“Our fellowship is open to women and men, regardless of age, race, religion, ethnic background, marital status, or occupation. We welcome members of any sexual identity or orientation, whether they are gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, or transgender.”
— Sex Addicts Anonymous, p. 1-2
What is sobriety in SAA?
“Our goal when entering the SAA program is abstinence from one or more specific sexual behaviors. But unlike programs for recovering alcoholics or drug addicts, Sex Addicts Anonymous does not have a universal definition of abstinence.
Most of us have no desire to stop being sexual altogether. It is not sex in and of itself that causes us problems, but the addiction to certain sexual behaviors. In SAA we will be better able to determine what behavior is addictive and what is healthy. However, the fellowship does not dictate to its members what is and isn’t addictive sexual behavior. Instead we have found that it is necessary for each member to define his or her own abstinence.”
— Sex Addicts Anonymous, p. 14-15
What if I am attracted to other people at meetings?
Feelings of attraction can happen in many circumstances. Many of us have found ourselves attracted to others at one time or another. However, just because we feel attraction, we do not have to act on those feelings. We share our feelings with those we trust. With the support of our group, our sponsors, and our Higher Power we can get through these feelings and even learn from them.
Will I be the only woman at the meeting?
This is a possibility, but not a certainty. There are many women in our fellowship worldwide. This does not necessarily mean that there will be other women in any particular local meeting.
If you feel awkward as the only woman in a meeting, you may choose to attend telemeetings as an alternative. You may also for information about how to contact other women.
Be aware that regardless of the number of women you meet in your local group, sobriety is possible through working the SAA program.
What about hugs and physical contact?
Physical contact, including hugs and handshakes, is a personal choice. You have the right to refuse physical contact with another member. You may say, “I am uncomfortable with hugging.” Or something similar to that. Remember also that others have the right to say no to hugs or handshakes.
In the SAA program, we learn new ways of thinking and living, and choosing or refusing physical touch is part of that learning process.
What is the difference between the Women’s Outreach Committee (WOC) and the Women’s Intergroup (WIG)?
A downloadable document, What’s the Difference?, has been created to answer this question.
