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Women in SAA

 

Women who are new to SAA may have special concerns regarding an overwhelmingly male fellowship. The one thing to keep in mind about SAA is that this fellowship is open to anyone, male or female, seeking recovery from sexual addiction. Our Third Tradition states this idea unequivocally: The only requirement for SAA membership is a desire to stop addictive sexual behavior. Women-only meetings are available; see the meeting list for more information.

 

A Special Welcome to the Woman NewcomerThere is a pamphlet available at many of our local meetings entitled "A Special Welcome to the Woman Newcomer" that may address some of your concerns: topics include Being the Only Woman in the Room, Speaking at Meetings, Triggering Others at Meetings, Being Attracted to Others at Meetings, Protecting Your Safety, and Choosing a Sponsor.

 

We suggest you talk to other women in the fellowship to get an understanding of how this program works for women. Getting to meetings and working the Twelve Steps with a sponsor is the quickest and surest road to recovery.

 

 

SAA's Website for Women

The International Service Organization of SAA has an official website for women looking for recovery from sex addiction. See it here:

 

SAA Women's Website

 

Literature for Women

Literature on women and sex addiction is available. Ask your sponsor for recommendations. Many groups have recovery tapes and literature available for sale or loan. Tapes and literature can also be ordered directly from the International Service Organization of SAA. Contact:

ISO of SAA, Inc.

P.O. Box 70949

Houston TX 77270

Telephone: (713) 869-4902

 

Some Suggested Guidelines

  1. Come to at least six meetings within six weeks.
  2. Read program literature.
  3. Get a temporary sponsor. We recommend choosing someone you feel safe with and to whom you do not feel attracted.
  4. Talk to others - at meetings, after the meeting, between meetings. use the phone list and call others for support if you are feeling a compulsion to act out.
  5. Use the Serentiy Prayer.
  6. Make a preliminary list of "inner circle" behaviors (see pamphlet on "The Three Circles").
  7. Put your recovery first. Don't let others pressure you into silence.
  8. Remember that you are entitled to recovery as much as anyone else in the meetings.
  9. You have a right to set comfortable physical boundaries at meetings.
  10. Be gentle with yourself. Do not expect an overnight cure.
  11. Give yourself credit for being the incredibly brave person you are!
  12. Keep coming back! We're glad you're here and we look forward to walking the path of recovery with you.