Newcomer Information

Austin Area SAA Newcomer Information

Getting Started in SAA - Online newcomer's pamphlet in read-only form.

Welcome Message from the Austin Area SAA to Newcomers

Dear Newcomer,

Congratulations on taking a step toward recovery by visiting this website. Be assured you are not alone; we are all here to support one another on this journey. We do not "twelve step" newcomers as a requirement to attend our meetings; however, we suggest that the best way to learn about our program is by attending a meeting specifically for newcomers. The only requirement for attending any meeting is a desire to stop compulsive sexual behavior. At meetings, you may speak out about your feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and doubts with no fear of rejection or judgment. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have; answers may not be given immediately due to a tradition of not engaging in dialog or “crosstalk”. We have all been new and understand there is a lot to learn. The Newcomer Packet, which is given to newcomers at most meetings, is intended to help you begin recovery with suggestions and ideas that other members have found helpful and will also help you understand the terms and concepts you will hear discussed in meetings. We hope you will find the meetings a safe and comfortable place to seek recovery, sanity, and serenity.

ABOUT SAA

SAA is a 12 Step program adapted from AA for men and women who seek recovery from compulsive or inappropriate sexual behavior. We make no judgments about sexual preference and are not affiliated with any other group or organization. Though we emphasize the spiritual nature of recovery, we do not support or oppose any particular faith or religion. We maintain strict confidentiality and anonymity in order to encourage openness and honesty. You are not required to state you are a sex addict or to speak at all, though many find it freeing to do so. We recommend you attend the meetings six times before making a decision as to whether you will benefit from this program. A list of Austin meetings is on this website.

DURING MEETINGS

Each meeting has a different format. One member will chair the meeting, serving as a moderator only. We use first names only to ensure anonymity, and do our best to respect everyone’s right to speak at meetings. Because many of us have difficulty sharing our feelings, we have a policy of not interrupting anyone or commenting on what they say (this is also known as “crosstalk”). If someone requests “feedback”, we don’t give advice but share from our own experiences in similar situations.

Again, questions are welcome but due to the tradition of not engaging in dialog or “crosstalk”, these questions may be answered after the meeting. Don’t worry that you may have offended anyone; we have all been new and don’t expect you to know everything about how the meeting works.

We usually close each meeting with the Serenity Prayer. This involves holding hands, but you are not required to, if you find it personally uncomfortable.

Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change,

The courage to change the things I can,

And the wisdom to know the difference.

BETWEEN MEETINGS

Most of us have found a common element in our addiction is our tendency to isolate. This isolation feeds our desire to “act out” sexually. We strongly encourage keeping in touch with other members of the program between meetings. For this reason, some meetings compile a phone list, available to you during or after the meeting. This list is updated every so often, so if you choose, you can be added to the list. It may be helpful to make practice calls to other members when you are not in a difficult situation so it can be easier to call when you are in danger of acting out. You can also ask for numbers from members if they are not on the list.

FINDING A SPONSOR

We also suggest you seek a sponsor to help you develop a program of recovery. A sponsor is a person who has been in SAA longer than you who can answer questions, offer encouragement, and give suggestions on how to “work” the 12 Steps. We encourage you to listen to others as they speak at meetings, then approach someone whom you connected with or whose ideas you find helpful.

HELPFUL READING

You can read about sex addiction and recovery in the pamphlets in the Newcomers Packet, the I.S.O. website, or in the following books:

· Out of the Shadows by Patrick Carnes

· Don’t Call It Love by Patrick Carnes

· Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA “Big Book” or “Green Book”)

· Alcoholics Anonymous (AA “Big Book”)

· Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of AA

· Hope and Recovery by Anonymous

Getting Started in SAA - Online newcomer's pamphlet in read-only form.

The SAA Green Book (Big Book) can be ordered through our SAA website or by contacting our literature volunteer. Read the index and first chapter online here. The other books are available in most major bookstores, either new or used.

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Revised 2011-06-01

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Austin Area SAA Intergroup. All Rights Reserved. No written material, graphic image, or any other data may be downloaded, copied, reproduced, duplicated, or conveyed in any other way without the express written permission of Austin Area SAA Intergroup.

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