The Birth of SA in Germany

In the early 1980s, the seeds of SA were sown in Germany, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for many sexaholics. This writing will tell of some pivotal moments and key players that shaped SA in Germany, highlighting its growth and impact.

First Steps: 1983-1984

In the autumn of 1983, an American friend of Walther L. introduced him to SA by saying something like, “there’s this self-help group in the United States…” This introduction sparked interest among Walther’s staff, who was the director of a medical clinic in Bad Herrenalb. One employee, deeply moved by the material, sent his First Step to Simi Valley, California, initiating a transatlantic exchange that would lay the foundation for SA in Germany.

By February 6, 1984, the first SA member in Europe emerged in West Germany. This milestone was followed by the establishment of the first German SA group in May–June 1984 at Walther’s clinic. This group later relocated to Karlsruhe in October 1984, becoming the first SA group outside America that still exists today (September 2024 as of this writing).

Building the Fellowship: 1984-1986

The translation of the SA handbook into German began in April 1984, a project that took over a year and a half to complete. This effort culminated in the publication of the first German edition of “Anonyme Sexaholiker” towards the end of 1985, with 500 copies sold within a year. The availability of this handbook played a crucial role in spreading SA’s message across Germany.

The Karlsruhe group, initially formed in October 1984, became a hub for SA activities. Weekly information meetings back at the clinic in Bad Herrenalb significantly contributed to the Fellowship’s growth. By April 1987, 13 registered SA groups were active in Germany, and by November 1988, this number had grown to 22.

Expanding Horizons: 1985-1987

The mid-1980s saw a flurry of activity and expansion. In January 1985, the SA group in Hanover was founded, followed by groups in Bochum, Bremen, Cologne, Freiburg, Mainz, and Stuttgart. The first SA conference in Germany took place in Karlsruhe on June 14-15, 1986, with about 25 members representing various groups. This convention marked a significant step in unifying the German SA fellowship and establishing a service committee to oversee its activities.

Roy K. visited Germany in October 1985, and conducted an open seminar at the Bad Herrenalb clinic. His visit inspired many and reinforced the connection between the German and American SA communities.

Challenges and Resilience: 1986-1988

With its rapid growth, the Fellowship faced some challenges. Internal disagreements led to the formation and subsequent dissolution of a separate group in Karlsruhe in 1986, but the original Karlsruhe group continued to thrive, introducing separate meetings for newcomers and maintaining a robust meeting schedule.

The second SA-Germany convention in Cologne on November 8-9, 1986, saw increased participation, with 28 members from various groups attending. This convention further solidified the Fellowship’s service structure and commitment to its principles.

A Legacy of Hope: 1988 and Beyond

After I visited Roy K. in 1988, I wrote the following:

While on a business trip to the United States, I visited Roy K. in Simi Valley for the first time around the spring of 1988. Roy informed me during this visit that he was working on a new extended edition of his handbook, which was printed in 1989 as Sexaholics Anonymous, known to us today as the White Book. Roy asked if we in the German-speaking SA community would be willing to translate this new manual into German as soon as it was available.

On my return to Germany, I made a proposal to the Service Committee, of which I was a member, to set up a translation team dedicated to the task of translating this new, extended edition of SA’s primary text. With close contact with Roy K., the translation team was formed and operated during 1988-1991 when the project was completed.

I believe the growth of SA in Germany is a testament to the power of shared experiences and mutual support. From its humble beginnings in the mid-1980s to its established presence today, the German-speaking SA fellowship has provided a lifeline to countless individuals seeking sobriety, recovery, and hope.

I also believe that the founding and growth of Sexaholics Anonymous in Germany highlight the resilience and determination of its members. Through translation efforts, conventions, and the unwavering support of key figures like Roy K., the Fellowship has flourished, offering a beacon of hope to those in need. As the SA community continues to evolve, its legacy of recovery and unity remains a source of inspiration for all.