Sex Addicts Anonymous*

Q: Am I addicted to sex?

A: We do not diagnose addiction. We suggest you look at the questionnaire here and decide for yourself.

Q: How can I stop the behaviours that are painful, costly, or destructive?

A: If willpower alone was enough, most of us would have stopped compulsive sexual behaviour long before it began to destroy our lives. We need help. Some of us find help through therapy or inpatient treatment programs. In SAA, we find help by regularly attending meetings and working with a sponsor who can guide us through the recovery process.

Q: What can I expect if I attend an SAA meeting?

A: Generally we read from literature related to recovery, and share our experience, strength and hope. You will find books and pamphlets related to SAA recovery at meetings. There will be opportunities for one-on-one dialogue after the meeting.

Q: Do meetings have a professional addiction counsellor present?

A: No. SAA is simply a group of addicts helping one another abstain from the sexual behaviours that brought them here. Meetings are not group therapy.

Q: How many meetings will I have to attend before I am cured?

A: You are free to come and go as you wish. We recommend that you attend at least six meetings before making a decision about whether the SAA program could work for you. Many addicts see maintaining abstinence from compulsive behaviour as a life-long process.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Nothing. There are no dues or fees required for membership.

Q: Can my partner attend meetings?

A: No. All the currently active face-to-face meetings in the GTA are “closed” which means only addicts or individuals who think they may be addicts can attend. Parallel programs exist (COSA or S-Anon) to help partners, friends or relatives deal with the impact of the addict in their lives.

Q: Is it true that Twelve Step recovery groups have a compulsory religious belief?

A: No. Twelve Step recovery has a strong spiritual component but does not require adherence to any particular belief or dogma. Atheists, agnostics, and those with long-standing religious affiliations can all connect with the spiritual priniciples of the SAA program and find recovery without compromising their convictions.