You'll never guess where I went... SAA!

You'll never guess where I went... Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA)!

How the heck did I end up here? Well, I watched a great film a few months ago which I discovered right here on NoFap. "Thanks For Sharing" stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Mark Ruffalo- you know, the Hulk from Avengers. Except in this film he's battling addiction, not anger. I highly recommend the film not only because it's good but because it's relatable.



Before this, I had only heard of 'Sex Addiction.' Honestly, I never believed it. I never understood how people could end up in rehab for sex addiction? But how am I any different? I'm battling porn addiction which stems from the same root and I use NoFap; my form of rehab online to help me. So after seeing the film and recommending it to another friend/addict, I was intrigued to see what SAA had to offer.

When I found their website I was surprised to find some local meetings. It took months for me to cough up the courage to go. For some reason last week- I realised I needed more help than I thought. Our problem is online, yet ironically we go online to get help. It's like being a drug addict and knowing "the ghetto" is around the corner while you direct yourself towards a positive environment. Besides, I wanted to experience something in person, for real.

I didn't know what to expect. I imagined stereotypes in anticipation, but boy was I wrong. My preconceptions were false. They were just normal people, like me, struggling with the same common problem. SAA is sourced from the AA and there's a whole book about it which the organisation is based upon.

"Hi my name's ___ and I'm a ___ addict."



The room then responds with "Hi, (name)..." just like how you see in TV/films. But once I got over the cliché, I learned this was an open, helpful and supportive environment. I didn't say a word the first time but listening alone allowed me to learn a lot. Also there was literature/ leaflets in the room which I took home to read.

There was another session scheduled the very next day at another venue which I went to as well. SAA recommend attending 6 sessions at least before you decide whether it's suitable for you. Every venue/ group has a different vibe and in my second meeting I coughed up more courage and introduced myself along with my symptoms. It felt therapeutic to say these things aloud. Not just think them, or type them but actually speak them amongst others, free from judgement. People listened and related to me.



I cannot believe I went. I really can't. Yet I'm relieved I did. It was reassuring to know I'm not alone. Sure, NoFap has millions of visitors, but we can't see each other. We hide behind anonymous usernames and photos. SAA was real and quite profound. I apparently have to go back 4 more times before I decide.

I think I will... How about you?

 

Ha! Your Gwyneth Paltrow comment made me laugh. Thanks- good to know you’ve been going too and I appreciate the encouragement.

 

I’m glad it’s helped you too! Thanks for sharing (pun intended) your insight. Seriously though I appreciate the encouragement and offer to message.

 

My man- good to hear from you again. Thank you for the info’, I’ll definitely look into it as this is all new to me so it’s worth checking out different groups.