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All to often, those within an organization take things pretty much for granted, forgetting newcomers may not understand the "lingo" or the "tradition." This FAQ page is our attempt to address some of these basic questions and also to give you an opportunity to ask your own question. Remember, nine times out of ten someone else will have the same question as you.

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• What is the OAsis
• Do I have to believe in God to join OA?

OA is not a religious society, since it requires no definite religious belief as a condition of membership. OA has among its membership people of many religious faiths as well as atheists and agnostics. The OA recovery program is based on acceptance of certain spiritual values. Members are free to interpret these values as they think best, or not to think about them at all if they so choose. Many individuals who come to OA have reservations about accepting any concept of a power greater than themselves. OA experience has shown that those who keep an open mind on this subject and continue coming to OA meetings will not find it too difficult to work out their own solution to this very personal matter.

• Are there any dues to attend meetings?

No, there are no dues or fees for attending an OA meeting. The seventh tradition tells us that OA is self-supporting at all levels. Outside contributions are not accepted. In order to help meet OA's basic needs, a donation plan is recommended.

• In the meeting schedule and elsewhere on your pages I see references to the Big Book. What is the Big Book? Is it the Bible?

The Big Book is the Alcoholics Anonymous book. Originally published in 1939, this is the book of experience from which the AA Fellowship derived its name. It contains an analysis of the principles which lead to the sobriety of the earliest members, together with a representative cross section of members' personal stores. It is now currently in its fourth edition. The Big Book serves as the basis for all 12 step programs. It may be viewed on-line or purchased from your local AA office or at the OAsis.

• I am struggling right now with a very serious eating disorder that I have had for years. I am anorexic/bulimic and have been to treatment before. When I left treatment, I acted like I didn't have a problem and have been doing worse then I was before I entered. It is very hard for me to be open about my struggles with anorexia/bulimia and I am curious if OA could help me. From my experience in the past (only one meeting) I felt like OA centered around overeating compulsively and not the fear of food, weight gain, and fullness. Is this a misconception on my part? Do you think that OA could help me and that I will be accepted? More importantly will I find it triggering to my eating disorder?

OA is open to anyone with a problem with food, be it overeating, undereating, anorexia/bulimia, fear of food, etc. Within San Diego, there are a number of meetings with a special focus on a particular problem. These special focus meetings are listed in our monthly meeting schedule and identified with a footnote. Because every person is different, every meeting tends to be different. Thus, please do not accept one meeting as an indication of how OA may help you. Try several meetings. Please know that whatever is said in a meeting stays in a meeting. While it is extremely difficult to talk, you can take comfort knowing that you are not alone in your feelings and those with the same issue as you can provide support and recovery.

• What is a gut-level meeting?

A gut-level meeting is one in which those attending speak openly and honestly about their OA related issues.

• Are there questions I can ask to see if I can be helped?

Anyone who wants to be helped, can find help. To find answers to your basic questions, you may want to start with the links on our main page, "Are you a compulsive overeater?", "Our Twelve Steps", "Our Twelve Traditions", and the "Eight Tools Of Recovery." Of course, we are not in this alone. If it were as easy as just reading a book or two, there wouldn't be a need for our organization. It is because it is not easy that we need each other. It is through each other, help is received and given. Take a look at the meeting schedule and pick one that is right for you. Attend a meeting and receive help from others and give help to others. Of course, if you have a specific question, please feel free to ask it in the form below. If you provide your email address, you will receive a personal reply. We do not maintain any listing of emails addresses that are received.

• Where can I find a copy of the 3rd step prayer?

The 3rd step prayer may be found in the "Big Book" 3rd edition, page 63. "God, I offer myself to Thee - to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of Life. May I do Thy will always!.

• I have a friend who is a compulsive eater and I want to help her, but I get frustrated because I can't eat in front of her, etc. Are there are books targeting the friends and family who need to learn to be supportive?

There is a phamplet called "To the Family of the Compulsive Overeater." It addresses understanding and advice to family members who are trying to support a loved one in changing his or her life. You can view it on-line, buy it from the World Services Bookstore, Or your can pick up a copy at our OAsis. You might consider contacting the Al-Anon groups. While the focus of Al-Anon is support for those who live with an alcoholic, the skills learned from Al-Anon are universal to addictions of all types. The Al-Alon phone number in San Diego is 619-296-2666.

• Do you have a list of meetings for al-anon?

We do not maintain information about Al-Anon meetings. However, Al-Anon is listed in the phone book under Al-anon family groups of San Diego, (619) 296-2666. Please call them and we are sure they will have your answer.

• What do they do with all that money?
• How do I get in touch with others within OA who are have the same type of abstinence I am currently practicing? Is there a chat room or special meetings? I would like to hook up with others that can share their experience, strength & hope.

We certainly understand your desire to find the support of those who share your food plan. OA does not endorse any particular plan of eating and we in the San Diego Intergroup, do not have OA meetings especially for a particular eating plan. Outside of OA there are support groups such as HOW and FAA which advocate various eating plans. It is possible to meet members of OA who share your food plan at meetings, so by attending a variety of meetings you may likely find some members who can share their program with you.

• I would like to attend a meeting. There are very few NEW member meetings. Do I have to attend a NEW meeting or may I begin at any meeting?

Newcomer meetings are an introduction to our fellowship and an opportunity to get an overview of the program, terminology definitions, and ask questions. You are welcome at any meeting you choose to attend. Attendance at a newcomer meeting is not a necessity. When I joined our fellowship I did not attend a newcomer meeting. My advice to you is to ask any questions you might have after your first few meetings. Perhaps you'll have opportunity to speak to the leader or another member that you feel comfortable with.

• A co-worker got me interested in your program. I believe it can be very beneficial. In looking at the schedule, I see that there are very few meetings with childcare. I am very anxious to check you guys out. Can you help me? I work 8 to 5 with commitments to my children during some evenings. I appreciate any suggestions you can give me.

It's true that many meetings do not offer child care. Each meeting must meet its own expenses and the only source of income is the voluntary contribution of those attending that particular meeting. Many meetings do not have the funds to pay a caregiver. We would urge you to attend those meetings that do. Both Saturday morning maintainer's meeting offer child care. It is not necessary to be a maintainer to attend these meetings. In fact, many newcomers find strength and hope from the sharing of experience from those with long term recovery. Perhaps as you meet others within the fellowship, you might ask how they meet their child care needs. Please allow yourself the opportunity of recovery offered by OA. Miracles happen within our fellowship.

• My group is interested in providing child care but some members are concerned about possible liability issues. Since we pay the child care workers (thru additional funds gathered at meetings) what is our responsibility for workers or children? Our site does not care that we provide child care but will not cover any problem which might come up unless the site is at fault.

Each meeting is responsible to provide or not provide child care for those at the meeting. If the group conscience is to provide child care, then the group must provide their own care giver. If the meeting is held outside of the OAsis, OA is not responsible for any worker or child. If the meeting is held at the OAsis, the meeting is covered if a child get hurts as long as a child care giver is present in the baby sitting room. At the OAsis, a child cannot be in the baby sitting room unattended at anytime.

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