12-Step Recovery Programs
Desert Solace Incorporates the 12 Steps Into Our Program
Research has shown that part of a full recovery from sexual and pornography addictions includes consistently working the 12 steps, attending 12-step meetings, and daily accountability with a sponsor. This is why Desert Solace clients attend 90 meetings in 90 days at various different 12-step meetings so they can experience the support they get from other men who are working to overcome their own sexual addictions and be a part of an uplifting culture that will continue to be there for them throughout their recovery.
Desert Solace doesn’t endorse any particular 12-step program. We believe that it is important for each of our clients to find meetings that work for them. Although there are numerous different 12-step programs throughout the country, the following are a few of the meetings that meet in our area:
SAL 12-Step
SAL is fairly new to the 12-step world, being founded in 2008 by Steven and Rhyll Croshaw. If you’ve attended any Sexaholics Anonymous meetings, you’ll find that this one feels very similar. There are a few differences to the SAL meetings, however. They are typically longer, at 90 minutes long. They also include a prayer to begin and end the meeting.
Here is some information taken from the SAL website:
SAL 12-Step is a subset of S.A. Lifeline Foundation and is committed to providing free, lifelong support through traditional, spiritually based, non-denominational, gender-specific, trauma-sensitive, sponsor-essential, 12-step meetings for men and women experiencing unwanted sexual behavior and betrayal trauma. We have found that working the Steps with a sponsor and a community of people who are also actively working their recovery is the most essential element of lifelong recovery and continual mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
If you would like more information about the SAL 12-step program, or want to find one of their meetings to attend, you can find that here.
Sexaholics Anonymous
Sexaholics Anonymous is an offshoot of Alcoholics Anonymous and grew out of that tradition in the late 1970’s. It was started by men struggling with sexual addiction who recognized that the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous could also be used to help them overcome sexual addiction.
Sexaholics Anonymous, or “SA”, probably has the most meetings available of any sex addiction related 12-step program in the country. One of the biggest benefits of SA is the emphasis on finding a “sponsor” to act as a guide and mentor in the recovery process and to provide daily accountability.
Here is some information from the Sexaholics Anonymous website:
Sexaholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop lusting and become sexually sober. There are no dues or fees for SA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. SA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sexually sober and help others to achieve sexual sobriety.*
Sexaholics Anonymous is a recovery program based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and received permission from AA to use its Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions in 1979.
To find more information about SA, or to locate a meeting near you, click here.
The LDS Addiction Recovery Program
Research into recovery from pornography and sexual addictions shows that consistent therapy and participation in 12-step support groups are crucial for consistent and lasting recovery. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints provides its own 12-step program for those struggling with addictions. It offers meetings for all addictions in general, but it also offers meetings just for pornography addiction.
From the LDS Church’s Addiction Recovery Program Website, it states:
Join in studying and applying the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you follow this path with a sincere heart, you will find the power you need to recover from addiction. The Savior will strengthen you and you will come to “know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
The LDS church’s Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) meetings focus on a different step each week. The people who attend the meetings read out of the Addiction Recovery Program manual that focuses on the spiritual aspects of recovery from addiction and then have the opportunity to share with others their experiences in dealing with their addiction.
If you are interested in attending an LDS Addiction Recovery Program meeting in your area, you can click here to find a meeting near you.
