Meetings – Frequently Asked Questions
If you believe sex and love addiction may be an issue in your life and you are ready to do something about it, the next thing to do is go to a meeting. Anyone who thinks they may identify as a sex and love addict, and wants to learn more, is welcome to attend a meeting. There are no dues, fees, or registration process required to attend a meeting, only voluntary contributions.
What are the different types of meetings?
The different types of meetings available are face-to-face, telephone and online meetings.
NOTICE: Due to L.A.'s "Safer at Home" response to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, we are not publishing the list of "face-to-face" meetings at this time. Check back here for updates. In the meantime, try an online meeting!
What are the different formats of meetings?
There are many meeting formats in S.L.A.A. Each meeting’s format is decided upon by “group conscience,” (decided by members of the group collectively,) and is subject to change by that group. Here are some common meeting formats. Several of these formats may be combined in any meeting.
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Speaker Meeting – One or more members of S.L.A.A. share experience, strength, and hope by telling their “stories,” typically for 10 - 20 minutes. Each speaker’s story provides an opportunity to reflect on our own history, feelings, and challenges.
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Topic Discussion Meeting – A specific recovery topic is suggested by the members, or taken from S.L.A.A. literature. When this type is combined with a Speaker format, members may also be invited to share how they relate to the speaker’s story.
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Literature Meeting – Literature is read, following member shares on the topics read
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Step Meeting – The group focuses on one of the Twelve Steps, often reading out of the S.L.A.A. basic text, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous.The group might also have one person speak on the Step. The meeting is then open for the other members to share on that Step.
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Getting Current Meeting – Members are encouraged to briefly share with the group the recent or on-going emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges to their sobriety, or to ask for help if they are in danger of acting out. Sometimes an entire meeting is devoted to “getting current.”
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Newcomer Meeting – The meeting addresses specific concerns of newcomers to S.L.A.A., or beginners on the road to recovery. Topics often revolve around the first three Steps, sponsorship, bottom lines, abstinence, or withdrawal.
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Special Meetings - Men Only, Women Only, Closed, Open, etc. - check the listing to see if a meetings has any special descriptions in its format.
Who runs the meeting?
An S.L.A.A. meeting is run by its members. Typically, there is a member who guides the meeting (the leader, who is sometimes also the secretary), another who is entrusted with the group’s finances (the treasurer), and perhaps one other who orders the literature for the group. These “trusted servants” are volunteers elected to regular service positions in the group by its members.
What do other people in the meeting do?
Many members take part in other aspects of the meeting as well. These service opportunities can involve helping to set up the meeting, keeping a list of phone numbers, identifying oneself as a sponsor, putting away chairs, talking with newcomers after the meeting, or representing the group at the regional (Intergroup) level.
When do I speak up?
Typically, newcomers can speak at any time during the regular portion of the meeting. At some meetings, a specific time is reserved especially for newcomers. This is a time when newcomers can share why they have come to S.L.A.A. or ask questions about the program, which can be addressed after the meeting. You don’t have to speak if you don’t want to.
What’s with the money basket?
There are no dues or fees for membership. Following our "Seventh Tradition", S.L.A.A. groups are self supporting, declining outside contributions. Our expenses, such as rent and literature, are paid by voluntary contributions from our members. We pass the basket and members are encouraged to donate as they are able. No one is ever required to make any donation at an S.L.A.A. meeting. Some of the money collected may be sent on to the local Intergroup and to S.L.A.A.’s Fellowship-Wide Services (F.W.S.) office, which both provide service to the Fellowship on a regional (Intergroup) and worldwide (F.W.S.) basis, respectively.
So, what’s with this God or Higher Power talk?
S.L.A.A. is based on spiritual (not religious) principles. The references to God or to a Higher Power acknowledge our powerlessness over this addiction; our faith that a power greater than ourselves, whom some call “God,” can and will restore us to sanity; and our decision to trust this Higher Power. We have found that acknowledgment of some Higher Power is crucial to recovery from our self-destructive behaviors. Members are not required to adhere to any doctrine, either religious or secular. You are welcome in S.L.A.A., whether you are of any faith, or none.
How do I learn about which types of service accommodations provided for accessibility at select in-person and virtual meetings?
View the "accessibility" column at both spreadsheets for virtual and in-person meetings. Currently, automated live captioning is available at a good number of virtual meetings.
Funding for American Sign Language(ASL) interpreting services is available within the SLAA Los Angeles Intergroup Treasury. Email your inquiry to treasurer@slaalosangeles.org and inquire about the status of the SLAA Los Angeles intergroup's current ASL fund. Ask about the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer's current protocol on how to financially provide support for ASL interpreting services towards (a) SLAA Los Angeles intergroup meetings, (b) at least 6 different local group meetings (in-person and/or virtual) that are not yet self-supporting in an equitable and timely manner with their own ASL basket, and (c) workshops endorsed by SLAA Los Angeles intergroup.