Frequently Asked Questions
I’m anorexic/bulimic. Will OA help me?
OA is a Twelve-Step recovery program primarily for the disorder of compulsive eating. OA welcomes anyone who has the desire to stop eating compulsively. Many compulsive eaters have had periods of bulimia and/or anorexia as a part of the disease of compulsive overeating.
Is OA for me
Only you can decide that question. No one else can make this decision for you. We who are now in OA have found a way of life which enables us to live without the need for excess food. We believe that compulsive overeating is a progressive illness, one that, like alcoholism and some other illnesses, can be arrested. Remember, there is no shame in admitting you have a problem; the most important thing is to do something about it.
How much does it cost?
There are no fees or dues to be paid. Overeaters Anonymous is self funded through members contributions. At meetings we ‘pass the basket’ to cover costs to keep the meeting and fellowship going. All our expenses such as rent, printing, electricity, phone bills are paid from money collected from passing the basket. We do not solicit funds from outside organisations.
How do I join?
You don’t officially join. There are no fees or application forms required. As it states in Tradition three “The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively”.
Why is OA annonymous?
Anonymity allows the Fellowship to govern itself through principles rather than personalities. Social and economic status have no relevance in OA; we are all compulsive overeaters. Anonymity at the level of press, radio, television and other media of communication provides assurance that OA membership will not be disclosed.
Is OA a religious organisation?
OA is not a religious society, since it requires no definite religious belief as a condition of membership. OA has among its membership people of many religious faiths as well as atheists and agnostics. The OA recovery program is based on acceptance of certain spiritual values. Members are free to interpret these values as they think best, or not to think about them at all if they so choose. Many individuals who come to OA have reservations about accepting any concept of a power greater than themselves. OA experience has shown that those who keep an open mind on this subject and continue coming to OA meetings will not find it too difficult to work out their own solution to this very personal matter.