“A higher power of my understanding” – Spirituality and Recovery: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experiences of Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (S.L.A.A.) Members with 12 Step Programs

While sexual behaviours and romantic relationships may be considered addictive for some people, and have negative life consequences, little help is available. However, the 12 Step Program Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) is one of a number of 12 Step mutual self-help groups aiming to overcome addictive behaviours. A barrier for many people are perceptions around spirituality and a religious requirement of 12 step approaches. Despite their central spiritual themes, there is a lack of literature addressing members’ experiences with 12 Step spirituality. The present study used semi-structured interviews with four members of SLAA, to explore how they make sense of their experiences in recovery. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis produced three superordinate Group Experiential Themes: 1) An individual higher power, 2) Spirituality as a barrier, and 3) Importance of community. The findings highlight that 12 Step spirituality is a highly individual and personal phenomenon and that perceptions around spirituality and a religious requirement to find recovery through the 12 Steps can be worked through and overcome. Further discussion around the internalisation of 12 Step attitudes, social processes within the program and considerations for future research into 12 Step Programs are also addressed.