Hearing others share from their weakness helped him realize he was not alone.

Hi, I’m Justin, I’m a grateful recovering sexaholic.  I came to SA in 2019 when a priest friend introduced me to the Fellowship. I had just started a new job and it was summertime. He invited me to a meeting, gave me the SA White Book, and encouraged me to attend. At that first meeting, I heard other men share openly about their struggles—not just with masturbation and pornography, but with lust itself. I immediately felt connected. For the first time, I realized I wasn’t alone. I had just graduated from college and was single, and hearing others share so honestly gave me a real sense of hope.

After moving to Virginia in August 2019, I started working the 12 Steps with my first SA sponsor. I shared a lot of my guilt and shame with him, and through that process, I heard words I’ll never forget: “You’re not that different. Thank you for sharing.” That acceptance gave me the courage to keep opening up with other members.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and in-person meetings shut down, I drifted away from active recovery. I had been working on Step 9 when the shutdowns happened. As a single man, I wanted to start dating, but I knew deep down I needed more recovery first. I was also discerning other major life decisions, including a possible “religious commitment” that would require celibacy.

In 2021, I moved to Maine. I continued attending virtual SA meetings but struggled to maintain sobriety. In 2022, I returned to Virginia, reconnected with SA in person, and recommitted to my recovery journey. I completed all 12 Steps with another sponsor and began doing service work: sponsoring men from all over the world, serving as Recording Secretary for the Capital Area SA (CASA) Intergroup, emceeing a CASA workshop on “Service,” and helping at events like Gratitude Day. Gratitude Day is the annual fall SA meetings marathon for CASA. I also currently serve as Treasurer and General Service Representative (GSR) for my home group in Arlington (Crystal City), Virginia.

During my time as a single man in SA, I learned to embrace fellowship. I found joy and connection with other members by simply spending time together: going out for meals before meetings, hanging out afterward, and just being present. Without the pressure of seeking a relationship, I could experience real friendship and support. It wasn’t about getting sober to find someone to marry; it was about building a life grounded in the Real Connection, in honesty and recovery. I’m now married for over a year and my wife supports my recovery.

One of the highlights of my journey was bringing a friend into SA. After sharing my story with him, he attended a meeting at my home group—on the same night my sponsor celebrated four years of sobriety. Since then, that friend has brought others into the fellowship, and the ripple effect continues.

I am deeply grateful for SA. It has saved me from isolation. Even during times when I drifted, the prayers and support of other members helped bring me back to the Fellowship.

With that, I’ll pass.