Tools of Recovery

An Introduction to Tools of Recovery
Abstinence from sexual acting out, however, doesn’t always come quickly. Most of us had to have some distance from acting out before we could get a clearer picture of the seriousness of our condition….

Asking Questions
Entering SAA may be a daunting experience. Out in the world in the midst of our addiction, we suffered alone; in recovery, we heal together. Having lots of questions is to be expected of a new member in SAA….

Attending Meetings
In meetings we learn how to live in the solution. Meetings keep our focus on recovery and on the importance of maintaining abstinence. Especially in the beginning of recovery, they give us a sober place to go rather than engage in addictive behavior….

Being Positive
Much attention in early sobriety goes to admitting all our shameful behaviors and all the compulsions from which we have committed to abstain. We become so focused on what is difficult that we may overlook the successes we have each day. …

Book-ending
When upcoming events seem particularly triggering, it is helpful to arrange in advance to contact someone in SAA, both before and after. Occasions that we might want to book-end include: family visits, parties, business obligations, dates, or travel. …

Changing Old Routines
Most of our compulsive behaviors are intricately woven into the fabric of our lives. Certain times of day or specific locations, people, and activities are part of our acting-out patterns. Changing old routines that are associated with our addiction is an important tool for staying sober….

Defining the God of Our Understanding
Some find that the act of prayer can become more powerful if we take the time to define who God is for us. For those who have not found a home in organized religion, this tool can be especially important. …

Easy Does It
Many of us have lived our lives as if sex was the answer to everything and there was no such thing as enough. When we enter SAA, some of us have a tendency to turn the intensity that we experienced in our addiction toward our recovery. …

Feedback
Feedback from sober individuals is a vital part of our program. On our own, it is difficult to get perspective on how we conducted our sex lives. A fellow recovering addict provides us with a more objective view of where we have been and where we are. …

Fellowship
Our fellowship is a society of men and women on the path of recovery. The fact is that we need each other to stay sober. The people we see at meetings are a lifeline for us. They understand in ways few people outside SAA do. …