Twelve-Step Daily Maintenance

Finding a Higher Power through the Steps made him a kinder person. 

I’ve been incarcerated for over four years now, and I will spend 13 more years in prison because I let my sex addiction take over my life. For about a year after my arrest, I was too numb and scared to address my problems. I doubted that I could change the negative stigma associated with me. 

My lawyer suggested that I reach out to SA for guidance. I initially took that leap of faith so that I might look better to the judge presiding over my case. I believe my efforts in SA impressed the judge. More importantly, once I connected with my SA sponsor and admitted I was powerless over lust and that my life had become unmanageable (Step One), I realized I was really working the 12 Steps for myself. My soul was screaming for help and for a drastic change.

SA helped me identify my morals and values because Step Four required I take a self-inventory, allowing me to set boundaries that ensure I don’t succumb to sex addiction again. Through humility and sharing everything with my sponsor (even my darkest secrets and feelings), I have been able to sincerely apologize to and make amends with those I have hurt (where possible). I didn’t accomplish this sometimes-daunting work alone, because through working the 12 Steps, I have formed a deeply meaningful connection with my own personal Higher Power. This Program truly granted me a spiritual awakening, and now there’s never a night I go to sleep feeling alone or unheard, because I’m not. I am eternally grateful to SA and my sponsor for that.  

I am a more responsible, insightful, honest, and understanding person. I wouldn’t be able to say that without SA. My recovery is not one of instant gratification, where everything fell into place just because I hoped it would, and God granted all my wishes. Rather, it’s the true account of perseverance, willingness, dedication, surrender, and daily maintenance. I learned that none of the work in recovery is easy, but it is worth it!