Diary of a Food-Fighter“Step 0″ = Courage
Before you even begin to think about “doing” the 12 Steps, I think it is important to acknowledge how difficult it is for newcomers to make that vital first “pre-step” to attend their first meeting. Few other things in life require as much courage as the decision to take-on your inner demons. And the way I see it, there are at least …
The Difference Between “Abstinence ” & “Sobriety”
For recovering alcoholics, “sobriety” is that period of time when they have not had a single drop of alcohol. “Abstinence” for food addicts is similar, yet much more difficult to define. Theoretically, it is that period of time when they have eaten only the items and the amounts that are allowed on their food plans. …
Don’t Count Days!
I know I am not supposed to be telling anyone what to do but… Although counting days and getting medallions is a wonderful way to celebrate days of sobriety in AA, in my experience, it is not such a good idea in OA. My first time around in program, getting that one-year medallion meant everything to me. …
What are “The 12 Steps?”
The 12 Steps are the instructions on how to break-free from addicition. In the original steps, they only referred to alcohol, but they have since been adapted to work for any “drug of choice.” The 12 Steps are taken directly from The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (see “12-Step Links” on the side of this …
What is a “sponsor” and how do I get one?
A “sponsor” is a person you call and meet with for support. You choose a sponsor based upon hearing them speak at meetings and seeing something in that person that you would like to have for yourself. For example, potential sponsors may have lost and kept-off a large amount of weight, or maybe they have conquered an …
What is “abstinence?”
You probably already know that when alcoholics in recovery say they are “sober,” it means that they are not drinking any alcohol. But when food addicts in recovery say they are “abstinent,” does this mean that they are not eating any food? Of course not. In OA, “abstinence” is the word used to describe freedom from eating compulsively. What does that …
