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Relapse is a condition where a compulsive overeater returns to destructive eating habits after a period of abstinence as defined by the individual. Relapse is experienced to some degree by many OAs.

On a physical level, it can take the form of binge eating, eating foods which trigger the binge cycle, binging and vomiting, or fasting, starvation, compulsive exercising, and use of chemical substance to rid the body of excess food.

On an emotional level it can include returning to former negative, destructive attitudes and behaviors, the loss of faith in a power greater than the self and the reappearance of character defects that dominate the individual's behavior.

Relapse often begins with the assumption that one is normal, cured, and no longer in need of the practices and knowledge that were gained in the 12 steps of the program. This may not manifest itself on a conscious level, but some of the first portents of danger are:

• Using or avoiding food to smother feelings.
• Avoiding meetings and other OAs.
• Irritation with the program principles and tools.
• Using the scale, clothes size, etc. as a measure of recovery.
• The feeling of "not belonging" in OA.
• Making excuses for negative behavior and denial of obvious changes in body size, i.e., "it shrank at the cleaners," it's just water weight," the scale's broken" (even at the doctor's office), etc.
• A feeling of mastery over self and superiority over others.

These are just some of the initial signs that the recovering compulsive overeater is on the verge of relapse. If you see yourself engaging in these attitudes or behaviors, we urge you to keep coming back to meetings to talk and to listen to others who share the same feelings. The pain of relapse is greatest in isolation and in the fear of discovering that we are not perfect. For many of us, it is also the most powerful, enduring learning experience of our recovery. One day at a time, we find our way home - Together.

12th Step Within

The Twelfth-Step-Within Committee was created to reach out to those in the Fellowship who still suffer and to address the relapse and recovery of our members. The committee's purpose is to strengthen Overeaters Anonymous by sharing information and ideas that generate recovery within the Fellowship. Those who give Twelfth-Step-Within service encourage existing OA members to become or remain abstinent, to work the Twelve Steps and to give service to the best of their ability. Doing this service increases the quantity and quality of recovery in our Fellowship, thereby assisting our own spiritual journey. Twelfth Step Within does not focus on attracting new members; it explicitly supports the ones we already have. Anyone who is abstinent and working his or her own recovery can do this service.

Helpful Publications (free)

There is a special reading and writing tool for those in relapse called "Been Slippin' and Slidin'? / A Reading and Writing Tool". Click this link to get that document in a format suitable for printing.

Helpful Publications (for purchase, either at OAsis or WSO Bookstore)

Members In Replase. Members share actions they took to recover from relapse, and how their fellow OA members helped them by practicing the Twelfth Step within the Fellowship.

Recovery Checklist. Questions help you evaluate your recovery and alert you to subtle changes in actions and attitudes that could hamper your program. Also helpful to members in relapse.

Welcome Back. Offers encouragement and new perspectives to members returning after relapse.

A New Beginning. Stories from Lifeline magazine full of experience, strength, inspiration and wisdom as your fellow OA members share their struggles and triumphs in recovery.

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Last update: 26 July 2010
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