Info for Newcomers
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Sex and Love Addiction?
A: We in SLAA believe that sex and love addiction is an illness, a progressive illness, which cannot be cured, but which, like many illnesses, can be arrested. It may take several forms, including, but not limited to, a compulsive need for sex, extreme dependency on one person or many, and/or chronic preoccupation with romance, intrigue or fantasy. An obsessive-compulsive pattern, either sexual, emotional, or both, exists in which relationships or sexual activities become increasingly destructive to career, family and sense of self-respect. Sex and love addiction always leads to worse and worse consequences if it continues unchecked.
Q: How do I know if I’m a Sex and/or Love Addict?
A: This is an important and potentially complex question. To get you started, we suggest you read this brief set of criteria for Sex and Love Addiction and see if you relate to any them:
Characteristics of Sex and Love Addiction
You may also want to review this set of questions about your behavior:
[40 Questions for Self Diagnosis]
It may also be valuable to speak with qualified therapist to help you make a determination
Q: Can I show up at any meeting, even if I’m not sure I’m a Sex and Love Addict?
A: Yes. If you suspect that you might be a sex and love addict, you are welcome at any meeting. Closed meetings are for S.L.A.A members only, or for those who have a "desire to stop living out a pattern of sex and love addition". Open meetings are available to anyone interested in Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous’ program of recovery from sex and love addiction. Non-sex and love addicts may attend open meetings as observers.
Q: What can I expect at an SLAA meeting?
A: Every meeting is slightly different. But you can expect some similarities at all meetings. Most meetings open up with the Serenity Prayer. Depending on the meeting, there may be some reading, then some discussion. You don’t have to share anything beyond the first name you decide to give at the meeting.
