Overeaters Anonymous is a popular self-help group for people who struggle to control their eating, but not much is known about how it works or how effective it is.Are you interested in joining the 12-step fellowship of Overeaters Anonymous?The only requirement to join this organization is that you want to stop eating.You are free to join if you have this goal.You don't need to register to become a member or attend meetings.It is important to take aholistic approach to recovery from an eating disorder, so you may not want to seek help from Overeaters Anonymous alone.
Step 1: Attend regular meetings.
A meeting is a way to get support and fellowship for each member.It's possible to have meetings in person, on the phone or online.The goal is to share all parts of the process.You can stay on track and be accountable for your progress by making a regular commitment to meetings.Sharing stories of both success and setbacks is what it is about.You can find a meeting by typing in your residential information on the website.You can participate in telephone or online meetings if you can't find a face-to-face meeting in your area.
Step 2: Share your story.
Sharing your own story is a big part of recovery.Sharing is encouraged, but not required.You can share your story in many different ways.You can write about your story in a journal.Continue to grow in the process by comparing your own experiences to those of others.During a meeting, you can talk about your story through the online forum.You can submit your story to the magazine.
Step 3: Be open to sharing your story with your sponsor.
A sponsor is someone who has experience with the program and can serve as a motivator and guide.Take full advantage of your sponsor and ask any questions you need to.
Step 4: You can lean on your support group.
The Overeaters Anonymous program works because you learn you are not alone, and that support comes from peers, sponsors and leaders.You need to be willing to show vulnerability and seek help.The other people who attend meetings with you and your sponsor might be in your support group.Family and friends are included in your support group as well.Non-Overeaters Anonymous members are encouraged to attend open meetings to better understand the process.You may not be able to form relationships with other group members outside of meetings if you are in an anonymous group.Each individual member has the right to keep his or her anonymity.
Step 5: Take a moment to celebrate your progress.
Each success of recovery from eating disorders should be acknowledged and shared.The growth you see will get you along the way.A small win is calling your sponsor when you feel like bingeing or having a coach.It is a major accomplishment to take action against the urge even though you still have it.Sharing your success will make other people feel like they have failed if they are not at the same place.The members of the group will learn from you.
Step 6: Clarifying your goals is important.
There aren't weigh ins for Overeaters Anonymous because they are not focused on losing weight.The underlying cause of the over eating is addressed by the focus.You have to understand your main issue with eating and come up with a plan to overcome it.If you want more of a support group to focus on working out or meeting weight goals, this may not be the group for you.You have the option to work on those goals outside of OA.
Step 7: Determine how the program works.
The underlying process of Overeaters Anonymous focuses on the 12 steps that are very similar to other addiction groups.The twelve steps include admitting you are powerless over food and that your life has become unmanageable, believing that a power greater than yourself can restore sanity, and turning your will and your lives over to the care of God.Being ready to have your higher power remove all of the defects of character and make a list of all the people we have harmed and be willing to make apologies to them.
Step 8: Decide on the format you want to use.
It is not always possible to do these types of meetings in person.You can attend in many different ways.This can happen face-to-face in a group setting if you live in an area with regular Overeaters Anonymous meetings.In areas without a face-to-face meeting, the same types of support can be found via online or telephone.Online or telephone meetings usually use a website or phone-based platform that requires you to log in and participate.
Step 9: Do you know what a problem it is with eating?
Compulsive eating is when you feel like you can't control the amount of food you eat.This doesn't include purging like you would see with bulimics.If you have a lot of episodes of Compulsive Eating, you may be at risk of developing Binge Eating Disorder.
Step 10: There are behavioral symptoms.
You should assess the symptoms you are experiencing to see if they match up with those for eating disorders.Stockpiling and hiding food is one of the behavioral components of over eating.
Step 11: Determine if you are experiencing emotional signs.
If you want to get help for an issue like this, you need to accurately diagnose it.It is possible that you need to see a doctor to fully diagnose your eating issues.Eating out of control as the only way to release stress and tension is one of the emotional symptoms of Compulsive Eating.
Step 12: Consider the possible causes of an eating disorder.
Similar to other forms of mental illness, there is no direct cause of an eating disorder.People with a family history of eating disorders may inherit their disorders, but societal pressure to look a certain way can also play a role in the development of an eating disorder.An eating disorder can be the result of other mental health problems.Being a woman, being young, and having high stress levels are some of the factors that may increase your risk.
Step 13: You should be aware of your options.
It's important that your treatment for a eating disorder is comprehensive.There are other things that can help with addiction.Counseling with a professional therapist is one of the treatment options.If you have a problem with eating, talk to your doctor or therapist.