Sex addicts Anonymous

Sex Addicts Anonymous is a twelve-step program designed to help individuals struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors and addiction to sex. This can include excessive sexual activity, pornography addiction, and problematic sexual relationships that disrupt daily functioning and personal well-being. As a fellowship of recovering addicts, Sex Addicts Anonymous offers a message of hope to anyone suffering from sex addiction. SAA is inclusive and open to anyone struggling with problematic sexual behaviors, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or background. It is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous and provides a community of support, structure, and accountability for those who want to regain control over their lives and establish healthier relationships with sex. 

www.saa-recovery.org

Sexual Compulsions

Theistic (non-specific)

Sex Addicts Anonymous was founded in the late 1970s as an adaptation of the twelve-step model pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous. It arose out of a need for a structured support system for people struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors. At the time, people facing sex addiction had few resources or avenues for support, especially given the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding the issue. The founders of SAA adapted the twelve steps of AA to address the specific challenges of sex addiction, focusing on issues like setting personal boundaries, dealing with shame, and developing a healthier relationship with sexuality. The goal was to create a safe, anonymous, and nonjudgmental environment where people could openly discuss their struggles and find support. SAA aims to help individuals:

• Achieve and maintain sexual sobriety by developing healthy boundaries around their sexual behavior.
• Restore their lives by mending relationships, stabilizing finances, and rebuilding personal integrity.
• Gain awareness of and work through underlying issues that may contribute to addiction, such as trauma, isolation, or emotional pain.
• Establish new coping mechanisms and habits to replace addictive behaviors with healthier alternatives.

The first formal meetings of SAA began in the early 1980s in the United States, and they soon spread to other locations as awareness of sex addiction increased. The program expanded in part due to the development of literature specifically tailored for sex addiction recovery, including the SAA “Green Book,” which provides guidance, stories, and an outline of the principles of the program.

From the outset, SAA faced significant challenges related to the stigma surrounding sex addiction. Public understanding of sex addiction was limited, and many people were hesitant to seek help or discuss their struggles openly. Despite these barriers, SAA provided a unique solution by creating an anonymous, judgment-free environment that allowed people to come forward, share their experiences, and receive support from others facing similar issues.

As SAA grew, it helped to increase public awareness of sex addiction and bring the issue into broader discussions of mental health and addiction. The program’s success contributed to a wider recognition of sex addiction as a legitimate issue and influenced the development of treatment options within the mental health field. 

Over the years, SAA has continued to advocate for sex addiction recovery, helping to reduce stigma and support individuals in need. Today, SAA is a global organization with a presence in many countries, offering both in-person and virtual meetings. As of 2024, there are over 1,500 Sex Addicts Anonymous meeting in the United States.

Sex Addicts Anonymous by SAA Fellowship, also known as “The Green Book”   

Sex Addicts Anonymous uses the same twelve steps as Alcoholics Anonymous.

SAA encourages members to find a sponsor, a more experienced member who provides guidance and support.

Sex Addicts Anonymous emphasizes confidentiality and anonymity to create a safe environment for sharing personal experiences.

Unlike most twelve-step programs, SAA allows each member to define their own sobriety plan. This approach acknowledges that the definition of sobriety in the context of sex addiction can vary widely, as each person’s behaviors and triggers are unique.

Members are encouraged to participate in the program by taking on small responsibilities within meetings, such as reading literature, sharing experiences, or eventually becoming a sponsor.

In-person and online: www.saa-recovery.org/meetings/