about recovery, with videos, podcasts and apps and building habits that turn into a living life in a new way.  

Knowledge empowers recovery by turning confusion into clarity and denial into informed action.  

Free & Downloadable Resources on Sex Addiction Recovery

Start Your Recovery Now

• AA Big Book 12 Steps and 12 Traditions Voices of Recovery Answers in the Heart 

• Your Brain on Porn Road to Freedom AA Prayer Sheet

•  Sex Addicts Anonymous – Green Book:  The foundational text of Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA), this comprehensive guide outlines the Twelve Steps and includes personal stories from members. It's available to read online for free.

• Stop Sex Addiction: Real Hope, True Freedom for Sex Addicts and Partners by Milton S. Magness:  This book offers a structured recovery plan and addresses both addicts and their partners. It's accessible for free through the Internet Archive.

• Freedom from Sex Addiction — A Self-Help Workbook:  Written by Joan Gold, MFT, this workbook provides exercises and guidance for individuals seeking recovery from sex addiction. It's available as a free PDF download.

• Sex Addiction 101: The Workbook by Robert Weiss:  Featuring 24 exercises designed to guide individuals through recovery, this workbook is available for download on Scribd.

• Sex Addiction: 6 Types & Treatment – Free Chapter:  Dr. Doug Weiss offers a free chapter from his book, detailing different types of sex addiction and their treatments.

• Sexual Addiction Reading and Resources List:  A curated list of recommended books, websites, and support groups for those dealing with sexual addiction, available as a downloadable PDF on Scribd.

• Step Work – Center for Healthy Sexuality:  This workbook provides guidance on working through the Twelve Steps, specifically tailored for those recovering from sex addiction.

Free & Downloadable Resources for Partners and Family Members

• S-Anon Family Groups:  S-Anon offers a 12-step support program for families and friends of sex addicts. They provide literature, meetings, and a free Welcome Packet to help you connect with others and begin your recovery journey.2. 

• Partners: Healing From His Addiction eBook by Dr. Doug Weiss:  This eBook delves into the effects on women who have lived with a sexual addict, offering insights and guidance for healing.

• Sex Addiction: 6 Types & Treatment – Free Chapter:  Dr. Doug Weiss provides a free chapter from his book, detailing different types of sex addiction and their treatments, which can be insightful for partners seeking understanding.

• SafeFamilies.org – Help for Spouses:  SafeFamilies offers a range of articles and resources specifically geared toward spouses and significant others affected by sexual addiction. Topics include healing from adultery or porn addiction and guidance on what to do when a spouse refuses help.

• Seeking Integrity – Resources for Loved Ones: Seeking Integrity provides a comprehensive list of resources for partners of sex addicts, including recommended readings and information on support groups.

• Center for Healthy Sex – Books for Partners of Sex Addicts: This resource offers a curated list of books aimed at helping partners of sex addicts navigate their healing journey. While some books may not be free, the list provides valuable recommendations.

• My Top Six Books for Partners of Sex and Porn Addicts:  This blog post discusses six recommended books for partners dealing with the effects of sex and porn addiction, providing summaries and insights into each.

Downloadable Tools & Workbooks

• Facing the Shadow Workbook by Dr. Patrick Carnes -  Step-by-step workbook addressing denial, trauma, and addiction cycles.    Purchase or preview on Amazon

• RecoveryZone: The Assessment Tool -  Measures risk and health in recovery from sex addiction.  https://recoveryzone.com

• Three Circles Worksheet (SAA) -  Helps individuals define inner (bottom-line behaviors), middle (slippery), and outer (healthy) circles.   Three Circles Explanation

Books & Reading Materials to purchase

• Love Dare - a 40-day challenge for husbands and wives to understand and practice unconditional love. 

• Out of the Shadows by Dr. Patrick Carnes -  Foundational book explaining sex addiction and recovery processes.  Link to book

• The Recovery Book by Al Mooney, M.D. -  Comprehensive guide on addiction recovery with practical chapters.  Available on Amazon

• Worthy of Her Trust by Jason Martinkus -  For men working to rebuild trust after betrayal.  Book link

• The Betrayal Bond by Dr. Patrick Carnes -  Explores trauma bonds and why people stay in unhealthy relationships.  Book link

  • • Ten Days to Self-Esteem 

• • • Don't Call It Love: Recovery From Sexual Addiction Recovery From Sexual Addiction 

• • • Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction

• • • How Can I Forgive You?: The Courage to Forgive, the Freedom Not To The Courage to Forgive, the Freedom Not To 

• • • Staying Sober Without God: The Practical 12 Steps to Long-Term Recovery from Alcoholism and Addictions

• • • Sex Addiction: A Guide for Couples and Those Who Help Them A Guide for Couples and Those Who Help Them

• • • Sex Addicts Anonymous: 3rd Edition Conference Approved 3rd Edition Conference Approved

• • • A Gentle Path through the Twelve Steps: The Classic Guide for All People in the Process of Recovery The Classic Guide for All People in the Process of Recovery 

• • • Recovery Zone, Vol. 1: Making Changes that Last - The Internal Tasks Making Changes that Last: The Internal Tasks

• • • Recovery Zone Volume 2: Achieving Balance in Your Life - The External Tasks Achieving Balance in Your Life - The External Tasks

• • • Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: The Basic Text for The Augustine Fellowship, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

• • • After the Affair, Third Edition: Healing the Pain and Rebuilding Trust When a Partner Has Been Unfaithful

• • • In the Shadows of the Net: Breaking Free of Compulsive Online Sexual Behavior

• • • GETTING WEB SOBER: HELP FOR CYBERSEX ADDICTS AND THEIR LOVED ONES An Exclusive Guide for Individuals and Families

• • • The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists: Coping with the One-Way Relationship in Work, Love, and Family

• • • Narcissism: Denial of the True Self

• • • How To Stop Being A Narcissist: Complete Guide On How To Give Up Control In Relationships How To Recognize And Stop Controlling Narcissistic Behavior

• • • Your Brain on Porn: Internet Pornography and the Emerging Science of Addiction 

• • • Intimate Treason: Healing the Trauma for Partners Confronting Sex Addiction

• • • Restoring Trust: A Couple's Guide to Getting Past Porn

• • • State of Grace

    • Facing the Shadow (Carnes workbook)
      
      

    • “What Is Sexual Sobriety?” (SA definition)
      
      

    • The White Book – SA Foundational Text