I just want to thank the fellowship of SA for a recent birthday. No, it was not another year of sexual sobriety (though I’m grateful for the five years that I have), but an ordinary “navel” birthday whereby I turned 30 years old. And why am I grateful to the fellowship of SA for this particular birthday? Because I honestly don’t believe I would be alive had I not found these marvelous programs.

By the time I was twenty-five, I was a periodic binge drinker and drug user (with one of the episodes leading to the unfortunate amputation of my right leg), I had eaten myself to an excess of 220 pounds (normal 150), and my sexaholism had escalated to the point of obscene phone calls, compulsive sex with self and prostitutes, and spending thousands of dollars on hardcore pornography. The only possible solution for me at this particular point in my life was suicide.

Well, I didn’t take my own life; I joined SA. And since surrendering to the principles of our wonderful program, I have not had to drink for over four years. I have maintained a seventy pound weight loss for some time now, and I have not had to give in to my violent, self-destructive lust since February 18, 1987. For this I am grateful.

I thank you, I love you, and my only hope now is that others will join me on this marvelous journey. A journey that promises us not only sobriety, but that wonderful, unique experience called life!