Has anyone considered Overeaters Anonymous?

MyJourney11
MyJourney11 Posts: 97
edited September 30 in Motivation and Support
I've had this addiction to food for as long as I can remember. I know it's an addiction becasue I think about it morning noon and night. I wait until nobody is around so I can eat. I yell at my kids if they come in the kitchen while I'm sneaking food. It gets pretty bad sometimes. Nights are the worst. My husband is at work so he's not there to hold me back. He's very supportive of me. Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone else has ever thought about or has been to OA meetings? They have them near my home every week and I was thinking about going. I'm not very into the church thing and I believe the 12 step program is based on christianity... Any advice on getting over this problem would be great.

Replies

  • smiley01x
    smiley01x Posts: 93 Member
    I also believe that i have a problem with "binge eating". I also get upset if anyone "catches" me eating something when i am trying to hide it. I looked into the OA website but felt like it was more of a religious outlook, and that was not what i was looking for. My doctor told me that i should see a therapist to try to find the underlying issues that cause the binges. I made an appt and I am going next week. Hope it helps!
  • natskedat
    natskedat Posts: 570 Member
    I know people who've gone to OA and learned how to curb their addictions to food, but it's not based on Christianity. It's more about handing your problem over to a "higher source", but not necessarily the Christian god.

    Have a go at a meeting. If you don't like it, you don't have to go back. But try it out to see!

    Best of luck to you!
  • MrsCon40
    MrsCon40 Posts: 2,351 Member
    I know someone who goes and has TREMENDOUS success!!
  • janemartin02
    janemartin02 Posts: 2,653 Member
    I have been going to Oa meetings for over 2 years.It`s a spiritual program,based on AA.I too am a compulsive overeater.I find I do better when I`m in Oa and around others.I would give it a try.I have met some wonderful people.It`s nice to know you aren`t alone.
    good luck
    jane
  • MindyLynn77
    MindyLynn77 Posts: 126
    I think you should....

    1. Because of the religious aspect of it, call your insurance company and see what they cover.. Im thinking any mental health therapist can help you, or addictions specialist.

    2. If your insurance doesnt cover it, I will go to the meetings with you :)

    You know, that I know, exactly what you are talking about.. I love you and I am willing to do anything it takes to help you!!!
  • GuruRas
    GuruRas Posts: 17 Member
    I really appreciate your post! I started going to OA about two weeks ago. I’m returning after some 15 years away from OA. Back then I attended something called a Gray Sheet Meeting which is very strict. The OA/HOW meetings use more or less the same food plan as Gray Sheet.

    The meetings I'm attending now are held in the amphitheater of a local hospital. In terms of the Christianity issue: I'd say first that I'm a Sikh and haven't felt the groups were particularly religious. In meeting I do hear the word God used, but usually in context -- the "God of Your Understanding". No preaching or conversion stuff: OA folks are stongly encouraged to speak their own truth and not get in other folks stuff. I'm getting ready to go to an OA Study Group tonight which IS held at a church. I'm wondering how the location will impact the group, too...

    For some folks, God/Higher Power is just the group conciousness of the OA meeting. That really resonates for me because only when I'm attending OA do I not want to "cheat". I truly don't want to break my abstinence from compulsive overeating! I feel a level of accountability that I impose on myself by identifying with the group and attending meetings.

    There's online groups too.

    For those, see
    Email Loops http://oa12step4coes.org/welcome.html
    Online &Phone meetings http://www.oa.org/meetings/find-a-meeting-online.php

    Thanks for posting!
    Gurras
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