Diary of a Food-FighterAlcoholics Anonymous
What is an “old-timer?”
When you hear someone being called “an old-timer,” it is not an insult about their age. It is actually a term of endearment for someone who has been sober/abstinent AND active in 12-Step programs for many years – – usually 20 or more. They are the true inspirations of the program.
The Difference Between “Agnostic” & “Atheist”
Within the confines of 12-Step programs, an “agnostic” is someone who believes that you cannot prove the existence of God, and an “atheist” is someone who believes that you can prove that God does NOT exist. This is a subtle yet important difference that I could not understand until I heard it explained in this simple way. …
“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 …
