The 9 Tools of OA
The 9 Tools of OA
“In working Overeaters Anonymous’ Twelve-Step program of recovery from compulsive overeating, we have found that a number of tools are available to assist us. We use these tools … on a regular basis, to help us achieve and maintain abstinence and recover from our disease.” – The Tools of Recovery p.1
Abstinence is the act of refraining from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviours while working towards or maintaining a healthy body weight. Recovery is the removal of the need to engage in compulsive eating
behaviours. Spiritual, emotional and physical recovery is the result of living the Overeaters Anonymous Twelve-Step program.
1. A Plan of Eating
A plan of eating helps us abstain from compulsive eating. (See the pamphlet Dignity of Choice.) This tool helps us deal with the physical aspects of our disease and achieve physical recovery.
2. Sponsorship
We ask a sponsor to help us through our program of recovery on all three levels, physical, emotional, and spiritual.
3. Meetings
Meetings give us an opportunity to identify our common problems, confirm our common solution through the Twelve Steps, and share the gifts we receive through this program. In addition to face-to-face meetings, OA offers telephone and online meetings.
4. Telephone
Many members call, text, or email their sponsors and other OA members daily. Telephone or electronic contact also provides an immediate outlet for those hard-to-handle highs and lows we may experience.
5. Writing
Putting our thoughts and feelings down on paper helps us to better understand our actions and reactions in a way that is often not revealed to us by simply thinking or talking about them.
6. Literature
We read OA approved books, pamphlets, and Lifeline Magazine. Reading literature daily reinforces how to live the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
7. Action Plan
An action plan is the process of identifying and implementing attainable actions that are necessary.
8. Anonymity
Anonymity guarantees we will place principles before personalities.
9. Service
Any form of service that helps a reach fellow sufferer adds to the quality of our own recovery.
From the OA pamphlet Tools of Recovery © 2011 Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. All rights reserved.