Frequently asked questions for 12 step fellowships.
A guide for newcomers.
The content on this page is local, non-Conference-approved.
The Auckland SLAA group does not speak for all of SLAA.
The Auckland SLAA group does not speak for all of SLAA.
Q – Who can attend an SLAA meeting?
A – SLAA meetings are open to those who have identified as sex, love or relationship addicts. If you are unsure, feel free to use the contact page to get in touch with a real person.
Q – What costs are involved?
A – SLAA membership is free to those who need it. The group is entirely self funding through the contributions of its members, although there is no obligation to contribute.
Q – Are the meetings segregated?
A – Most meetings are mixed for men and women, sometimes special groups are created for men or women only. The value of meetings open to all is described on page 132 of our basic text: "S.L.A.A. meetings have been a kind of training ground which we have needed in order to become more capable of dealing with others on the outside who might present real threats to our sobriety."
Q – Will I have to speak at a meeting?
A – No. People are invited to share at meetings but there is no obligation to do so.
Q – How is my identity protected?
A – Anonymity is one of the foundations of the fellowship. You only need reveal as much about yourself as you are comfortable. First names only are used in meetings. No records are kept or details recorded about attendees or members.
Q – Are all meetings the same?
A – There are basic principles and traditions to all meetings, which usually involve some form of sharing time based on a reading or topic. Readings are from conference-approved SLAA literature, and and assist us in sharing our "experience, strength and hope" through the lens of a wide variety of topics.
Q – Is it okay to bring a notepad and pen to record sharing at the meetings?
A – Note-taking could make some members uncomfortable, but each meeting is different so you will need to speak to the meeting organiser about this beforehand.
Q – Some of the SLAA literature talks about God. Is this a faith based fellowship?
A – SLAA is "neither religious nor secular". SLAA members develop trust in a power greater than themselves to help them in their recovery, and this varies for each individual. For some that power is the fellowship itself, for others it may be a more traditional faith based entity. Each member uses the term "God" as he or she understands it.
Q – Can I talk to someone before attending a meeting?
A – Yes. Contact details are listed on the contact page. Meeting times and venues for each group on the meetings page.
Q – What have I got to lose by attending a meeting?
A – Nothing.
A – SLAA meetings are open to those who have identified as sex, love or relationship addicts. If you are unsure, feel free to use the contact page to get in touch with a real person.
Q – What costs are involved?
A – SLAA membership is free to those who need it. The group is entirely self funding through the contributions of its members, although there is no obligation to contribute.
Q – Are the meetings segregated?
A – Most meetings are mixed for men and women, sometimes special groups are created for men or women only. The value of meetings open to all is described on page 132 of our basic text: "S.L.A.A. meetings have been a kind of training ground which we have needed in order to become more capable of dealing with others on the outside who might present real threats to our sobriety."
Q – Will I have to speak at a meeting?
A – No. People are invited to share at meetings but there is no obligation to do so.
Q – How is my identity protected?
A – Anonymity is one of the foundations of the fellowship. You only need reveal as much about yourself as you are comfortable. First names only are used in meetings. No records are kept or details recorded about attendees or members.
Q – Are all meetings the same?
A – There are basic principles and traditions to all meetings, which usually involve some form of sharing time based on a reading or topic. Readings are from conference-approved SLAA literature, and and assist us in sharing our "experience, strength and hope" through the lens of a wide variety of topics.
Q – Is it okay to bring a notepad and pen to record sharing at the meetings?
A – Note-taking could make some members uncomfortable, but each meeting is different so you will need to speak to the meeting organiser about this beforehand.
Q – Some of the SLAA literature talks about God. Is this a faith based fellowship?
A – SLAA is "neither religious nor secular". SLAA members develop trust in a power greater than themselves to help them in their recovery, and this varies for each individual. For some that power is the fellowship itself, for others it may be a more traditional faith based entity. Each member uses the term "God" as he or she understands it.
Q – Can I talk to someone before attending a meeting?
A – Yes. Contact details are listed on the contact page. Meeting times and venues for each group on the meetings page.
Q – What have I got to lose by attending a meeting?
A – Nothing.