Every online outlet available to help you find an eating disorder support group is different. Some are dedicated only to support groups; others lump groups into a pile with lots of other treatment options. This list will help your search be more focused and efficient.
Referral Sources for Eating Disorder Support Groups
- National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Related Disorders (ANAD): ANAD does not provide specific information on groups on its site anymore, but you can contact them for help in finding a group. Submit a request for information about groups near you. Requires you to provide your name, address, and e-mail address, which are kept confidential. Allows space for you to make special requests. You can also call the ANAD Hotline, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 847-831-3438. Or, e-mail ANAD at anad20@aol.com.
- Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA): Reference for locating 12-step groups focused on eating disorders. Eating Disorders Anonymous groups seek to achieve balance for those who attend, avoiding rigidity.
- EDReferral.com: Lists all support groups in its database on a single page, organized by state. Descriptions of each group are good.
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): This page allows you to search by state and is specific to support groups. Lots of entries are in this database.
- Overeaters Anonymous (OA): Reference for finding 12-step groups dedicated to addressing compulsive overeating. Those who attend will be encouraged to develop an eating plan with a professional.
- Pale Reflections Treatment Finder: Most entries in this searchable database are therapists and treatment centers. A few support groups are listed.
- Something Fishy’s Treatment Finder: Something Fishy is an eating disorder support site. Hint: In the “For:” box on the treatment finder page, scroll down and select “support groups” to narrow your search. Some providers who provide group therapy will pop up as well.
Online Eating Disorder Support Groups
Online support groups seem like an ideal option. You don't have to be somewhere at a set time with many of them, and you can interact with people from around the country or the world.
Keep in mind, however, that online interaction is not a substitute for human contact. It is easy for someone with an eating disorder to isolate herself, and an online group has the potential to make isolation easier.
In the right context, an online group can supplement a good treatment and recovery program. Check with your treatment provider team and get opinions about whether an online community is right for you.
- HealthyPlace.com’s eating disorder community: Provides around a dozen eating disorder support groups on various topics that meet regularly via chat rooms.
- Something Fishy’s online support options: Offers bulletin boards plus ICQ and AIM lists. Also provides space for support of loved ones of those who struggle with eating disorders.
- Anorexia On-Line Support Group Network: This site allows you to submit your contact information for the purpose of sharing support directly among members. Also available is a wealth of eclectic content, including stories of those with eating disorders and links to other resources.
