Overeaters Anonymous anyone?

[missnikki217]

I've been around for quite sometime, but after so many failures at this, I've been wondering if I might have a deeper problem with food than just all out quitting.

I'm not looking for an out, but I AM wondering if anyone here has tried going to a meeting that advocates a 12 step program?

I abhor the thought of a 12 step program because I ALONE am responsible for my failures, as they are a choice. But I thought maybe there may be someone there in those meetings that feel the same way, and want to meet someone like me there LoL.

Any thoughts on this?

[Alexa]

Re: Overeaters Anonymous anyone?

I looked into this a while back because, like you, I felt I had developed an unhealthy and obsessive relationship with food. However, I didn't go because I am not a religious person and the OA I found was based on faith (I'd be interested to know if this is always the case?), and I felt that it would be hypocritical of me. Also, they are sparse in the UK and hard to find groups.

However, I think they are an excellent idea in principle, and I'm sure they'd welcome you if you want to try the programme.

I find that this WOL works when I'm on track, but when I'm off track my food obsession is worse than ever. A good reason to stay on track.

I hope you can work through these problems.

[missnikki217]

Re: Overeaters Anonymous anyone?

Thanks Alexa.

I lurked for a long time, and I kind of started along with you on one of my many times re-starting. You and Julirama LoL. Shameful, I know. I especially feel this way when i'm off plan. Like all **** is loose, and there's no stopping. Im a fiend.

Being around groups such as AA and NA, due to the fact that my BF is in recovery, I've come to see the workings of it. Which is, if it works for you and you have other people around you who can understand exactly the feelings you may have while you're going through it, thats great. But other than that, admitting that I have no control over my life and that I am powerless over food is not philosophically sound to me LoL.. I am a stubborn addict, I suppose.

It's not supposed to be faith based, but it turns out that way. And of course, you get those bible thumper people (hope I didnt offend; I myself was raised Catholic) who tell you the only higher power is God, but it is supposed to be how you see Him, such as an agnostic could pick a rock, or their children, the ocean, and on and on....

What's one 1 hour meeting in the course of my life going to hurt? I could do that instead of dreaming of whipped cream with splenda to eat like ice cream LOL

[Alexa]

Re: Overeaters Anonymous anyone?

Thanks Alexa.

I lurked for a long time, and I kind of started along with you on one of my many times re-starting. You and Julirama LoL. Shameful, I know. I especially feel this way when i'm off plan. Like all **** is loose, and there's no stopping. Im a fiend.

I'm flattered! But glad you're not lurking anymore! I have had big cheating periods and I know exactly what you mean - it is fiendish!

I think you should try it. You don't have anything to lose (so to speak ) I personally think admitting you have no control over something is the first step to gaining control. But once you do it and address it, you need to be vigilent forever. Not easy, but the only way to get peace.

Best of luck.

[missnikki217]

Re: Overeaters Anonymous anyone?

Very true. Thanks for the input. Like I said, I am a stubborn fiend though

And not having anything to lose by at least trying it - so true. I know I have a problem, just not sure how to address. I am looking at going to one tomorrow night. Will update.

[misterimpatient]

Re: Overeaters Anonymous anyone?

I'm an OA member and my food plan is much like the ones I see here: Very low in carbs. Through OA I am maintaining a healthy weight after losing and keeping off 135 pounds. Today, I weigh 170, month in and month out and have done so for almost 5 years.

On the matter of faith/religion. OA does not require a belief in God or practice of religion. I identify myself as an atheist. What I did learn in OA though, and I feel it fits into this 12 step program just fine, is that I am not in charge of the world. I am responsible for doing the next right thing and then letting go of the results. So, my concept of God is simply that quiet inner voice that honestly knows the difference between a good choice and poor one. I always knew in my inner voice when I was eating compulsively. Always. Today I don't have to eat like that. This is, as we say in OA, God as I understand God.

It took me a very long time to get to that place and until I did, I just used the tools of the program to keep from eating compulsively.

It really did work for me because I worked it like my life depended on it. Today I'm much happier for having done so.

Good luck!

[Privettewifey]

Re: Overeaters Anonymous anyone?

I was just wondering, I would like to go to an OA meeting. What do I do, just show up? And what does it mean by BIg Book meeting?

[misterimpatient]

Re: Overeaters Anonymous anyone?

Thanks for your questions about OA. A few things about OA.

There is only one requirement for membership: A desire to stop eating compulsively. Period. No fees. No dues. We do pass the hat but nobody notes who or what is given. There are no weigh ins.

I suggest that newcomers call the listed meeting contact just to make sure the meeting is still being held. We're a group of volunteers and when a meeting folds, there may be nobody to de-list the meeting.

Each meeting is autonomous so there will be differences between meetings. We suggest you try a number of meetings before making up your mind about OA.

A variety of OA meetings are available to help individuals with food or eating problems. Meetings vary by format: speaker meetings usually involve a talk by an OA member about his or her experience with OA; in literature meetings members read and discuss an OA books or pamphlet; step meetings involve a discussion of one or more of the 12 steps of Overeaters Anonymous and Big Book meetings read and share on the book Alcoholics Anonymous. Why that book? Alcoholics Anonymous is the granddad of all 12 Step fellowships and if we replace alcohol with food and alcoholic with compulsive eater we feel that it tells our story too.

Some OA meetings have a special focus, such as women, men, gay/lesbian, anorexic, bulimic, and others. Finally, OA meetings vary in the means by which members connect. In traditional meetings, OA members meet in person at a specified location and regular time each week. In phone and online meetings, members connect through the telephone or internet at a designated time.

All meetings, worldwide are listed here:
All About Meetings

For the record, OA does not have a position on food plans. People come to OA with all sort of plans of eating. My own excludes all sugar and wheat flour products because these two substances drive me to eat compulsively.

[missnikki217]

Re: Overeaters Anonymous anyone?

INcredible.. I didnt think I was going to get an answer.

Thank you. I've only been suggested this, as like I said previously, my BF is a recovering addict. Although we have different drugs of choice, I go to meetings in support once in a while.