Addictive behavior can be demonstrated in a myriad of areas. A Compulsive Overeater reaction to food in general, or a specific food, is not unlike the compulsion experienced by an alcoholic or other addict when exposed to their drug of choice. However, where complete abstinence is the answer for most other addictions, a compulsive overeater experiences the confusion of having to take sustenance to continue to live, while controlling the urge to over-indulge when eating. There are groups who use the 12 Steps as put forth by Alcoholics Anonymous and the group environment to control the individual’s compulsive overeating. One such organization is Over Eaters Anonymous.
Overeaters Anonymous World Services newcomer information is here.
Overeaters Anonymous Background Overeaters Anonymous is a Fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength, and hope, are recovering from compulsive overeating. We welcome everyone who wants to stop eating compulsively. There are no dues or fees for members; we are self-supporting through our own contributions, neither soliciting nor accepting outside donations. OA is not affiliated with any public or private organization, political movement, ideology, or religious doctrine; we take no position on outside issues.
Our primary purpose is to abstain from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors and to carry the message of recovery through the Twelve Steps of OA to those who still suffer.