Frequently Asked Questions

What is sexual Addiction?

Sex Addiction can involve a wide variety of practices. Sometimes an addict has trouble with just one unwanted behavior, sometimes with many. A large number of sex addicts say their unhealthy use of sex has been a progressive process. It may have started with an addiction to masturbation, pornography (either printed or electronic), or a relationship, but over the years progressed to increasingly dangerous behaviors.

The essence of all addiction is the addicts' experience of powerlessness over a compulsive behavior, resulting in their lives becoming unmanageable. The addict is out of control and experiences tremendous shame, pain and self-loathing. The addict may wish to stop — yet repeatedly fails to do so. The unmanageability of addicts' lives can be seen in the consequences they suffer: losing relationships, difficulties with work, arrests, financial troubles, a loss of interest in things not sexual, low self-esteem and despair.

What is the Sex Addicts Anonymous fellowship?

Sex Addicts Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so they may overcome their sexual addiction and help others recover from sexual addiction and dependency.

• Membership is open to all who share a desire to stop addictive sexual behavior. There is no other requirement.
• Our common goals are to become sexually healthy and to help other sex addicts achieve freedom from compulsive sexual behavior.
• SAA is supported through voluntary contributions from members.
• We are not affiliated with any other twelve-step programs, nor are we a part of any other organization. We do not support, endorse, or oppose outside causes or issues.

What Types of Meetings are Available in Toronto?

Many types of meetings have been developed by SAA group members to meet the needs of the addict who still suffers. Some of these meetings are the following:

Men only, Women only or Mixed Meetings: Most SAA meetings are mixed meetings, meaning that the meetings are open to all individuals, regardless of gender, who are interested in recovering from addictive sexual behavior. Some meetings decide to segregate themselves by gender in order to make the meeting a safe place for their attendees to recover from their addictive sexual behavior. Because of the nature of this addiction, some members only feel safe attending single gender meetings. We respect this need.

Closed versus Open Meetings: Closed Meetings are open only to those individuals who have a desire to stop their addictive sexual behavior. Open Meetings are open to anyone interested in finding out about SAA; those who attend need not have admitted that their sexual behavior is a problem.

Telemeeting: A meeting for those in recovery from sexual addiction that is held via a telephone conference call.

I am the spouse, parent, friend, etc of a sex addict. Can I attend your meeting?

Can you diagnose me or someone else with sexual addiction over the phone or by email? Can you counsel me about my or my friend's problem?

Are your meetings open to members of the press?

Our meeting are not open to the press or others seeking general information. We are forbidden by our traditions from engaging in promotion. It may however be possible to arrange an interview with an outreach member about their own experiences, but only if action is taken to protect the person's anonymity.