ESSAY Magazine (An International Journal of Sexaholics Anonymous)

ESSAY October 2024 - It Works for Me If I Work It - Lily R., Cairo, Egypt

I didn’t think I could ever get sober. But “God could and [did when I sought Him]” (AA 60), and He does for [me] what [I] could not do for [myself] (AA 84).
The White Book assures me, "...we started sharing at meetings, telling our story, bringing the inside out. And we discovered that the way to feel better is not only going to meetings but taking the risk of self-disclosure” (SA 65). This is my story in addiction and in recovery. 

ESSAY October 2024 - SA Is Not a “Followship” - Eric S., California, USA

Knowledge and pride have been big obstacles in my working the Program. “Knowing the Truth,” as mentioned in our White Book (SA 91), has been another obstacle. As I accumulated calendar sobriety, I was unsure why I kept feeling anxious about lust.

ESSAY October 2024 - H.O.W.—Ow! - Richard D., Scotland, UK

Early in recovery, it was instilled in me that, in order to recover, I need to be H.O.W. (Honest, Open-minded, and Willing). 
Without honesty, I am left only with OW! [for many English speakers, this is what we say (or yell) when we get hurt]. I am focusing more on honesty now because I’m tired of the pain that results without it (the OW!).
Please pray for me, the fellow at the door, and anyone who wants our solution.

ESSAY October 2024 - Keeping a Positive Attitude - Paul Z., Georgia, USA

One of my friends in prison informed me that he is going to be paroled soon. He asked for advice on what he should do upon release. I asked him where he plans to live and sent him a list of meetings in his area with contact phone numbers. I asked if he had transportation to his location. If not, I suggested that he find a local bus service or transportation service. 

ESSAY October 2024 - Becoming a Family - Kaneerelvam, Bangalore, India

Different forces propelled us to the first-ever SA India Workshop Weekend in Ashirvad, Bangalore. These forces included life-threatening spiritual bankruptcy, absolute failure of moderation and self-control, and a serendipitous string of events amidst desperate seeking.

ESSAY October 2024 - Highlighting the SA Literature Committee & Serving on the SA Translations Committee - Raymond H., Leeds, UK & Antonio S., Tennessee, USA

I knew from the start of my journey in SA that our founder, Roy K. wrote Sexaholics Anonymous (the “White Book”) and then later learned that he also wrote Recovery Continues, Discovering the Principles, and several SA pamphlets. However, for many years, I wondered who writes all our other wonderful SA literature and what’s involved in the publication process. Then the opportunity arose to do international service, and I volunteered to join the Literature Committee.

ESSAY October 2024 - Seeing Myself in the Mirror - Joa K., Porvoo, Finland

Before getting sober, I was not a book person. In fact, I had never read a book cover-to-cover. I almost finished one book in school because it took me into a fantasy world, away from reality. Most reading for me, though, was distressing and pointless.
 
My religious tradition encouraged me to read, study, and meditate. I sometimes read scripture so as not to incur disapproval or feel left out, but I missed the most important part of reading: applying its principles. I saw reading only as a box to check off.

ESSAY October 2024 - Are You Willing to Go to Any Lengths? - Bill S., Tennessee, USA

At my first meeting of Sexaholics Anonymous, I heard someone read “The Problem,” and I knew that I was in the right place. In the White Book Roy wrote:
 
Use the literature of the program. The Twelve and Twelve and Alcoholics Anonymous were my first guides in working the Steps. Again and again, I found what I needed in those original documents that launched the Twelve Step program. Many of us now find that working the principles outlined in our SA literature adds another dimension and is very helpful (SA 161).