SurvivingInfidelity.com Forum Archives

jrr111800 posted 10/2/2013 17:43 PM

I am curious if any us of WS has or is attending one of the programs. I am going to my first one tonight and have no idea whats it going to entail. Thanks for any input

MissesJai posted 10/2/2013 18:20 PM

I have - both in person and on-line. They are not for everyone - I will say that up front. However, they can be very beneficial. You will introduce yourself - share your story, if you feel comfortable, and it will go from there. Others will share their struggles, triumphs, etc. You may do some reading or journaling on a particular topic. I really enjoyed it. Good luck.

wobbly127 posted 10/3/2013 03:23 AM

jrr--
I felt distinctly uncomfortable when I went to SA. I felt like I was in an AA meeting with an open bottle of vodka. The only way it would have worked for me if I could have checked my dangly bits at the door. Your mileage may vary. But it didn't seem to be a good idea for me.

nealos posted 10/3/2013 09:33 AM

It was and IS crucial to my sanity. I'm a heavy believer in 12 Step Recovery, and my sole experience is in with sex addiction. I've been to SA, SLAA, and SAA-- there's not much difference, though many people will try to convince you there is. Hell, past your 1st step there's little difference between AA and SA.

A lot of people get hung up on little details about the literature, but I'd encourage you to be open-minded about it-- even if you hear something about God or marriage that you find offense with. (For instance I'm not married and I don't believe in Jesus, and it's exactly the right program for me). Not every group is created equal, either. You may go to 5 different fellowships and only identify with and enjoy yourself at 1 of them. Try a few different ones out if you have the option to do so.

Please feel free to message me if you have any questions!

badchoice posted 10/3/2013 21:07 PM

How did your meeting go.

I went to SA for a few months, but have found that I relate to CoDA much more, so that is the 12 step program that I use for support.

I have obsessive and compulsive behaviors, so a support group was and is very helpful for me.

If you identify with the group, then take advantage of the fellowship and support that they offer. I found that I learned a lot about myself in those rooms.

Good luck.

changedlife posted 10/5/2013 15:29 PM

Sorry, what does SA stand for? I think I know what it means but not sure.

Also, what is a good online program?

Jrazz posted 10/5/2013 15:41 PM

SA = Sex Addict.

Hopefully more members will be along with resources. While one diagnosis does not fit all, I've seen a lot of members benefit from attending recovery programs for SA.

changedlife posted 10/5/2013 15:44 PM

Thanks I wouldn't want to go to one in person out of respect for my BS, but I found the steps online myself.

nealos posted 10/7/2013 22:52 PM

Sorry, what does SA stand for? I think I know what it means but not sure.
Also, what is a good online program?

SA on this website is shorthand for "sex addict," SA in 12-Step recovery is an acronym for 'Sexaholics Anonymous." SAA is "Sex Addicts Anonymous." SLAA is "Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous." (similarly S-Anon is like Al-Anon where it is especially geared for those who are affected by a relationship with a Sex Addict)

A good online resource for 12-steps, generally is http://12step.org
A good online resource for Sex-related 12-steps is http://SA.org

There are online and phone SA meetings, but I'd recommend an in=person meeting. Anonymity is a cornerstone of the program. Every once in a while I'll run into someone I know from a meeting at a grocery store of something, and it's not even acknowledged. No need to be scared of being "found out," in my opinion.

And another online recovery program that was recommended to me a long time ago (though I didn't finish it, but found it very helpful for a while) is RecoveryNation.com It's not 12-step related, but it's good stuff.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!