July 12

“The Seventh Tradition ensures that every SAA group takes full responsibility for its own needs and expenses. As addicts, we were often all to ready to shirk responsibility and allow others to take care of us, clean up our messes, and attend to the necessities of life.”

Sex Addicts Anonymous, page 87

When I was acting out sexually, I avoided responsibility for who I was and what I was becoming. My sponsor taught me that I was ultimately responsible for my recovery. Consequently, I had to start growing up if I wanted the freedom that this program offered. Recovery is a challenging process. It is easy to want others to take care of me. However, I am doing myself a disservice because spiritual growth begins when I take responsibility for my life and my sobriety. I am not helpless, and it is gratifying to know that I can take action to help myself change. Being responsible helps me become who I always was but never allowed myself to be.

I do not expect someone to do what I am capable of doing and need to do. This also applies to the SAA groups I attend. We pay rent, provide a safe haven for all sex addicts, and have business meetings. We are all in this together and, the more the group succeeds, the more likely the individual sex addicts will succeed in staying sober. I need the groups to succeed so this individual can survive and recover.

–

Am I being responsible, not only for my sobriety, but for the welfare of the groups I attend?