World Service Business Conference (WSBC) Policy 1988b (amended 2002, 2009) defines abstinence and recovery as follows:

Abstinence in Overeaters Anonymous is the action of refraining from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors.

Spiritual, emotional and physical recovery is the result of living the Overeaters Anonymous Twelve-Step program.

Definition of Abstinence Expanded: The Statement on Abstinence and Recovery (WSBC Policy 1988b, Amended 2002, 2009 and 2011) has been revised to include the italicized words at the end of the first sentence: “Abstinence in Overeaters Anonymous is the action of refraining from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors while working towards or maintaining a healthy body weight. Spiritual, emotional and physical recovery is the result of living the Overeaters Anonymous Twelve-Step program.”

 www.oa.org   keyword "abstinence."

Food Plans:

OA DOES NOT endorse food plans. The new definition does not suggest a specific food plan.  Any food plan that is healthy for an individual is a tool to remain abstinent from compulsive eating. Food plans vary for every OA member. OA suggests a professional to help determine which plan works, based on individual health needs. World Service offers a pamphlet "Dignity of Choice" as a guide to a selection of eating plans. These plans are SUGGESTIONS, and should be discussed with a nutritionist or healthcare professional. The pamphlet and information below is copied from the oa.org website. Clicking the "add to cart" button will bring you to the literature page of the OA World Service website.

#140 Dignity of Choice

This pamphlet provides guidance to both new and longtime OA members in devising their own plans of eating. It covers topics such as:

• The difference between a plan of eating and abstinence
• Having a choice of plans
• Reviewing our eating patterns
• "Trigger" or "binge" foods
• Eating behaviors
• Structure and tolerance

The pamphlet also provides six sample plans of eating (reviewed and approved by a licensed dietitian) with which some OA members have had success.

 

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 What is OA HOW and a HOW Meeting?

 

Some OA members and groups choose to work their programs through OA-HOW. It is considered a subgroup of OA by many, known for its adherence to food plans and its disciplined sponsor/sponsoree approach. Whereas the OA program offers only suggestions and allows for individual flexibility, the OA-HOW method usually provides a set structure to follow. Both programs practice the Twelve Steps for personal recovery, but the philosophy regarding abstinence is different. (Taken from the World Service Website definition.)

The HOW Meetings are no longer part of Suffolk County Intergroup, HOW has developed a seperate Intergroup with OA HOW members. We will still continue to list the HOW meetings on our meeting list as a service to those members looking for HOW meetings. Please keep in mind OA does NOT endorse food plans and we suggest a professional to help you develop a healthy plan of eating.