OA

[Guest guest]

Some people mentioned thinking about going to Overeaters Anonymous. I want to put in my two cents since I've been in and out of

the OA program for a really long time! Since 1991! I'm also planning to start attending again.First, I think it's a great program (with one caveat that I'll mention below)! Also, it's very compatible with the IE

program (again, with noted caveat). I've seen an incredible amount of recovery there. Really the people in those meetings just talk about their everyday struggles just as you see in this group. The stories are all very

similar to the stories that you see here, and it helps to have the face-to-face group support, and one-on-one support from a sponsor if you want it. There are many thin people there who struggle with food issues. There are bulemics, anorexics, binge eaters, and people who just say they eat compulsively, as well as overweight people. There is no judgement.There is not a food plan. They used to have food plans, but a while back the OA intergroup people made a decision to leave the definition of "abstinence" up to the individual. The Motto: Take what you need and leave the rest. Also, if you get a sponsor, just make sure you get one that supports your eating plan - IE. When I was there in the early 90's many people were following Geneen Roth... But I do live in Berkeley, and we're always on the edge of any progressive re-defining of the culture, and that includes weight and beauty

definitions. I don't know about other areas. I've heard that other areas might only have H.O.W. meetings available.Now the caveat: Avoid the H.O.W. program like the plague! It is technically not OA since they do not allow the individual to define his or her own abstinence, but they are associated with OA in some way - a subgroup or something. However, they have a VERY strict food plan that is definitely NOT compatible with

IE!Rain