Last Updated on 24 January 2026
HOW in Australia
Most SLAA meetings – both in person and online – within Australia use the “HOW Concept.” Originally inspired by similar ideas within other 12-step fellowships, HOW is one particular way of working the steps. HOW began in Australia and has since spread to other SLAA groups around the world, but especially within the United Kingdom. Many find that the HOW concept which encourages members to make daily outreach calls, attend 3 meetings weekly and follow the HOW guide to working the steps is very helpful for achieving both sobriety and recovery.
Honest,
Open-minded and
Willing…
this is the HOW of the programme.
The SLAA HOW program is designed for those who want a disciplined and structured approach to recovery. HOW means being Honest, Open-minded, and Willing. Using the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, HOW invites full commitment to the program for lasting sobriety.
Instead of suggesting guidelines, HOW sees its defined tools as requirements for recovery. They aim for clear black and white boundaries to navigate life’s grey areas.
HOW uses a set of tools to manage sex and love addiction on a daily basis:
We abstain each day from individually defined addictive behaviors. Each person works with a sponsor to identify these “bottom lines.” This includes abstaining from negative thinking and developing positive top lines.
We use SLAA literature, the AA Big Book, and the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, substituting “sex and love addict” for “alcoholic” and “sex and love” for “alcohol.” Writing assignments are based on these texts.
Attend at least three meetings a week (in-person or online), focusing on hearing and sharing experience, strength and hope.
Make four daily calls: one to our sponsor and three to other SLAA members for outreach and support. These calls may be like a mini-meeting.
Daily practice to develop a relationship with a power greater than ourselves for guidance and support in recovery.
Giving back by helping at meetings, welcoming newcomers, and being available for calls and sponsorship.
A SLAA HOW sponsor has at least 30 days of continuous sobriety using the HOW program and has completed the first three steps.
Sponsors are considered trusted servants, not leaders.
