The steps for Eating Disorders Anonymous are exactly the same as the ones for Alcoholics Anonymous; however, the interpretations are different, geared to the needs of those seeking help from disordered eating.
Coping with Reality without Disordered Eating
To sustain life, one has to eat. There is no abstinence from food; otherwise, at some point in time, life will cease. So, how does one manage an eating disorder and cope with reality at the same time?
Perhaps the answer lies in changing perspective and developing adequate coping skills. That is, issues with food, body image and weight and the everyday stress/problems of life do not have to translate into life threatening coping skills, such as starvation, binging, and binging and purging.
Healthy Alternative to Obsessing
Focusing upon healthy coping skills and acceptance of self (positive and negative traits) enables the recovering person to redirect the negative obsessions about food, weight and body image issues into positive areas of focus. Managing the unpleasant, negative emotions through mutual support and insights from other recovering eating disordered people stops the isolation and mismanagement of problems and emotions as long as the program is worked. Yes, there is work. Any 12 step program involves a sincere commitment to working the steps.
Honesty is a Pertinent Element of 12 Step Programs
Internal and external honesty are foundations for recovery in all 12 step programs. Internal honesty means not fooling oneself about the seriousness of the condition, and external honesty means being scathingly straightforward with members of the 12 step community about recovery, as well as in the general living spheres. Adopting "honesty as the best policy" helps to squelch the delusions and lies of the eating disorder voice which can lead back to the pattern(s) of disordered eating.
The Rungs of Success in 12 Step Eating Disorder Recovery
Perfection is ruled out. However, striving towards balanced ideals are the objectives of this particular 12 step program. Each cornerstone achieved is a reason to celebrate - building essential internal self-esteem not based upon the dysfunction of the eating disorder. That is, rejoicing that food was avoided is replaced with discovering joy by the growing perspectives of healthier, balanced decisions regarding life's issues.
As with other recovering persons, whether recovery is from alcohol or chemicals, it is important to accept the positive with the negative, that is why perfection is ruled out. Perfection is an illusion/delusion that humans cannot achieve. However, what is achievable is striving towards balanced ideals. In this pursuit, the benefits and growth will come.
Some examples of success:
- Eating what was formerly a forbidden food and enjoying it;
- Handling guilt about eating without purging or starving - talking the emotions out with a sponsor and feeling better;
- Had a bad day, but didn't obsess about it, went to a meeting instead; and,
- Instead of reacting to a negative situation or negative emotions, wrote about them and shared with a sponsor.
Helpful Hints for Eating Disorder Recovery
Here are some suggestions from Eating Disorder Anonymous:
- Recovery is the responsibility of the eating disordered person, not another's responsibility;
- When the body is asking for food, do not ignore it;
- Eating is pertinent, listen to the body;
- Do not isolate;
- Listen to the emotions, and for the unpleasant ones, seek help;
- Look towards a higher power as a coping skill; and,
- Work the program.
Finally, recovery from eating disorders is possible. No one has to suffer. Eating Disorders Anonymous, as well as other 12 step, self-help groups are available and accessible.
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