Overeaters Anonymous has a different sort of approach than Radiant Recovery. It seems to be more punitive and also rigid. I worked with someone who had been a member of OA, and her way of dealing with her overeating was to eat the exact same thing for lunch every day, ground turkey and vegetables. That was how abstinence was defined for her. I remember thinking that it seemed to be a very sad way to live.

With Radiant Recovery, the world of food has opened up for me, not closed down. Yes, I don't eat sugary things any more, but I've discovered all sorts of foods that I had never eaten before.

Also, I think that anything that triggers shame and restricting cannot be good for recovery. I do understand your desire for face-to-face support. But you can get all sorts of support here, every day, if OA doesn't turn out to be supportive.
Allison

: Hi all!

: I've been doing the steps for a few
: years now, and have discovered
: Overeaters Anonymous recently
: after several months of falling
: off the wagon, binge eating - back
: on step one though.

: I've only been to one OA session and
: I am wondering if there is anyone
: here in this community that has
: attended OA or AA steps too? Is it
: possible to have both work?

: I notice they use the term
: 'Abstinence' from foods that cause
: the binging ... and notice it has
: triggered me to restrict and shame
: myself when I fail. I know nothing
: is set in stone and can change ...

: I am also noticing how in Australia -
: to my knowledge - there isn't any
: RR face to face support, and like
: the idea of OA weekly meetings as
: support.

: I would really just love to hear from
: others' experiences!

: