I recently came across an acronym which reminded me of what I need to do each day to remain sexually sober. The acronym is SAHOPE. Here’s what each letter stands for.

• S reminds me of sponsorship and Steps. I read years ago that the people who do well in this program are the ones who work the Steps with a sponsor. Each day I need to continue working on whatever Step I am on. This helps me address what is going on in my inner man.
• A stands for acceptance. Alcoholics Anonymous, page 417 states it well – “Until I could accept my (sexaholism) I could not stay sober; unless I accept life completely on life’s terms I cannot be happy.”
• H reminds me I need to acknowledge and accept a Higher Power in order to remain sober and grow in recovery. For me this Power is called God.
• O stands for outreach. I give and receive support and inspiration by talking to others in the program. This happens in meetings, text messages, or on the phone. In Step Into Action, p.173 it says – “As others had done for us, we reached out to newcomers with a message of hope. We participated in SA meetings, where we shared the solution with others.”
• P reminds me of the immeasurable usefulness and power of prayer. When I finally became sober in September 2016, it happened after I sent up the most desperate prayer I ever prayed…”God, you’ve got to help me!”
• E reminds me that physical exercise is a great outlet for negative thoughts and emotions. Even though not an official part of our program, I find exercise helps me calm down and feel much better going through my day.