Learn about the philosophy of Overeater’s Anonymous (OA). Like similar “Anonymous” programs, OA consists of a 12-step program to recovery, starting with admitting you have a problem and ending with helping others who are struggling with compulsive eating.
According to the Overeater’s Anonymous official website, members of the organization “believe that compulsive overeating is a progressive illness, one that, like alcoholism and some other illnesses, can be arrested.” If you feel that you have a problem controlling your eating habits, you may want to check out an Overeater’s Anonymous meeting.
Decide if you are willing and ready to accept help for your compulsive eating problem. No one can force you to stop eating excessively. You must arrive at that decision by yourself.
Visit the Overeater’s Anonymous official website (see Resources below) and choose your state, city or preferred meeting day under “Find a meeting-US and Canada.” You will find a list of OA meetings by location, as well as a quiz that you can take to help you determine if you have an eating problem.
Know what to expect at OA meetings. The meeting opens with a Serenity Prayer. A speaker may talk about his or her past struggles, or read OA literature aloud. Members may share their difficulties and experiences. You may be assigned a sponsor to help you on your journey. Members may share telephone numbers to support each other between meetings. The meetings usually close with a reading such as the Overeater’s Anonymous Promise.
Attend a meeting near you. Meetings are generally designed for compulsive eaters only, although occasionally family members and friends may be invited to attend.
Give yourself a hand for taking the first step toward controlling your compulsive eating problem. Addictions are much easier to manage when you regularly meet with others who are experiencing the same issues. There is no reason to suffer alone.