INDEX

NOTE: This index is based on the 2011 edition of The Twelve Steps and of Overeaters Anonymous. For earlier editions of the book, a few page references may vary by one or two pages.

A ambitions, letting go of, 196, 199 abstinence, 20–23 amends, making, 67–73 carrying the message and, 101 anonymously, 80 celebrating, 202 as change, 67–68, 78–79 continuing guidance from HP and, closeness to HP after, 80–81 23 direct, 75–81 defining, 21 examples of inappropriate, 80 differing approaches to, 115 forgiveness and, 67, 71 group membership and, 130–131 help of sponsors, 70–71, 72, 76 honeymoon period and, 20–21 living, 78–79 for leaders and officers, 140–141 procrastinating, 75 sponsor’s help with, 22 promptness of, 87–88 voting rights and, 121 quicker with self-discipline, 105 willpower and, 3 restitution and, 78 writing inventory and, 31, 50 using lists of people harmed, 69–70 abuse wording of, 77–78 feeling deserved, 12 analysis in Step Four questions, 39, 41 daily inventory, 86–87 trust and, 50 negative aspects of, 32 acceptance on-the-spot, 85 humility and, 60–61 anger unconditionally at meetings, 13 acknowledging in inventories, accomplishments, acknowledging in 38–42 inventories, 33–34 with God, 95 act as if, 14, 16 outbursts and control over others, 54 acting on life, 19–20 unmanageability of life and, 4, 5, 38 action plan, as tool, 24 anonymity actions, role of resentment/fear in of individuals toward public media, damaging, 49–50 193–198 admissions making amends and, 80 of powerlessness over food, 1–7 spiritual foundation of Traditions, of unmanageability of life, 3–5, 6–7 199–207 of wrongs, 45–52 as tool, 24 agnostics, 13–16 anxiety (AA) “ate to sate,” 5 acknowlegement of, 209 key role, 37 books at meetings, 188 (footnote 2) living in, 12 inventory form, 32–33 apologies. See amends, making Twelve Steps of, 209–210 assets, acknowledging in inventories, Twelve Traditions of, 210–211, 215 33–34

1 atheists, 13, 15–16 commitment attraction rather than promotion, common welfare and, 109–117 193–198 inventories and, 29 authority, God as ultimate OA, maintaining, 24, 27, 31–32 119–127, 178 power from, 58 autonomy, 131–133, 137–144 total required, 55 awareness, 50 communications media, policy, 193–198 B compulsive eating Big Book. See Alcoholics acceptance of help from HP, 15, 20 Anonymous (AA) actions resulting from, 2, 9–10, 12 body as bond among members, ix changes to, 102 denial of disease of, 3, 6 image, a new attitude about, 20 desire to stop as only membership “perfect,” 20 requirement, 129–135 size, 100 effective relationships and, 67 bottom, need to hit, 57 freedom from, 2–3, 19, 26, 100 boundaries, setting, 143 nature of disease of, 1–2 business meetings, 120 other programs for overcoming, 20, 187–188 C permanent freedom from, 23–24 change reprieves from, 20–21 dedication to, 56 sanity and, 9–12 honesty and, 30 self-esteem and, 59–60 making amends and, 68, 78–79 willpower and, 1 power to deal with life and, 58 confrontations at meetings, 131 transformation, 30 conscience of group, arriving at willingness to, 57 informed, 120–121 character defects control comfortable with, 53–54 admission of powerlessness over examining, 56–57 food and, 1–7, 19 imagining selves without, 89 attempts at, 5 in inventories, 34–43 by defects, 55 powerlessness over, 55–56, 57 losing, 10, 16 removal by God of, 53–58 new attitude about weight, 20 return of, 61 over other people, 5, 34, 49, 54, 106 usefulness of, 56–57 courage character traits in facing character defects, 104 examining, in inventories, principle of, 104 34–37 importance of perseverance, 84 D shortcomings as misapplied, 65 daily inventories, 83–91 transformed by God, 65–66 deception clearing off our side of the street, 77 toward others, 42 toward self, 30,42 2 decisions of compulsive eating, 58 arriving at, 26, 120–121 of compulsive , ix by compulsive eaters, 121 debilitating and fatal, 6 disagreeing with, 121–122 denial of, 3, 6 forgetting, 85 effective relationships and, 67 gaining a clearer perspective, 97–98 falling back into, 31 to give up self-will, 19 incurable, 6 God will help with every, 15, 19, 23 isolation of, 16 of group, 19–27, 111, 120-127 killing, 19 donor influence on, 162 manifestations of, 38, 84 as HP’s will, 119 membership and, ix, 129–135 life-changing, 26 nature of, 1–2 living out, 22, 27 other programs for overcoming, “made a decision,” 19–27 187–188 making important, 25, 97 overcoming, 23–24, 100 spiritual awakening and, 99 progression, 59 to trust God’s guidance, 24–25, 104 reprieves from, 20-21 writing inventory in support of, 31 self-esteem and, 59–60 delay struggling with, 21 “just to do it,” 31 donations, 162 of new jobs or careers, 37 dues, none, 162 perfectionism and, 55 starting things, 40 E denial eating. See compulsive eating; food of having this disease, 3 emotions of the need to change, 30 bringing pain, 84 of the truth, 6 (in)sanity and, 9–12 depression role of fear in damaging, 49–50 an atmosphere of, 4 writing to clarify, 33–34, 71–72 excitement vs., 12 endorsements, 153–59, 196–197 diets expectations OA and, 20 letting go of, 76–77 obsession with, 10 service and, 103 direct amends, making, 75–81 expulsion from group, 130 anonymously, 80 closeness to HP after, 80–81 F discussion with sponsors about, 76 faith examples of inappropriate, 80 HP and, 13–14, 104 restitution and, 78 newfound, 19 wording of, 77–78 in no one, 41 See also amends, making principle of, 104 disease willingness to act on, 16–17 acceptance of help from Higher fears Power, 15–16, 19–20 acknowledging in inventories, actions resulting from, 9–10 37–38

3 “ate to sate,” 5 freedom better than nursing of, 90 “at last,” 51 buried in false cheerfulness, 4 from bondage, 2, 30 of change, 57 to change and learn, 6 Fourth Step inventory and, 33, from character defects, 66 37–38 from defects, 56 giving up indecision and, 24 to encounter healing force, 91 having to live in anxiety and, 12 to express beliefs, 91 not having to have, 99 expressing feelings and, 94 procrastination and, 75 from food obsession, 23 removal of character defects and, from killing disease, 19 53–54 to move forward again, 95 role in damaging emotions/actions, from obsession, 20, 26, 100 49–50 from past mistakes, 75 saving ourselves from days of, 88 from resentments, 46, 72 willingness and, 73 from , 43, 46 fellowship Step Five and, 46 common welfare of, 109–117 after taking Step Three, 20 disagreements within, 111 funding of group(s), 161–169 ground rules for, 110–111 healing power of, 85 G importance of, 109–110 God at meetings, 13–14 anger with, 95 organization vs., 178 asking to remove our shortcomings, recovery and, 146 59–66 sense of isolation and, 45 belief in, 13 sharing of recovery process and, 101 as change maker, 23, 56, 61-62 first things first, 159 changing concept of, 16 food compulsive eating and, 15 admission of powerlessness over, continuing abstinence and, 23 1–7, 19 deciding to turn lives over to, 19–27 Conference-approved plans, healing power of, 15, 66 188 (footnote 1) HP and, 16 freedom from obsession with, 20, honesty in expressing 26, 100 feelings to, 94–95 healthy attitude toward, 20 improving conscious contact with, See also compulsive eating 91–98 forgiveness inventories and, 43 healing power of, 67 meeting attendance and, 25 inability to give, 38–39 removal of character defects by, list of people harmed and, 69 53–58 making amends and, 71 transforming power of, 66 of self, 49–50, 69 as ultimate OA authority, 119–127, 178 writing and, 71–72 will of, accepting and knowing, For Today (Overeaters Anonymous), 83 16–17, 24–27, 97–98 4 See also Higher Power (HP); prayers for those seeking spiritual, 93 prayer remaining open to spiritual, 13 God box/God can, 95 grudges gossip, 25, 35, 54, 115–116, 200–202 acknowledging in inventories, grateful 38–39 following in others’ footsteps, 106 held by those hurt, 77 group conscience and being, 120– See also resentment 122, 181–182 guidance, accepting from HP, 19–21 for lessons learned, 98 guilt for program in its own right, 90 acknowledging, 29 at release from a defect, 61–62 clearing away, 76 for things going well, 86 eliminating, 67, 69 group(s) facing, 43 autonomy of, 131–133, 137–144, freedom from, 46 178 no longer needing to feel, 77 Board of Trustees decision not to not stirring up, 87 register, 140–141 years of, ix decision-making by, 119–127 definition of, 138 H dropping, 140 harm, 68–73 endorsements by, 153–159 daily inventory in clearing, 87–88 expulsion from, 130-131, 178 meaning of, 68 formats, 110–111 to OA as a whole, 138–140 group inventory, 115–117 permanently changing attitudes of, as HP, 14 78–81 involvement in outside endeavors harshness, acknowledging in by, 153–159 inventories, 39–42 learning from experiences, 142–143 healing membership requirement in, 129– in connections, 85 135, 140–141 in meeting rooms, 181 not following Twelve Steps and miracle of spiritual, x, 99 Twelve Traditions, 138–140 need to repeat actions, 83 personal desires and welfare of, 199 strength of OA Fellowship and, 175 primary purpose of, 145–151 help, asking for, 167–168 self-supporting, 161–169 help, providing. See service service boards and, 177–183 Higher Power (HP) shared responsibility in, 123–124 accepting help from, 19–20, 24–25, special-emphasis, 132–133 64–65 unity of, 109–117, 185 acknowledging wrongs to, 46–52 See also fellowship; meetings acting as if and, 14–15 group conscience, 119–127, 181–182, closeness to, after making amends, 189, 206 80–81 growth defining, 13–14 lifetime of, 56, 106 establishing regular relationship, new direction of spiritual, 103 91–98

5 faith and, 13–14, 104 airing “dirty laundry,” 47 focusing on will of, 26, 89 anonymity and, 205 guidance of fellowship by, 179 being one among many, 200–201 guidance received from, 21–22 dealing with media and, 196 healing power of, 85 description of, 60, 61, 62 honesty in expressing feelings to, as gift, 62 94–95 humiliation vs., 59 identifying, 13–14 no longer being shocked and increasing power of intuition and, horrified, 63 22 practicing the principle of, 105 knowing will of, 97–98 steps in attaining, 60 meditation and, 95–97 indecision meeting attendance and, 25 asking God for inspiration and, 25 restoration of sanity by, 9–17 information about OA, publicizing, self-will and, 104–105 193–198 spiritual awakening and trust in, informed group conscience, arriving 99–100 at, 120–121 unfailing nature of, 98 inner resources, 22 See also God integrity hitting bottom, 57 beginning to practice, 46 honesty with self in facing character defects, 104 acknowledgment of our mistakes intergroups and, 77 funding and providing service, change and, 30 163–166 continuous practice of, 103–104 representatives at, 178 in examination of our lives, 3–9, 11, services of, 161 21, 29 intuition, increasing power of, 22 in expressing feelings to HP, 94–95 inventories, 29–44, 83–90 in facing Step Six, 54–55 abstinence and, 31 importance of, 51 accomplishments and assets in, in inventories, 30, 44, 84, 90 33–34 needing HP for, 46 anger and resentment in, 38–42 in practice of writing, 95 completeness of, 43–44 principle of, 103–104 daily, 85–91 in relationships, 88 as daily practice, 84 sense of relief through, 47 examining character traits in, 34–37 total, 13 fears in, 37–38 as way to God’s will, 25 form of, 32–33 willingness for, 41 lists of people harmed in, 68–69 honeymoon period, 20–21 mental spot-checks, 85 hope, 104 objectivity in, 34 HP. See Higher Power perfectionism and, 31 humiliation vs. humility, 59 procrastination and, 31–32 humility sexuality in, 40–41 acceptance and, 61 sponsors and, 87 6 spot-check, 85–86 business, 120 Tenth-Step, 85–90 chaotic appearance of, 177 as test of commitment, 29 disrespectful comments during, 187 using as prayer, 62–63 disruptions of, 131 wanting vs. willing to do, 31, 73 fellowship at, 13–14 isolation following ground rules at, 110 feelings of, 45 format of, 110–111 preventing message reaching importance of, 109–110, 146 newcomer, 101 locations of, 141–142 recovery and, 109 newcomers at, 147–148 venturing outside of, 84–85 nonorganization, tradition of, 177– 183 K relapsers at, 148–149 keep it simple, 153–154 religion at, 13 service boards and, 177–183 L sharing details at, 201–202 life special-emphasis, 133, 142 admitting unmanageability of, special-requirement, 132–133 3–5, 6–7 standing up for Twelve Traditions change and power to deal with, 58 at, 179–181, 182 handling with self-will, 10–11 status and, 202–203 out of balance, 11–12 therapy groups vs., 174–175 lists. See inventories as tool, 24 lists of people harmed unconditional acceptance at, 13, 91 inventories and, 68–69 See also group(s) making amends using, 68–70 membership literature compulsive eating as bond, ix approved, 154, 188–189, 188 OA stands on public issues and, 185 (footnote 2) paid professionals and, 173–174 as tool, 24 requirements, 129–135, 140–141 living amends, 78–79 retention, 178 love, principle of, 105 as source of special workers, 172, 173 memories, facing traumatic, 50–51 M mental obsession, 3 media, policy toward, 193–198 message, we are the message, 106 meditation mind, 2 daily, 92–93 miracles described, 96 appreciating, 64–65 relationship with HP and, 95–97 becoming ready for, 56 See also prayer of being known truly by another, 50 meetings of freedom from shackles of past, 75 anonymity and, 200–202 God and, 23, 61–62 attendance at, as God’s will, 25 of healing, 62, 64, 99 autonomy of, 131–133, 137–144 of healthy attitude about food and away from home, visiting, 137–138 eating, 20

7 of permanent recovery, 90, 102, 113, numb our feelings, 70 179 of release, 56 O of sanity, 23 objectivity, in inventories, 34 short-lived, 20, 23 obsessions of the Twelve Steps, 191 with diets, 10 trusting others and, 50 with food, 3 mistakes with freedom from food, 100 making vs. being, 43, 64 inventories and, 30 of OA groups, 122 with money, 39 money negativity and, 43 amends around, 78 See also compulsive eating anonymity in OA and, 201 opinions, respecting others’, 111 cannot buy recovery with, 171 organization vs. fellowship, 178 group conscience around, 143 outreach, 149 obsession with, 39 outside affiliations, 137, 155-158 responsible management of, 39 outside contributions, 161–169 spent otherwise-needed, 36 outside endeavors/enterprises, status-seeking and, 35 153–159 stolen, 9, 42 outside issues, 185–191 Tradition Seven and, 161–168 outside literature, 154 Tradition Six and, 153–159 Overeaters Anonymous (OA) moral inventories. See inventories approved literature and, 188–189, 188 (footnote 2) N God as ultimate authority, 119–127, 178 negative thinking nonorganization, tradition of, 177–183 about concept of God, 16 nonprofessionalism in, 171–176 effects of, 49 overview of, ix–x at expense of others, 187 principles of, 103–106, 147 not to stir up, 87 publicizing information about, 193–198 outlook, 43 stands on public issues, 185 patterns of, 32 structure of, 119–127, 178–179 as self-deception, 42 tools of, 24 newcomers unity of, 110 approaching, 134, 147–150 World Service Office, 161–166, 178 first OA impressions of, 143 HP can be disconcerting to, 91 P ignoring at group’s peril, 147 pain and out-of-balance life, 12 outside literature and, 154 perfectionism sharing equally with “elders,” 203 inventories and, 31 transformation of suffering, 102 procrastination and, 31, 39–40 unity and, 116 rationalization and, 55 nonorganization, tradition of, 177–183 perseverance nonprofessionalism, tradition of, importance of, 84, 89 171–176 principle of, 105 8 rewards from practicing, 105 practicing the Twelfth Step, 145 personal inventories. See inventories reach out in whatever way we can, 149 plan of eating, as tool, 24 sticking to, 153 See also abstinence; diets principles of OA, 103–106, 147 Power greater than individual. See procrastination God; Higher Power (HP) inventories and, 31–32 power structure of OA, 119–127, making amends and, 75 178–179 perfectionism and, 31, 39–40 powerlessness, 11, 13 professional help over character defects, 55–56, 57 need for, 89 over food, 1–7, 19 while involved with OA, 51 See also God; Higher Power (HP) professionalism in OA, 171–176 prayer profit motive, avoiding,171 doing God’s will and, 27 promise elements of daily, 65 of fuller living experience, 44 to eliminate resentment, 72–73 of (threefold) healing, 99 to establish relationship with HP, of permanent recovery, 83 91–98 public controversies, 185–191 for humility, 62 public relations policy, 193–198 inventories used in, 62–63 meditation and, 93 R practicing, 92 rationalizations, 46, 55 reason for, 61 recovery types of, 93, 94 anonymity and, 199–207 for willingness, 31 as journey, 100, 130 cannot fail, 27 acting out isolation by arrogance, 45 change and, 30 had to be better than everyone else, 47 isolation and, 109 illusion we have done no wrong, 46 relapses during, 148–149 obsession with status, 59–60 service as part of, 101–103 shame and, 200 sharing with others, 101–103, in Step Four questions, 35 145–146 as Step Ten stumbling block, 84 reflection and spot inventories,85 too proud to admit we were wrong, 200 regional service bodies primary purpose, 145–154 funding and providing service, abstain from compulsive eating, v, 163–166 20, 24 services of, 161 abstinence as, 24 (footnote) relapse carry this message, v, 154 helping those who, 148–149 everything is geared to, 177 recovery meetings, 133 no “free” gifts, 162 relationships no outside contributions, 161 compulsive eating and, 67 no outside responsibilities or causes, 159 establishing regular, with HP, 91–98 no profit motive, 156 forgiveness and, 67 not becoming sidetracked, 145 placing requirements on, 134–135

9 relief through honesty, 47 self-understanding and inventory, 29–30 religion self-will belief in God and, 15–16 handling life with, 9–11 daily relationship with HP and, 93 HP and, 104–105 OA meetings and, 13 letting go of, 21, 27 repetition, importance of, 83 serenity resentment at meetings, 181 acknowledging in inventories, 38–42 obtaining, 67, 85, 93 techniques for eliminating, 71–73 service, 99–106 responsibility anonymity and, 201–202 for diets, 20 carrying share of, 165–166 of group, 137, 161–169 healthy limits, 166 to group, 124 by nonprofessionals, 171–172, 175–176 to OA, 123 opportunities for, 110 for what we eat, 22 as part of recovery, 101–103 when Traditions are broken, 121, principle of, 106 179–182 as tool, 24 restitution, 78 service bodies, 177–183 service structure of OA, 119–127 S Seventh-Tradition basket, 162–165 sanity sexuality in inventories, 40–41 in all areas of life, 19 shame compulsive eating and, 9–11 acknowledging, 29 as everyday reality, 23 as excess baggage, 200 going to OA meetings restores, 25 mistake, 43 restoration of, by HP, 9–17 rooted in the past, freedom from, 46 self-acceptance and admitting shortcomings wrongs to others, 48 asking God to remove our, 59–66 self-analysis. See inventories as misapplied character traits, 65 self-deception, 30, 42 self-righteousness and removal of, self-discipline, principle of, 105 60–61 self-esteem See also character defects admitting wrongs to others and, 47 special-emphasis meetings, 133, 142 compulsive eating and, 59–60 special-requirements, 132–133 humility and, 59 special workers, employment of, weight and, 11 171–176 self-examination. See inventories spiritual awakening, 99–106 self-forgiveness, 49–50 See also meditation; prayer self-obsession, 30 spiritual foundation of Traditions, self-righteousness 199–207 acknowledging in inventories, 39–42 sponsors removal of shortcomings and, 60–61 admitting wrongs to, 48 self-sacrifice, attitude of, 199 choosing, 14 self-supporting nature of group(s), daily inventories and, 87 161–169 guidance from, 26 10 help in sorting harms, 70 of OA, 213 help knowing will of HP, 97 Twelve Traditions making amends and, 70–71, 72, 76 of Alcoholics Anonymous, 210–211 suggestions from, 22 importance of group following, when taking Step Eight, 72, 76 138–140 when taking Tenth-Step inventory, 85, 87 nonaffiliation with other Twelve- sponsorship, as tool, 24 Step groups, 157 spot-check inventories, 85 of OA, 215 status relationships and, 117,126, anonymity and, 202–203 133–134, 143–144, 147 individuals as stars, 203–204 responsibility when broken, 179–182 seeking, 60 spiritual foundation of, 199–207 Steps. See Twelve Steps standing up for, 179–181, 182 Step studies meetings, 133 stubbornness, as positive trait, 84 U unconditional acceptance at T meetings, 13, 91 telephone, as tool, 24 unity of OA, 109–117 therapy unmanageable life, admission as aid in addressing eating of, 3–5, 6–7 problems, 48, 51 meetings and, 174–175 V The Tools of Recovery (Overeaters visualization, 64 Anonymous), 201 tools of OA, 24 W Traditions. See Twelve Traditions wealth, obsession with, 39 triggers, 3 we are the message, 106 trust weight completion of Step Five and, 51 happiness and, 20 in developing conciousness of HP, 92 loss, 20 fears and inability to, 49–50 no promise of quick loss, 194 in God’s guidance, 23, 99, 104 self-esteem and, 11 by group, 119, 124 willingness HP with every aspect of our lives, 99 to change, 57 miracle of, 50 HP and, 104–106 in OA Traditions, 108 prayer for, 31–32 receiving inventories and, 202 principle of, 104–105 trustworthiness and, 41–42 wanting vs., 31, 73 vulnerability and, 50 will come if we ask, 27 willingness will come if we ask, 27 willpower truth, effect of denying, 6 abstinence and, 3 twelve principles, 103–106, 147 compulsive eating and, 1 Twelve Steps doing God’s will and, 27 of Alcoholics Anonymous, 209–210 lack of, 1 importance of group following, 138–140 limits to, 19

11 World Service Office authority of, 178 funding and providing service, 163–166 services of, 161–162 worth, imagined ladder of, 60 writing to clarify emotions, 71–72 daily inventories, 85, 86, 88 to God, 95 making direct amends and, 79 as tool, 24 See also inventories wrongs, admitting, 45–52 choosing confidant, 48–49 discussing exact nature of, 49 feelings of isolation and, 45 rationalizations and, 46 self-esteem and, 47

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