Congratulations!
You have just taken a big step in finding out more about the program of S.L.A.A! Based on many of our personal experiences, here are some suggestions for a successful, life-long journey of recovery in S.L.A.A.
1. Define your Bottom-Line behavior
Bottom-Line behavior is any sexual or emotional act which, once engaged in, leads to loss of control over rate, frequency or duration of its recurrence, resulting in worsening self-destructive consequences. Each member defines their own bottom-line behaviors. Staying away from this behavior defines your sobriety. You are encouraged to start now. Write out your list of bottom line behaviors today. Don’t wait for the perfect list of bottom-lines. With the help of your sponsor and others in S.L.A.A. you can amend it later, if necessary, as you become more aware of what your acting-out pattern has been.
2. Don’t act out!
Just for today, this hour, this moment – no matter what! Instead take care of yourself: make a phone call, talk with your sponsor, another member of the fellowship, attend a meeting, rest, exercise, read program literature, journal your feelings, say a prayer or meditate. You are worth it. IT WILL PASS.
3. Ask for help and express gratitude on a daily basis.
A good place to start is The Serenity Prayer – “God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.”
4. Attend S.L.A.A. meetings regularly.
If you believe sex and love addiction may be an issue in your life and you are ready to do something about it, the next step is to go to a meeting. By giving and receiving support from others like us, we not only have a better chance of recovering, we also begin to learn how to engage with people in a non-addictive way.
To become a member of S.L.A.A., there is nothing you need to do, other than to begin attending meetings.
5. Join a group:
Many of us go to a lot of meetings, and feel we can share at each meeting. But it was helpful for us when we officially “join” one group where we have a commitment to attend, and will be missed if we don’t. Get active in your group – we round out our recovery when we make a commitment and become more involved on a more personal basis.
6. Call S.L.A.A. members daily for support.
Talk to members after the meeting and write down phone numbers. Or get a copy of the meeting’s phone list. Reach out, don’t isolate. Your call also helps other members carry the message and stay sober!
7. Get a Sponsor.
Ask someone to be your sponsor. Look for someone who “has what you want” and ask them to sponsor you. Talk to your Sponsor or another S.L.A.A. person on a daily basis during your withdrawal period. We are as “sick as our secrets” and when we share our feelings, hopes, thoughts, fears, behaviors and discouragement with another person, we are diffusing the power that addiction has over us; we are bringing light to the many ways that we are sick and only then can we patiently, persistently work on these distorted thoughts and emotions. – from “Suggestions for Newcomers”
A sponsor can help you define your “Bottom-lines” and work the Steps. Here are some suggestions for finding a sponsor:
8. Read S.L.A.A. literature.
You will gain insight, understanding, tips and tools through program literature. Books, pamphlets and recordings can be purchased from most in-person meetings, locally from our Intergroup Literature Coordinator or online from the F.W.S. website.
Suggestions for starting literature:
This book contains information about discovering the illness, beginning recovery, defining sobriety, and the Twelve Steps of S.L.A.A. It includes personal stories of others who have gone from addiction to recovery. A copies can be purchased at most meetings.
9. Be of service – Service helps you stay sober.
10. Call the Inspiration Line or the Inspiration Story Line
Listen to one of our member share their experience, strength and hope.
24-hour Inspiration Line: 215-574-2120
The GDVI S.L.A.A. Inspiration Line is available 24 hours a day. S.L.A.A. members offer voice messages of their experience, strength and hope. At the end of the recorded message, callers may leave feedback about the message and/or “get current” (share what’s going on for them today). This recovery tool supports both recorders and listeners.
Inspiration Story Line 24-hour Weekly Extended Message of Inspiration 215-574-2121
The GDVI S.L.A.A. Inspiration Story Line is also available 24-hours a day. A weekly story from one of our members shares their story of experience, strength and hope.
Inspirational Story Line stories are intended to change weekly.
Above all KEEP COMING BACK!
It works if you work it, so work it, you’re worth it.
Meeting Locator Map – List of meetings in the Greater Delaware Valley
Locally Hosted In-Person and Phone/Virtual Meeting List
Inspiration Line – Daily recorded messages of inspiration
40 Questions for Self Diagnosis
12 Characteristics of Sex and Love Addiction
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Order Literature from our local Intergroup
On-Line Literature from Fellowship-Wide Services
Other Regional/International Links
On-Line Core Documents (Combined)
Free, On-Line Issue of The Journal magazine