For the Young Person

OA is for Young People!

If you are a young person (18-30) and are wondering whether there are others in your age group who have found recovery in Overeaters Anonymous, THERE ABSOLUTELY ARE! There are many of us around the world who have joined OA at a young age and found recovery; you are not alone and freedom is possible.

In fact, Young People have their own OA Virtual Intergroup: take a look at their beautiful website: https://oayoungpeople.org

There is also a special pamphlet for Young People that is free and downloadable as a pdf from the OA bookstore. Download the pamphlet here.

Finally, the OA San Diego Board has a Young Person’s Chair position, currently held by Kendra W. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas related to Young People in OA San Diego, feel free to email her anytime at young-people@oasandiego.org. 

Disclaimer: If you are currently a minor under age 18, OA world service suggests being accompanied to meetings by an adult. 

I Didn’t Think I Had a Problem

What was it like?

My compulsive overeating began when I was a little girl. I had to sneak food. My mom and dad were always hyper-focused on my weight, which in turn made me binge even more. She was always putting me and my dad on some new fad diet, trying to control us in some way or another. My mom would try to avoid keeping tasty foods in the house and attempted to cook only things she thought were healthy. This in turn, allowed for a “special” bonding between me and my dad. He would pick me up after school, and we would eat a “late lunch/early dinner” prior to returning home, in order to avoid eating her well-balanced meals.

I then went off to college and began unsupervised dining experiences and took full advantage of this new freedom. I would eat at the cafeteria; then, I’d go get fast food off campus. I was completely self-soothing with food. I also worked at restaurants to feed my addiction. I was miserable. I tried several different ways to control my habit. Nothing worked. Nothing stuck. I went through a breakup. My brother passed away, and this is when my compulsive food behaviors began to spin even more out of control. I was binging and purging. People in my life were telling me I needed help. I then found myself broken down at a Monday Night OA Beginners Meeting.

What Happened?

I went to my first OA meeting on January 8th, 2018. I was not sold. I did not think I had a problem. I took a break for a few weeks. I was discouraged by not seeing any young people in the rooms. I finally came back. I did 30 meetings in 30 days. I started working with a sponsor, but I wasn’t completely honest with myself. I went through the steps quickly. I was spiritually bankrupt. I did not have a Higher Power. I broke it off with that sponsor. I attended 90 meetings in 90 days.

Then I was asked to be a secretary for a meeting. This was the first thing that began to root me into my program: doing service. I began working with another sponsor. We were going slowly and thoroughly through the steps. That sponsor unexpectedly passed away, which was tragic and sad. I was clearly set back. However, I persevered and began working with another sponsor, but neither of us were really connected to each other or to program. I heard the words “keep coming back,” so I did. I needed program. I was about to get married, and the stress of fitting into my dress took a toll on me.

I reluctantly went to an OA retreat in April 2019. I met an amazing fellow in OA. She helped put it out there that I needed a sponsor. Shortly after, I began working with my current sponsor. This is when I began to understand the word serenity. Things began to be fulfilled for me.

What is it like now?

I am full-heartedly working the steps. I call my sponsor every day. I had to get willing to finally let go of the things I was not willing to do before. I got honest with myself. I told someone else that not only was I binging, I was purging, too. It’s true that we are as sick as our secrets. I surrendered my guilt and shame to my Higher Power. My sponsor really guided me through all of this. She is my confidante, and she holds me accountable for my actions. I worked through the steps. I became the San Diego Young Person’s Chair! I started a Young Person’s Meeting on Thursday night at 7:45 pm. I meditate every day. I connect to my Higher Power as much as I can; it is my first line of defense against my problems.

I do a 10th step daily and ask myself the following six questions:

1. What’s one thing I did well today?
2. What’s one thing I could have done better today?
3. Are there any amends I need to make?
4. What are five things I am grateful for today?
5. What’s one thing I did for my recovery today?
6. What is one thing I did to take care of myself today?

I do reach out calls and service. This may seem like a lot, but it’s so worth it. Today, I am living a life beyond my wildest dreams thanks to this program. Honestly, If I can, you can!

Callie R