SCA
Sexual Compulsives Anonymous

FOR NEWCOMERS:
 

Are you sexually compulsive?

12-step recovery program

Meetings

Literature & resources

 

FOR SCA MEMBERS:

Find a meeting

Order literature

Conferences & events

The SCAnner, our newsletter

Contact SCA
 

SCA home

 

Meetings

Meetings are where two or more members share experience, strength, and hope with each other, so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover.  The founders of Alcoholics Anonymous realized that they needed to "talk this disease to death" with each other, and the experience of SCA members confirms that realization.  Meetings are typically held in public places, such as at community centers, 12-step clubs, or religious organizations.  Occasionally, a meeting may be held at a private residence.

Meetings are also the basic unit of SCA.  According to SCA's Twelve Traditions, each meeting is autonomous, except where its actions affect other meetings or SCA as a whole.  So, meetings are independent and make their own decisions about how best to operate for the good of their members and to fulfill a common purpose: to carry the message of recovery to those who still suffer.  Meetings in a geographic area will often support an "Intergroup," which assists in carrying the message by operating a telephone hotline, publishing a meeting list, and conducting events, such as conferences and retreats, that provide intensive recovery experiences for SCA members.  At the fellowship level, SCA has established an International Service Organization (ISO).  ISO engages in outreach efforts, such as this website, and it develops, approves, publishes, and distributes literature about recovery from the disease of sexual compulsion.  Meetings, Intergroups, and ISO are all supported by donations from SCA members; we do not accept support from outside organizations.

Meeting Formats and What to Expect at a Meeting

At all levels of SCA, members make decisions by what is called "group conscience."  That is, any member can raise an issue and the issue is discussed and voted on by the other members.  Meeting formats are decided on and revised through the group conscience process.

Meeting formats vary from area to area.  SCA meetings often follow formats that are similar to those of more established fellowships in their area, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.  Despite variations, most meetings contain these elements:

1. An opening statement, such as the statement of purpose that appears on the front page of this website.  A prayer such as the Serenity Prayer might also be said.
    

2. Readings, such as the Twenty Questions, the Fourteen Characteristics, the Twelve Steps, or the Twelve Traditions, or the Tools That Help Us Get Better.  Sometimes, meetings will read from Chapter 5 or another section of the book, Alcoholics Anonymous, changing the words "alcoholism" to "sexual compulsion" and "alcoholic" to "sexual compulsive."
    

3. Something to stimulate discussion, such as a reading that explains one of the Twelve Steps, a reading from a recovery-oriented meditation book, or a recovering member who shares "what it was like, what happened, and what it is like now."  If a member speaks, that portion of the meeting is often called "qualifying" or "giving a long share."
    

4. Sharing by individual members, either about a topic that was established in the reading or the long share or about whatever they need to share to get into or stay in recovery.  In larger meetings, individual shares (sometimes called "pitches") are given time limits.  While the goal is to share honestly and openly, many meetings place guidelines on sharing, to avoid having one person's share trigger another person's disease.  Generally, the guidelines include not naming specific places where one can "act out," or using sensational language.  Some meetings allow other members who become triggered by an individual's share to so indicate by raising their hands. Some meetings set aside specific times to encourage newcomers to share.  Click here to read about some common guidelines for types of sharing to avoid at meetings.
    

5. At some point, the meeting will pause to pass a basket for donations, which support rent for the meeting room, other meeting expenses, and the work of the local Intergroup and ISO.  During that time, members may make SCA-related announcements.  Sometimes, periods of recovery will be honored.  Some meetings give "chips" or "tokens" to newcomers and for 30, 60, 90 days, 6 months, 9 months, and one or more years of adherence to one's sexual recovery plan. 
    

6. To end the meeting, there is typically one or more additional readings, such as "The Promises" (beginning at the last paragraph on page 83 of the book, Alcoholics Anonymous, and concluding two paragraphs later).  Most SCA meetings conclude with SCA's "Closing Statement."

Open and Closed Meetings

Many areas make distinctions between "open" and "closed" meetings.  An "open" meeting is typically defined as allowing non-SCA members to attend and/or participate, while a "closed" meeting allows attendance and participation only by SCA members or those who think they might qualify for membership.  Remember, the Third Tradition states that, "The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop having compulsive sex," so if you think you might meet that requirement you are welcome to attend a closed meeting.  Occasionally, a meeting might be restricted to individuals who make a specific commitment to attend the meeting.  An example of such a meeting might be what is called a "committed step study," where members of the meeting agree to a specific schedule when they will meet, as well as to specific assignments for each meeting.  If attendance restrictions exist, they should be clearly posted on the area's meeting list.  Some meetings may also have special focuses, such as on recovery issues encountered by lesbians and gay men, or on recovery in committed relationships, or on the tool of dating.  The special focus of the meeting should be indicated in the area's meeting list.  Some meetings have newcomers (or "beginners") as a special focus; these meetings often emphasize how to get started in recovery and provide resources for doing so that are not present at other meetings.

Face-to-face and Online Meetings

SCA's face-to-face meetings are limited in number.  They are often found in large urban areas and may not be conveniently located even for everyone living in the immediate area.  Online meetings have proved to be extremely helpful for individuals who are isolated, geographically, as well as for those who may need a meeting at times when one is not scheduled in their area.  Click here to read experiences of SCA members who pursue their recovery online (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view).

Finding a Meeting or Starting a Meeting

Please visit the "Find a Meeting" section, located in the "For SCA Members" portion of this site, for information on these topics.