FAQ

1.) Who are you?

For anonymity purposes, which is prevalent in 12-Step programs, I won’t be stating my name on this blog. I can, however, tell you I’m a female in her 20s. I’ve been anorexic since I was 15, although I truly believe my disease began well before that. I’ve attended an inpatient facility for my anorexia, and I think without that experience I would either be very sick, or even dead.

2.) Can I contact you?

Yes. I’ve created an anonymous email where you can contact me at. The email is recoveringanorexic@hotmail.com

3.) Are you still anorexic?

Yes and no. I don’t believe an addiction is ever cured, only manageable. So I may not be active in my anorexia, but I also believe I will always be an anorexic. If I fail to work the program, chances are I would return back to my anorexia. EDIT: As of July 2011, I’ve been in relapse for anorexia.

4.) What was your lowest weight? How much do you weigh now?

Standing at 5’0, by lowest weight was around 78 pounds. My weight now fluctuates.

5.) If you are anorexic, why do you attend Overeaters Anonymous?

A common myth is that only “heavy people” or people who “can’t stop eating” attend Overeaters Anonymous. That’s not true. People of all shapes and sizes with all types of eating disorders attend OA. OA is for everyone “who wishes to stop eating compulsively.” Nobody is ever turned away from a meeting because of who they are.

6.) Why can’t you “just eat?”

The same reason why an alcoholic can’t just stop drinking. An eating disorder is a disorder that affects the mind AND body. Eating won’t fix whatever is going on in the sufferer’s mind. It won’t fix the void or the pain that the sufferer is feeling. Sure, eating will help my body, but it won’t help me emotionally. Recovering from any addiction is a long process, and nipping it on the surface just won’t help.

7.) I’m an anorexic/bulimic/overeater, can you help me?

Because I’m not a therapist, doctor, or health care professional, I cannot give you any textbook answers.  However, I can help you by sharing my experience. Hopefully what I write in here will inspire you to seek outside help. Feel free to leave a comment or email me.

8.) Where can I find local OA meetings in my area?

If you visit www.oa.org, you will be able to find meetings in your area. Also, not all cities are listed, so simply typing in your city and “Overeaters Anonymous meetings” in a search engine may help you as well.

9.) I’m a parent/friend/spouse/loved one, and I think someone I care for has an eating disorder. What should I do?

INFORM YOURSELF. Please do this before making any formal decision. Eating disorders are very hard to understand, and you’ll never be able to help your loved one if you know nothing about what they may be going through.

10.) Will going to 12 step meetings cure me?

12-step meetings will not “cure” you. As stated before, an addiction is only manageable. Also, nothing will ever “cure” you, because you have to be willing to work the program or it won’t work for you. Going to an OA meeting and sitting there will not make you better unless you choose to open your heart and mind to the program. Also, it’s recommended that if you do have an eating disorder, to get help aside from a 12-step program (like therapy, and/or a doctor or nutritionist). Yes, OA can relieve you of the pain you’ve felt for so long, but only you yourself can make it happen.

11.) Where can I find out more information on eating disorders?

Visit the links page.

12.) Isn’t OA just a diet program?

No. Although people in OA may lose weight in the program, OA is not a dieting program. Yes, people follow food plans while in the program, but more so to stay anbstinent from their eating disorder behaviors. People who go to OA don’t solely go to lose weight, they go to lose the pain they’ve suffered from having an eating disorder.

13.) Don’t I have to be religious to follow a 12 step program?

No. Although people who first join a 12 step program may think you have to be religious to join, you do not. All the 12 step program asks you to do is to find a Higher Power (a power greater than yourself). This doesn’t have to be “God.” It can be anything you want it to be, as long as it isn’t a person. Many members choose to look at 12 step meetings themselves as their Higher Power.

14.) I’m in OA/in a city that doesn’t have OA, are you willing to sponser?
I’m willing to sponser. However, depending on when you ask me, I may not be available to sponsor you. But don’t be afraid to ask! For more about sponsoring, please click here.

15.) I didn’t see my question, now what?

You are welcome to leave any questions you have in a comment or in an email and I will get back to you. recoveringanorexic@hotmail.com.