Welcome to All Newcomers !
You're looking for help, you think you may be a sex addict or sexually addicted, but you're afraid there isn't anyone out there who could possibly do what you've done, much less understand and accept you for who you are. Take a breath, and know that your first meeting will be an experience of acceptance and understanding. As you work up the courage and come through the door, you'll see the faces of men and women who know your troubles and understand sex addiction: they've all been there too. You will probably be asked by at least one person if this is your first meeting, and asked to introduce yourself to the group with just your first name. The leader of the meeting may then explain to you how that meeting will introduce you to the 12 step program.
Your first meeting will likely be an opportunity for you to listen to others' stories, learn how the program works for them, and ask questions, or share as much or as little as you're comfortable doing. You will NOT be required to do anything - you never will be. Participation in our groups, as with most 12 step programs, is voluntary. Your recovery is your own. Our role is to support each other as equals.
We all know how hard it can be to walk in through the doors of the meeting room for the first time. You are probably upset, hopeless, feeling poorly about yourself and then find yourself in a place where you don't know anybody and don't know what is going to happen.
Don't worry, we've all been there and know how you feel.
When you arrive you will be introduced to some of the people and somebody will spend a bit of time to you talking about the program.
There is a regularly scheduled meeting and you will join the group for the beginning and then for the end.
After the begining part of the program, you will be orientated to the program.
The group may offer to take you to smaller room with some of the more experienced members of the group to familiarize you with the program.
The main group may decide to continue with their program or they may decide to spend the day helping you orientate and discussing their story and what brought them here.
If you split off, a few people will join you in the smaller room where you can be orientated more fully. They will share their story and answer your questions and allow you time to share your story if you desire. They will discuss the program and some of the key features. From the stories you hear, you will discover your story is not unique and that you are surrounded by people who understand you and won't judge you.
