ESSAY Magazine (An International Journal of Sexaholics Anonymous)
The Essay Podcast is the audio companion to ESSAY Magazine, an international journal published by Sexaholics Anonymous. It features readings and discussions of articles from the magazine, focusing on recovery from sex addiction. The podcast provides support and insights for individuals in the SA program.
Episodes
ESSAY August 2026 - Editor’s Corner - The Editorial Team
You are invited to read this "Editor's Corner" in your home group during announcements.
The August 2026 edition of ESSAY Magazine is a powerful theme that breaks open the topic of sharing in meetings. The hope that this topic brings is for the opportunity to grow in understanding and effectiveness in carrying the message in meetings. One member shares how moving away from cussing removed his sel
ESSAY August 2026 - SA CFC - Mike, Utah, USA
Time Out
Sponsor by mail helped him to address what was buried and oozing out.
All my life, I looked like I had it together—married, seven children, active in serving others, and a belief in a Higher Power. But for 27 years, I lived a double life, trapped in pornography and secrets.
ESSAY August 2026 - What’s Going On in SA - SA Board of Trustees
A Letter of Concern to Us All
This is a portion of the SA Trustees’ letter to us all regarding the crisis of the Seventh Tradition.
June, 2026
Greetings SA Groups,
We give thanks for you, your Group, and for the hope of recovery from sexual addiction you represent in your community. We all unite around the Fifth Tradition: “Each group has but one primary purpose – to carry its message to the sexa
ESSAY August 2026 - Raising My Hand: Swearing in Meetings - Jack H., Canada
Recovery shows him the damage that swearing and sarcasm cause to others and to himself.
I most often raise my hand during SA meetings when a member’s share includes successive instances of swearing. I feel and see the pain in the speaker, and that pain projected at others in the room. I hear their self-hate and feel the words burying into my similarly wounded soul. I raise my hand and often take t
ESSAY August 2026 - Motivation To Walk the Talk - Peg V., Cleveland, Ohio
The Program taught her how to embrace every healing aspect of Recovery, Unity, and Service.
“What happened to you?” my grandmother asked. I was eight years old. Silence. I had been raped by my father. He told me if I told my mother, I would kill her; did that apply to my grandmother too? I took no chances and stayed silent. My fantasy world began, and I gained 30 pounds that year. The weight gain
ESSAY August 2026 - The Message in Meetings, The Mess to My Sponsor - Anonymous
He learned boundaries that allowed him to share safely and listen attentively.
There is a time to speak and a time to listen. I had to relearn how to talk and listen in the rooms in order to stay in the Fellowship and keep working the Steps. When I first came to the rooms, I was brash and egotistical. My unhelpful shares were full of platitudes of SA sayings and advice to think positively. Afterw
ESSAY August 2026 - Holding Others Hostage vs. Connection - Anonymous
She is so grateful that the Steps taught her how to connect using safe, healthy sharing.
When I built a wall between me and those I loved, I severed connection to God and others. I completely separated myself when I was four years old because I was raging at everyone.
ESSAY August 2026 - Stopped Being a Carbuncle - Vince G., Canada
Recovery was not something to observe on the sidelines of life, but rather something to be lived.
When I first came into the Fellowship, I was confounded and confused. I had no idea how to recover and definitely no recovery experience to share. So, I simply sat in meetings and absorbed the knowledge, information, and, most importantly, the experience, strength, and hope (ESH) that others had and
ESSAY August 2026 - When Sobriety is Jeopardized - Kathie S., Devon, UK
The literature on sharing in meetings helped her apply boundaries to protect her sobriety.
One of the earliest pieces my sponsor recommended I read and journal my thoughts on was the section in the White Book called “Meetings—How They Work” (SA 185). In particular, the “Meeting Guidelines” (SA 188-189). These pages set me up wonderfully for a lifetime of appropriate sharing and listening in SA me
ESSAY August 2026 - Never Like Normal People - Anonymous
90 days in Nashville for a breakthrough in recovery from lust
Yesterday, I got in my apartment and spent my first night in my twin bed… a bit sleepless in the beginning. My first thought when I saw the beautiful twin bed was, of course, “Who will I get in here?”
ESSAY August 2026 - A Simple Request - Mirsha, Chihuahua, México
She is grateful that instead of acting out, she is working the Program.
I am Mirsha, a sexaholic. I have been in the Program for nine months, with three months of sobriety and two relapses.
A few days ago, I received a friend request on Facebook. I asked myself why I liked him and whether it was a good idea to add him, since I am committed to respecting and valuing him as a human being.
ESSAY August 2026 - Open-Hearted Sharing - Margot, USA
Bringing the inside out has taught her how to connect with members in the Fellowship.
My name is Margot. I am a sexaholic. My sobriety date, through God’s grace and the
grace of the Program, is March 14, 1986. My history is that I acted out, first with myself and then with others, for about 30 years before I found this Program.
ESSAY August 2026 - A Lot Like Gravity - Josh G., Michigan, USA
Sharing responsibly allows him to thrive in healthy connections.
What is “Healthy”? For me, being healthy means letting go of the need to see everything as good or bad, right or wrong. Instead, it is about viewing life organically—focusing on functionality and balance, and asking, “Am I thriving?” It means being at peace with the tension between my weaknesses and strengths, my failures and accompl
ESSAY August 2026 - What a Gift! - Esty K., USA
Tradition Three allows her to stay in SA and receive a life of recovery and growth.
I have been in SA for over eight years now. SA is my home. I’ve been told that I’m not a sexaholic and I don’t need this program. But I’m back today because I decided that Tradition Three states that the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop lusting and become sexually sober–and for that, I qualify. I
ESSAY August 2026 - The Great Fact - Maxim K., Moscow, Russia
Sharing only what happened before and after sobriety, he lets God reveal the degree of happiness through his shine.
We carry the great message to all who have lost hope in coping with addiction to lust. There is the Great Fact for us, and that is nothing more than a “deep and powerful experience” changing everything in our lives.
ESSAY August 2026 - Concepts Two and Three: The Active Voice and Right of Decision - Anonymous
Electing leaders allows the Fellowship to keep authority, while elements of the service structure can decide according to informed conscience.
Concept 2
The leadership of SA, as represented by the General Delegate Assembly and the Board of Trustees, has become for nearly every practical purpose the active voice and the effective conscience of our whole society in its service matters.
ESSAY August 2026 - Recovery is Contagious - Roger K., FL / Jim C., Pittsburgh, USA
Catching recovery occurs when seeking continuous service and rather than seeking self-gratification.
While attending May’s Pittsburgh retreat, I saw many forms of service essential to the SA Program.
Service, one of SA’s Three Legacies, was the first opportunity the fellowship gave me to put others before myself without self-centered motives. It remains one of the primary ways I use the tools of t
ESSAY August 2026 - Australia Day Weekend - Jason C., Jesmond, Australia
A day to have as much fun as possible.
We had our first SA conference in a long time. It was different from most conferences because we tried something different. We had only a few meetings. A member from Melbourne spoke about how to build a strong Fellowship. A woman from Perth spoke about fear and resentment, and Jason told a powerful story of redemption in the SA prison space. A long-timer spok
ESSAY August 2026 - Gratitude Celebration - La Liberación, Bogotá, Colombia
Celebrating our founder was a celebration of everyone.
Remembering our founder, Roy K., and his courageous effort to establish Sexaholics Anonymous, we recall with immense gratitude the first SA meeting on February 4, 1979.
אוגוסט 2026 חיבור - תשתף את המסר עם הקבוצה, ואת הבעיות עם הספונסר - אנונימי
הוא למד גבולות שאפשרו לו לשתף בבטחה ולהקשיב בתשומת לב
יש זמן לדבר, ויש זמן להקשיב. אני הייתי חייב ללמוד מחדש איך לדבר ולהקשיב בחדרים כדי שאוכל להישאר בחברותא ולהמשיך את עבודת הצעדים. כשהגעתי לראשונה לחדרים, הייתי יהיר ואנוכי. השיתופים הלא מועילים שלי היו מלאים בסיסמאות נפוצות של SA, והייתי חוזר לעודד חשיבה חיובית. אחר כך הייתי ממתין לקבל את מחיאות הכפיים והחיוכים. כשלא קיבלתי אף תגובה, הייתי גול
אוגוסט 2026 חיבור - החזקת אחרים כבני ערובה לעומת חיבור - אנונימית
היא אסירת תודה שהצעדים לימדו אותה איך להתחבר בעזרת שיתוף בריא ובטוח
כשבניתי חומה בין עצמי ואלו שאהבתי, ניתקתי את החיבור שלי מאלהים ומאחרים. ניתקתי את עצמי לגמרי כשהייתי בת ארבע בגלל שזעמתי על כולם
אוגוסט 2026 חיבור - כך הפסקתי להיות קרנבונקל - וינס ג', קנדה
ההחלמה אינה דבר שצופים בו מן הצד, אלא דבר שצריך לחיות אותו
כשהגעתי לראשונה לחברותא, הייתי נבוך ומבולבל. לא היה לי מושג כיצד מחלימים, ובוודאי שלא היה לי ניסיון בהחלמה שאותו אוכל לחלוק. לכן פשוט ישבתי במפגשים וספגתי את הידע, המידע, ובעיקר את הניסיון, הכוח והתקווה שאחרים צברו ושיתפו. כך נמשך הדבר במשך חודשים
אוגוסט 2026 חיבור - כאשר המפוכחות הינה בסכנה - קאת'י ס., דבון, הממלכה המאוחדת
ספרות על השיתוף בקבוצות עזרה לה ליישם גבולות ולשמור על פכחונה
אחד החלקים הראשונים בספרות שעליו הספונסר שלי המליץ, שאותו קראתי וגם עליו כתבתי את מחשבות שלי היה החלק בספר הלבן שנקרא ''מפגשים - כיצד זה עובד'' (ע''מ 185) ובמיוחד החלק שנקרא ''הנחיות למפגשים'' (ע''מ 188-189). עמודים אלו הכינו אותי בצורה נפלאה לחיים שלמים של שיתוף והקשבה ראויים בפגישות SA
אוגוסט 2026 חיבור - הרמתי את היד: ניבולי פה במפגשים - ג'ק ה', קנדה
ההחלמה מראה לו את הנזק שניבולי פה ועוקצנות גורמים לאחרים ולעצמו
לרוב אני מרים את היד במפגשי SA כאשר החלוקה של מישהו כוללת ניבולי פה חוזרים ונשנים. למה? אני מרגיש ורואה את הכאב האצור בתוך הדובר, והכאב הזה מושלך על אחרים בחדר. כאשר אני שומע חבר SA שמנבל את הפה, אני שומע את השנאה העצמית שלו, ואני מרגיש איך המילים האלו מתחפרות לתוך הנפש שלי שפגועה באופן דומה. באופן פיזי, רגשי ורוחני אני מרגיש את מש
אוגוסט 2026 חיבור - מוטיבציה לעשות את מה שאני אומרת - פג , קליבלנד, אוהיו
התכנית לימדה אותה כיצד לאמץ כל היבט מרפא של החלמה, אחדות ושירות
"מה קרה לך?" סבתי שאלה. הייתי בת שמונה. דממה. נאנסתי על ידי אבי. הוא אמר לי שאם אגיד לאמי, הוא יהרוג אותה; האם זה תקף גם לסבתי? לא לקחתי סיכונים ושתקתי. עולם הפנטזיה שלי התחיל, ועליתי 14 קילו באותה שנה. עליית המשקל היית הגנה מאבי – אולי הוא לא יחשוב יותר שאני מושכת. נהייתי מאוד מופנמת ומבודדת. עמיתיי ללימודים קראו לי 'הנזירה'. עברתי
مقال أغسطس 2026 - عندما تكون الرصانة مهددة - ديفون، المملكة المتحدة
لقد ساعدتها أدبيات البرنامج المتعلقة بالمشاركة في الاجتماعات على وضع حدود لحماية رصانتها
كان من أوائل النصوص التي أوصتني موجهتي بقراءتها وكتابة تأملاتي حولها هو القسم الموجود في الكتاب الأبيض والذي يحمل عنوان "الاجتماعات—كيف تؤثر" (س.م 185). وبشكل خاص، "إرشادات الاجتماع" (س.م 188-189). لقد أهلتني هذه الصفحات بشكل رائع لحياة كاملة من المشاركة والاستماع المناسبين في اجتماعات س.م
مقال أغسطس 2026 - توقفتُ عن كوني جَمرَة - فينس ج.، كندا
لم يكن التعافي أمرًا يُراقب من هامش الحياة، بل أسلوب حياة
عندما انضممتُ إلى الزمالة لأول مرة، كنتُ في حيرةٍ وارتباك. لم تكن لديَّ أي فكرة عن كيف أتعافى ولم يكن لديَّ أي خبرة في التعافي لأشاركها بالتأكيد. لذلك، كنتُ أكتفي بالجلوس في الاجتماعات، وأُنصت، وأستوعب ما يقدمه الآخرون من معرفة ومعلومات، والأهم من ذلك، ما يشاركونه من خبرة وقوة ورجاء. واستمر هذا الحال عدة أشه
مقال أغسطس 2026 - احتجاز الآخرين كرهائن مقابل الارتباط - مجهول
إنها ممتنة للغاية لأن الخطوات علمتها كيف ترتبط بالآخرين باستخدام المشاركة الآمنة والصحية
عندما بنيت جدارًا بيني وبين من أحبهم، قطعت ارتباطي بالله والآخرين. لقد فصلت نفسي تمامًا عندما كنت في الرابعة من عمري لأنني كنت مستشيطة غضبًا من الجميع.
مقال أغسطس 2026 - الرسالة في الاجتماعات: الفوضى لموجهي - مجهول
تعلم حدودًا سمحت له بالمشاركة بأمان والاستماع بإنصات
هناك وقت للتحدث ووقت للاستماع. كان عليَّ أن أتعلم مجددًا كيف أتحدث وأستمع في القاعات لكي أتمكن من البقاء في الزمالة والاستمرار في ممارسة الخطوات. عندما جئت إلى القاعات لأول مرة، كنت فظًا ومغرورًا. كانت مشاركاتي غير المفيدة مليئة بعبارات مبتذلة من أقوال س.م والنصائح بالتفكير إيجابيا. وبعدها، كنت أنتظر التصفيق أو رمزًا تعبيريًا مبتسمًا. وعندما كنت
مقال أغسطس 2026 - الدافع لإتْباع القول بالعمل - بيج ف.، كليفلاند، أوهايو
البرنامج علّمها كيف تحتضن كل جانب شفائي في التعافي، والوحدة، والخدمة
"ماذا حدث لك؟" سألتني جدتي. كنت في الثامنة من عمري. صَمْتٌ. لقد تعرضت للاغتصاب من قِبل والدي. أخبرني أنني إذا أخبرت والدتي فسوف أقتلها؛ فهل ينطبق ذلك على جدتي أيضًا؟ لم آخذ أي فرص وبقيت صامتة. بدأ عالم الخيال الخاص بي، وزاد وزني 30 رطلاً في ذلك العام. كانت زيادة الوزن حماية من والدي—ربما لن يجدني جذابة بعد الآن. أصبحت منطوية ل
مقال أغسطس 2026 - رفع يدي: استخدام الألفاظ النابية في الاجتماعات - جاك هـ.، كندا
يُظهر له التعافي الأذى الذي تُلحقه الألفاظ النابية والسخرية بالآخرين وبنفسه
في اجتماعات س. م.، غالبًا ما أرفع يدي عندما يتضمن حديث أحد الأعضاء ألفاظًا نابية متكررة. لماذا؟ لأنني أشعر بألم المتحدث وأراه، وأشعر أيضًا بأن هذا الألم ينعكس على الآخرين الموجودين في الغرفة. عندما أسمع أحد أعضاء س. م. يتلفظ بألفاظ نابية، أشعر في كلماته بكراهيةً لنفسه، وأشعر بأن تلك الكلمات تنغرس في روحي المجروحة بجراحٍ
ESSAY August 2026 - Cuando la sobriedad está en peligro - Kathie S., Devon, Reino Unido
La literatura sobre cómo compartir en las reuniones la ayudó a establecer límites para proteger su sobriedad.
Uno de los primeros textos que mi madrina me recomendó leer y escribir mis reflexiones sobre el mismo, fue la sección del Libro Blanco titulada «Cómo son las reuniones» (SA, p.187). En concreto, las «Directrices» (SA, pp.190-191). Estas páginas me dieron una base maravillosa para toda una
ESSAY August 2026 - DEJÓ DE SER UN FORÚNCULO - Vince G., Canadá
La recuperación no era algo para observar desde las gradas de la vida, sino algo que debía vivirse.
Cuando llegué por primera vez a la Comunidad, estaba desconcertado y confundido. No tenía idea de cómo recuperarme y definitivamente no tenía ninguna experiencia de recuperación que compartir. Así que simplemente me sentaba en las reuniones y absorbía el conocimiento, la información y, sobre todo, l
ESSAY August 2026 - Retener a otros como rehenes vs. Conectar - Anónimo
Ella está muy agradecida de que los Doce Pasos le enseñaran a conectar compartiendo de forma segura y saludable.
Cuando levanté un muro entre mis seres queridos y yo, corté la conexión con Dios y con los demás. Me aislé por completo a los cuatro años porque me enfurecía con todos.
ESSAY August 2026 - El mensaje en las reuniones: el desorden para mi padrino - Anónimo
Aprendió a establecer límites que le permitieron compartir de manera segura y escuchar atentamente.
Hay un momento para hablar y un momento para escuchar. Tuve que volver a aprender a hablar y a escuchar dentro de las salas para poder permanecer en la Comunidad y seguir trabajando los Pasos.
ESSAY August 2026 - La motivación para predicar con el ejemplo - Peg V., Cleveland, Ohio
El programa la enseñó a abrazar todos los aspectos sanadores de la recuperación, la unidad y el servicio.
«¿Qué te ha pasado?», me preguntó mi abuela. Tenía ocho años. Silencio. Mi padre me había violado. Me había dicho que, si se lo contaba a mi madre, la mataría; ¿esto también le pasaría a mi abuela? No quise arriesgarme y me quedé callada. Así comenzó mi mundo de fantasía, y ese año engordé tre
ESSAY August 2026 - Levantando la mano: palabrotas en las reuniones - Jack H., Canadá
La recuperación le muestra el daño que las palabrotas y el sarcasmo que causan a los demás y a sí mismo.
La mayoría de las veces levanto la mano durante las reuniones de la SA cuando el compartir de un miembro incluye sucesivos ejemplos de palabrotas. ¿Por qué? Siento y veo el dolor en el orador, y ese dolor proyectado hacia los demás en la sala. Cuando oigo a un miembro de SA maldecir, oigo su au
ESSAY August 2026 - Когда трезвость оказывается под угрозой - Кэти С., Девон, Великобритания
Литература о том, как высказываться на собраниях, помогла ей установить границы, чтобы защитить свою трезвость.
Одним из первых отрывков, который спонсор порекомендовал мне прочитать и записать мои мысли в дневник, был раздел Белой книги АС под названием «Собрания: как они работают» (Белая книга АС, стр. 233). А именно, «Правила проведения собраний» (страницы 237-239). Эти страницы прекрасно подго
ESSAY August 2026 - Перестал быть карбункулом - Винс Г., Канада
Выздоровление - не то, за чем наблюдают с обочины жизни, а то, что проживают.
Когда я впервые вступил в Сообщество, я был сбит с толку. Я понятия не имел, как выздоравливать, и уж точно не имел опыта выздоровления, которым можно было бы поделиться. Поэтому я просто сидел на собраниях и впитывал знания, информацию и, самое главное, опыт, силу и надежду, которые были у других, и они этим делились. Т
ESSAY August 2026 - Удержание других в заложниках против Подлинной Связи - Анонимно
Она так благодарна Шагам за то, что они научили её устанавливать контакт с людьми с помощью безопасных здоровых высказываний.
Когда я воздвигла стену между собой и теми, кого любила, я разорвала связь с Богом и другими людьми. Я полностью отделилась от людей в возрасте четырёх лет, потому что была в ярости на всех вокруг.
ESSAY August 2026 - Весть - на собрания, жесть - спонсору - Анонимный брат в АС.
Он научился границам, благодаря которым он может без риска говорить о себе и внимательно слушать.
Есть время говорить и время слушать. Мне пришлось заново научиться, как говорить и слушать на собраниях для того, чтобы я мог остаться в Сообществе и продолжать работать по Шагам. Когда я начинал ходить на собрания, я был дерзким и эгоистичным. Мои бесполезные высказывания были наполнены банальными
ESSAY August 2026 - Мотивация переходить от слов к делу - Пег В., Кливленд, Огайо
Программа научила её, как принимать каждый исцеляющий аспект Выздоровления, Единства и Служения.
“Что с тобой?” - спросила моя бабушка. Мне было восемь лет. Я ничего ей не ответила. Мой отец изнасиловал меня. Он сказал, что если я расскажу маме, то это убьёт её. К бабушке это тоже относится? Я не стала рисковать и ничего не сказала. Мой фантазийный мир начался, и я набрала 12 килограмм за тот го
ESSAY August 2026 - Поднимаю руку: нецензурная лексика на собраниях - Джек Ха., Канада
Выздоровление показывает ему, какой вред ругательства и сарказм наносят другим и ему самому.
Чаще всего я поднимаю руку на собраниях АС, когда в чьём-либо высказывании продолжает повторяться нецензурная брань. Почему? Я чувствую и вижу боль в выступающем, и эта боль проецируется на других людей в комнате. Когда я слышу, как кто-то из членов АС ругается, я слышу их ненависть к себе и чувствую, как
ESSAY August 2026 - Quando la sobrietà è a rischio - Kathie S., Devon, Regno Unito
La letteratura sulla condivisione durante le riunioni l’ha aiutata a stabilire dei limiti per proteggere la sua sobrietà.
Uno dei primi testi che la mia sponsor mi ha consigliato di leggere e su cui annotare le mie riflessioni è stata la sezione del Libro Bianco intitolata «Riunioni, come funzionano» (SA pag. 185). In particolare, le «Linee guida per le riunioni» (SA pag. 188 – 189). Queste pagine
ESSAY August 2026 - Tenere gli altri in ostaggio Vs la connessione - Anonimo
È così grata che i Passi le abbiano insegnato come entrare in connessione attraverso una condivisione sicura e sana.
Quando ho eretto un muro tra me e le persone che amavo, ho interrotto il legame con Dio e con gli altri. Mi sono completamente isolata quando avevo quattro anni perché ero in preda alla rabbia verso chiunque.
ESSAY August 2026 - Alzare la mano: le parolacce durante le riunioni - Jack H., Canada
Il recupero gli fa capire il danno che le parolacce e il sarcasmo causano agli altri e a se stesso.
Alzo la mano più spesso durante le riunioni di SA quando il racconto di un membro contiene una serie continua di parolacce. Perché? Percepisco e vedo il dolore di chi parla, e quel dolore che si riflette sugli altri presenti nella sala. Quando sento un membro di SA dire parolacce, percepisco il suo
ESSAY August 2026 - Wenn die Nüchternheit gefährdet ist - Kathie S., Devon, Vereinigtes Königreich
Die Literatur über das Teilen in Meetings half ihr, Grenzen zu setzen, um ihre Nüchternheit zu schützen.
Eines der ersten Texte, die meine Sponsorin mir empfahl zu lesen und über die ich meine Gedanken aufschreiben sollte, war der Abschnitt „Meetings – Wie sie funktionieren“ im Weißen Buch (AS 185), insbesondere die „Meeting-Richtlinien“ (AS 188–189). Diese Seiten haben mich hervorragend auf ein g
ESSAY August 2026 - Aufhören, ein „Karbunkel“ zu sein - Vince G, Kanada
Genesung war nichts, was man vom Rand des Lebens aus beobachten konnte, sondern etwas, das man leben musste.
Als ich zum ersten Mal in die Gemeinschaft kam, war ich verwirrt und ratlos. Ich hatte keine Ahnung, wie ich genesen sollte, und schon gar keine Genesungserfahrung, die ich weitergeben konnte. Also saß ich einfach in den Meetings und sog das Wissen, die Informationen und vor allem die Erfah
ESSAY August 2026 - Andere als Geiseln nehmen versus mit anderen verbunden sein - Anonym
Sie ist so dankbar, dass die Schritte ihr gezeigt haben, wie sie durch sicheres und gesundes Teilen mit anderen in Verbindung kommen kann.
Indem ich eine Mauer zwischen mir und meinen Lieben errichtete, habe ich die Verbindung zu Gott und zu anderen abgebrochen. Als ich vier Jahre alt war, habe ich mich völlig abgeschottet, weil ich wütend auf alle war.
ESSAY August 2026 - Die Botschaft in Meetings: Die Probleme zu meinem Sponsor - Anonym
Er lernte Grenzen, die es ihm ermöglichten, sicher zu teilen und aufmerksam zuzuhören.
Es gibt eine Zeit zum Reden und eine Zeit zum Zuhören. Ich musste neu lernen, wie ich in den Meetings spreche und zuhöre um in der Gemeinschaft zu bleiben und weiterhin die Schritte zu arbeiten.
ESSAY August 2026 - Die Motivation, Taten sprechen zu lassen - Peg V., Cleveland, Ohio
Das Programm lehrte sie, jeden heilenden Aspekt von Genesung, Einheit und Dienst anzunehmen.
„Was ist mit dir passiert?“, fragte meine Großmutter. Ich war acht Jahre alt. Schweigen. Ich war von meinem Vater vergewaltigt worden. Er hatte mir gedroht, dass ich meine Mutter umbringen würde, wenn ich es ihr erzählte. Galt das auch für meine Großmutter?
ESSAY August 2026 - Die Hand heben: Fluchen in den Meetings - Jack H., Kanada
Die Genesung zeigt ihm, welchen Schaden Fluchen und Sarkasmus bei anderen und bei ihm selbst anrichten.
Ich hebe in den AS-Meetings meistens dann die Hand, wenn der Beitrag eines Mitglieds mehrere aufeinanderfolgende Fluchausdrücke enthält. Warum? Ich spüre und sehe den Schmerz des Sprechenden und wie sich dieser Schmerz auf die anderen im Raum überträgt.
ESSAY August 2026 - Arrêté d'être un furoncle - Vince G, Canada
Le rétablissement n'était pas quelque chose à observer en marge de la vie, mais plutôt à vivre.
Lorsque je suis arrivé dans la Fraternité, j'étais déconcerté et confus. Je n'avais aucune idée de comment me rétablir et certainement aucune expérience de rétablissement à partager. Je me suis donc simplement assis en réunion et j’ai absorbé les connaissances, les informations et, surtout, l'expérienc
ESSAY August 2026 - Le message lors des réunions : la pagaille pour mon parrain - Anonyme
Il a appris à respecter certaines limites qui lui ont permis de s'exprimer en toute sécurité et d'écouter attentivement.
Il y a un temps pour parler et un temps pour écouter. J’ai dû réapprendre à parler et à écouter dans les réunions afin de rester au sein de la Fraternité et de continuer à travailler les Étapes. À mes débuts dans les réunions, j’étais impétueux et égocentrique. Mes témoignages,
ESSAY August 2026 - Lever la main : les jurons lors des réunions - Jack H., Canada
Le rétablissement lui montre les dégâts que les jurons et le sarcasme causent aux autres et à lui-même.
Je lève le plus souvent la main lors des réunions de SA lorsqu’un membre, dans son témoignage, utilise des jurons à plusieurs reprises. Pourquoi ? Je ressens et je vois la douleur chez celui qui parle, et cette douleur se répercute sur les autres personnes présentes dans la salle. Quand j’entend
ESSAY June 2026 - Editor’s Corner - The ESSAY Editorial Team, essay@sa.org
In this edition, we will explore the world of the Three Legacies. What are the Steps, Traditons, and Concepts, and how do they promise recovery, unity, and service? While each legacy is different, all three are equally important for individuals, groups, and SA as a whole. Members will share their experience, strength, and hope, which aims to shed light on this theme.
ESSAY June 2026 - What’s Going On in SA - Volker B., Germany
SIP and TRADITION 11: Attraction or Promotion?
A closer look at the Traditions helps groups and committees discern whether they are in the problem or the solution.
SIP (Support for Institutions and Professionals) committee members sometimes get asked the question: Is SIP work attraction or promotion?
ESSAY June 2026 - A World Without the Steps - Abdelbarie E., Tétouan, Morocco
When he acts in God’s will, the world is forever changed.
At the Mayflower Hotel, Bill feels the craving for a drink slowly rising in his mind. Without the slightest resistance, Bill gives in to the insane idea. He walks toward the hotel bar and orders a glass of gin—then another, and another. His allergy plays its final hand. A week later, Bill dies from alcohol poisoning.
ESSAY June 2026 - The Twelve Traditions: The Backbone of SA - Kathie S., Devon, UK
The Traditions allow the Fellowship to exist in order to carry the message of recovery.
The Twelve Traditions are the foundation of SA life, and deserve full attention. Without them, factions, personalities, outside interests, and money would easily destroy us. It is the Traditions, formed with much trial and error by AA, and adapted for SA, which keep us safe from these pressures and free us to c
ESSAY June 2026 - Thriving in the Traditions - Vince G., Canada
He and his group could survive and thrive with the Traditions.
The Twelve Traditions of SA are a vital adjunct to the Twelve Steps of SA. While the Twelve Steps help the individual sexaholic recover and enjoy life, the Twelve Traditions help SA groups survive and thrive. As my grand sponsor colorfully described it, “The Twelve Steps help prevent sexaholics from committing suicide, while the Twelve
ESSAY June 2026 - The Traditions and Concepts Are Vital Boundaries - Anonymous
She learned that she is safe and protected within the boundaries of the Traditions and Concepts.
I serve in an SA group and on an SA Trustee committee. I’ve learned that the Concepts and Traditions are boundaries that not only protect people from me but also protect me from people. These boundaries, the Traditions and Concepts, tell me where a group or person ends and where I begin. When I break o
ESSAY June 2026 - Concept Three: Listen, Discern, Decide - Anonymous
His “right of decision” comes with the responsibility to listen to God and others before deciding.
Concept 3: “To ensure effective leadership, we should endow each element of [SA’s] service structure, the General Delegate Assembly, and the Board of Trustees and its staffs and Committees with a traditional ‘Right of Decision‘” (Service Manual ch. 1 p. 3).
ESSAY June 2026 - The Myths of Service in a Fellowship of Men and Women - Susie B., Idaho, USA
Calling out the myths in service helps her to identify what is true.
My sponsors taught me that service is essential to my recovery and that I cannot completely work the Steps without it. Working together in service gives me a rare opportunity to put my program into action. Recovery is about healing relationships, and that occurs in the small everyday interactions. Recovery is in the small stuff.
ESSAY June 2026 - My Three Legacies Compass - Laura W., Florida, USA
Practicing recovery, unity, and service daily set her on a course to a fulfilling new life.
“Always look at the Three Legacies (recovery, unity, and service) to see how you are doing in your recovery. What are your weak spots? What are your strengths?” I learned this from an SA member six years ago when I began attending a mixed meeting. I have never forgotten it.
ESSAY June 2026 - The First Requirement for Step Three - Luke H., Oregon, USA
The conviction that wrongdoers are very sick helps show their behavior is not personal.
Page 60 of the AA Big Book states that the first requirement (for Step Three) is that we be convinced that any life run on self-will can hardly be a success. I have seen this as the foundation for the decision to turn my will and life over to the care of God. I just recently came to see another huge significan
ESSAY June 2026 - The Traditions Keep Us Together - Kelly L., Florida
She learned how the Traditions keep the group healthy and unified.
When I started my recovery journey, my original home group met seven days a week, and we studied a Tradition every Wednesday. As my sponsor recommended that I go to the meeting every day, regardless of the topic, I was always there.
Some of the long-time members would speak about their experience, strength, and hope with whatever
ESSAY June 2026 - Who’s Responsible? - Anonymous
This series covers how vital each concept is for our world services to function.
The “Twelve Concepts for World Service” were written by Bill W. in 1962. Sexaholics Anonymous has adopted these concepts as guides for our service structure. The Twelve Concepts of Sexaholics Anonymous are presented here. The essays that follow are intended to expound upon these simple statements, based on the exper
ESSAY June 2026 - Experiencing the Twelve Promises - Peter M., New York, USA
Through his program, God gave him the promises he never thought possible.
“Working my program” and staying committed to the SA fellowship fosters a stronger, more focused inner life for me. By working my SA program, I am developing the humility and maturity necessary to trudge the “Road of Happy Destiny” each day.
As I experience each day of sobriety, I find the changes in my life very satisfying
ESSAY June 2026 - The Basic Foundation - SA Service Manual
The following is an excerpt that was recently added to our SA Service Manual.
“The three legacies of Sexaholics Anonymous are Recovery, Unity, and Service. These legacies are the basic foundation of our fellowship. The Twelve Steps of SA are our suggested path to Recovery. The Twelve Traditions of SA are the suggested path to Unity within the fellowship. The Twelve Concepts of SA are the suggested
ESSAY June 2026 - Embracing Concepts Ten and Eleven - Jack H., PIC Trustee liaison
These concepts keep committees on task while protecting them from personalities.
Concept 10: Every service responsibility should be matched by an equal service authority, with scope of such authority well defined. (Step Into Action 214)
A committee’s responsibility is stated in its mission statement. It’s easy to forget our purpose and carry on the way business is done in the corporate world.
ESSAY June 2026 - Hope, Live in Hope - The Recovery Ramblers
(Instrumental Break)
Hope, live in hope, Surrender, ask for help, let it go
Hope, live in hope, Surrender, ask for help, let it go
I’ll make a call, I’ll say a prayer. I’ll ask for help and leave lust there.
Hope, live in hope, Surrender, ask for help, let it go
Serve the meeting, be the Chair. Serve the coffee, make a share.
Hope, live in hope, Surrender, ask for help, let it go
Read
ESSAY June 2026 - Serenity: Steps Four Through Seven - Juan E., Murica, Spain
Being rid of anger through the Steps allowed him to experience peace and hope.
Although I was sober, serenity seemed to elude me in my SA recovery. It wasn’t until I wrote my Step Four inventory that I discovered why: I was still an angry person. I had surrendered my
desire to lust, but I was still waging a war of anger against my spouse, my coworkers, my friends, and anyone who didn’t see things
ESSAY June 2026 - The Arabic ESSAY Translators’ Journey - Arabic ESSAY Translation Group
A need to step forward and serve with integrity led to the creation of a spiritual bridge between the Arabic-speaking community and ESSAY.
In the middle of 2022, our journey began not with a grand plan, but with a quiet realization between two fellows. We saw a gap that felt like a canyon: the life-giving words of the ESSAY magazine were largely locked away in English, leaving many of our Arabic-
ESSAY June 2026 - The Miracle of the Fourth and Fifth Steps - Mac M., Florida, USA
Deliverance and acceptance came after giving away Step Four in Step Five.
Three months into recovery, I felt a powerful, almost irresistible urge to undertake the Fourth and Fifth Steps. I believe it was a moment of grace—a call from God directing me toward a long-overdue reckoning with my past addictive behavior.
At the time, I was attending a daily phone meeting and one in-person meeting each we
ESSAY June 2026 - SA CFC - Derek H., Massachusetts, USA
Finding a Higher Power through the Steps made him a kinder person.
I’ve been incarcerated for over four years now, and I will spend 13 more years in prison because I let my sex addiction take over my life. For about a year after my arrest, I was too numb and scared to address my problems. I doubted that I could change the negative stigma associated with me.
ESSAY June 2026 - Hope Elevated - Dave E., Vice Chair Denver Hope International 2026
The 2026 SA, S-Anon, S-Ateen International Convention will be an uplifting time where the members will be immersed in hope, recovery, and fellowship.
Have you been to Colorado in July? The 2026 International SA, S-Anon, S-Ateen will be held in Denver, Colorado, on July 17-19. You are cordially invited to join us! Our theme is Hope Elevated, and the Mile High City is the perfect location to experie
ESSAY June 2026 - Coming Next
Our next edition’s theme is “Raising Our Hand: Sharing in Meetings”. The White Book tells us that we don’t come into an SA meeting to broaden our horizons with knowledge on more ways to act out. At the same time, newcomers need to hear enough of the problem to know if SA is right for them. What is the healthy balance between the two?
יוני 2026 חיבור - המסורות והמושגים הם גבולות חיוניים - אנונימית
אני משרתת בקבוצת SA ובוועדת נאמנים של SA. למדתי שעקרונות השירות והמסורות הם גבולות שאינם רק מגנים על אנשים מפניי, אלא גם מגנים עליי מפני אנשים. גבולות אלו, המסורות והמושגים, מסמנים לי היכן מסתיימת קבוצה או אדם והיכן אני מתחילה. כשאני חוצה את אחד הגבולות הללו, אני נחסמת על ידי ה"עצמי" (האגו) שלי בדרך כלשהי, והשירות לאחרים נפגע. הצעדים עוזרים לי להשתחרר מחסימות, לעשות תיקונים כשצריך, ולהתחבר מחדש
יוני 2026 חיבור - בעולם בלי הצעדים - עבדאלבארי א׳, טטואן, מרוקו
כשהוא פועל לפי רצון אלוהים, העולם משתנה לנצח
במלון מייפלאוואר, ביל מרגיש את התשוקה למשקה עולה לאט בתוך מחשבתו. בלי שמץ של התנגדות, הוא נכנע לרעיון המטורף. הוא הולך אל הבר של המלון ומזמין כוס ג׳ין — ואז עוד אחת, ועוד אחת. האלרגיה שלו עושה את המהלך האחרון שלה. שבוע לאחר מכן, ביל מת מהרעלת אלכוהול
יוני 2026 חיבור - לשגשג בדרך המסורות - וינס ג, קנדה
הוא והקבוצה שלו הצליחו לשרוד ולשגשג באמצעות המסורות
שתים עשרה המסורות של SA הן תוספת חיונית לשניים עשר הצעדים של SA. בעוד שניים עשר הצעדים עוזרים לסקסוהליסט היחיד להחלים ולהנות מהחיים, שתיים עשרה המסורות עוזרות לקבוצות SA לשרוד ולשגשג. כמו שתיאר זאת הסבא ספונסר שלי באופן ציורי: "שניים עשר הצעדים עוזרים למנוע מהסקסוהליסט ליטול את חייו, בעוד שתיים עשרה המסורות מונעות מאיתנו ליטול את חייהם של אחרים
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