It was during one of my darkest moments, while eating the second large pizza on a day when I was on a particularly intense binge, that I finally hit rock bottom. . . . It was then that I took my therapist’s advice and started looking into Overeaters Anonymous.
It was the darkest period of my life. Food had become an obsession, a coping mechanism for dealing with the stresses and disappointments that seemed to pile up relentlessly. What started as an innocent indulgence had spiraled into a dangerous addiction, leaving me trapped in a cycle of bingeing and self-loathing.
My struggles with overeating had always been a lifelong battle, but things really went downhill after the second of my two divorces started. The emotional turmoil left me seeking solace in the one thing that had always brought me comfort: food. At first, it was just an extra helping here and there, but before long, I found myself consuming multiple pints of ice cream and boxes of cookies in a single sitting.
The weight piled on, and with it came a crushing sense of shame and self-hatred. I withdrew from my friends and family, too embarrassed to face them in my current state. My once vibrant personality was replaced by a sullen, reclusive version of myself, consumed by the demons of my addiction.
It was during one of my darkest moments, while eating the second large pizza on a day when I was on a particularly intense binge, that I finally hit rock bottom. As I stared at myself in the mirror, I knew something had to change. I couldn’t go on living like this, trapped in a prison of my own making.
It was then that I took my therapist’s advice and started looking into Overeaters Anonymous, a fellowship for those struggling with compulsive overeating. With a mixture of trepidation and hope, I mustered the courage to attend my first meeting.
The warmth and understanding I encountered at that first online meeting was like a lifeline. For the first time in years, I felt seen and understood, surrounded by others who had walked the same painful path. As I listened to their stories of struggle and triumph, I realized I wasn’t alone in my battle.
With the support of my newfound OA family, I began the journey towards recovery. It hasn’t been easy—there have been setbacks and moments of weakness—but I never lose sight of my goal. Through a combination of professional therapy, mindfulness techniques, the unwavering support of my OA group and sponsor, and the use of the OA Tools and Twelve Steps, I am slowly but surely regaining control over my eating habits.
The transformation has been remarkable. Not only am I shedding physical weight that has been weighing me down, but I have also experienced a profound emotional and spiritual shift. I’m rediscovering my self-worth, my confidence, and my zest for life. Now, when I stand in front of a mirror, I can admire the healthy, radiant woman staring back at me; I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
Overeaters Anonymous has not only saved me from the depths of my addiction but has also given me the tools to live a fulfilling, balanced life. I know that the journey will never truly end, but with the support of my OA family, I am equipped to face whatever challenges lay ahead, one day at a time.
—A.K., Wyoming USA
