Eating Disorders Anonymous and Other 12-Step Groups

Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA) and other eating-related 12-step groups are further proof that there is a 12-step program for just about any addiction-like behavior imaginable. The reason for this? For many people, these programs work.

12-step groups generally follow the example of Alcoholics Anonymous, the original 12-step recovery organization. I'll restrict the discussion here to Eating Disorders Anonymous, recognizing that other 12-step groups operate in similar ways.

If a person has a desire to recover from an eating disorder, he or she is qualified to attend.Like AA, EDA leads members through 12 progressive steps of healing. The first step is to admit powerlessness over the eating disorder. Later, the process requires belief in a "higher power" (perhaps God, or something else that is stronger than the eating disorder) as a source of healing.

In meetings, attendees share their experiences in an effort to learn and draw emotional strength. For many, it is both unexpected and powerful to find out that others have similar experiences. Members offer personal revelation as part of the ongoing process of self-examination used to maintain awareness of potential pitfalls.

EDA attributes disordered eating to stress, and encourages members in ways to relieve stress more healthily. The acronym HALT is a common shorthand reminder to recognize when one is Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, and to do something positive to relieve the stress.

By necessity, Eating Disorders Anonymous differs from many 12-step programs in that the goal is not based on abstinence. We can live without alcohol, but we can't live without food. EDA therefore acknowledges that some form of healthy, balanced relationship with food (rather than a commitment to avoid it) is necessary. This healthy relationship does not include dieting or food plans.Depends on the individual. Generally, 12-step programs suggest that more frequent meeting attendance is the best antidote to increased temptation to engage in problem behaviors. For example, a person might attend three times a week when first entering the program to get as much support as possible, and then taper off as progress is made.None. In many cases, members will chip in for refreshments and other meeting supplies.Obviously, you can't beat the price. But more than that, EDA is beneficial in that it helps those who attend to embrace their emotional worlds and fight isolation. It's hard to overestimate the power of community in recovery.

Most importantly, EDA and other 12-step groups are not sources of medical treatment; you can't get checkups or blood work done. When there are physical problems associated with eating disorders, medical attention is vital. For this reason, 12-step groups like Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous direct attendees to get medical support. 12-step groups also don't offer psychotherapy or formal nutritional support, although they do touch on mental and physical issues in addition to spiritual ones.

Those with eating disorders are notorious for sharing tips on how to engage in disordered eating behaviors, whether intentional or otherwise. Eating disorder groups of all kinds must deal with this tendency. Also, some who don't invest financially in recovery will tend not to take it seriously.

Finding a Meeting:

EDA's website indicates that it serves at least 33 states and four countries outside of the United States.

Other 12-Step Programs For Eating Disorders:

• ABA - Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous
• CEA - Compulsive Eaters Anonymous
• EAA - Eating Addictions Anonymous
• FA - Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous
• FAA - Food Addicts Anonymous
• OA - Overeaters Anonymous

Sources:

12step.com. 12 Step Programs. Accessed 10 July 2008.

Eating Disorders Anonymous Home Page. Accessed 10 July 2008.