newbie

[ld5432]

Hi, I'm a bulimic and I am searching for the way out of my disease and self destruction. If anybody out there feels that their problem is akin to alcohol or drug addiction please let me know how you dealt. B/C I feel like my problem with food is like a problem with drugs. I'm an OA failure and have been through a few different out-patient programs and in-patient programs (brief stays, thank you insurance). If anybody feels this is different than alcoholism i'd like to hear about that too. I am out of control, i can say that, and i'm very depressed too.

[Pony]

Id5432,

You are among a majority in thinking that it's the same as alcohol addiction. Food issues and the behaviors that go along with the struggle are very much like fighting alcohol/drug addictions. You see, there are reasons/issues that drew you into using drugs or alcohol to either escape or comfort whatever it is about life and it's daily challenges......and self-esteem, that you didn't want to or couldn't deal with a clear head. Self-esteem is a big one with food issues. Because there are so many people that have poor self-image that they feel like they either have to starve themselves (anorexia) or pig out (to comfort), or eat but then force themselves to throw it up. All of these are very serious issues and most of us need the help of others to learn to deal with it; if not a doctor (which it where you really should begin), then at least a support group that may help workout the issues/reasons why you do what you do and a plan on how not to continue that unhealthy habit. You see also, it differs a bit from recovery of alcohol/drugs because a person can abstain from ever touching those again, but a person can not go without eating and live very long. So one must learn to manage moderation of food and healthy habits.

I hope this has helped some. You are most certainly welcome here and please post so we can get to know you. There are many here that can share their experinces with you and hopefully it will help you to know that you are not alone in this.

Can you tell me why you felt that you are an OA failure? If you are comfortable telling me that. You can send me a private message if you do not wish to post it out in the open.

Hugs and welcome,

Pony

[2bblessed]

I was bulimnic for many years, beginning with about age 18 and continuing into my thirties. I asked God for help, and the desire to purge left me. I have tried it a few times since, but it simply doesn't work, this after a long time of keeping my outer appearance close to normal by vomiting. I was an attractive and thin woman for many years, hiding my addiction from everyone. But then I became a Christian, and as I grew in faith, awareness grew that what I was doing was not only harmful to my body, but a sin, because I was letting food fill the inner emptiness which I believe is created for God. Though I am not bulimnic now, I still struggle with overeating. I have begun the road to recovery from that as well. In January I joined a ministry in which I pray for people concerning many different issues. I have learned that often underneath the issues people request prayer for are: guilt, feelings of unworthiness, unforgiveness, anger, resentment, and fear of the future. I believe it is impossible to change surface behavior if you do not change what is underneath. In the ministry, we lead people through asking forgiveness, forgiving self, God and others, letting go of the past , and confessing fear. Then something better and healthy must fill the void--God is the answer I have found. Working through these issues in prayer is something you can do on your own, but from my own experience, it helps to pray with others. (We also suggest professional counseling and continuing with medical care and other resources.) Not only will you feel accepted by God, but will you see that others can know your worst and still love you. When people let go off their baggage, sometimes after many sessions of prayer, they look as if ten tons were lifted off their shoulders. I have seen lives miraculously transformed. You do not have to be in control if you give God the control. His power is made perfect in our weakness. My heart and my prayers are with you. Please do not give up. I do not know about your faith, but if you are willing, I would suggest the following scriptures in the NIV translation of the Bible: Philip 4:4-9 and 2Cor 4:8, Psalm 107.

[Tom Henderson]

Greetings:

I am a recovered Alcoholic and Drug abuser who has been blessed with over 26 years of being clean and sober and cigarette free since 1979.

I am now dealing with my last, longest and most difficult of my addictions, which is compulsive overeating. I have never experienced Bulimia.

But I have been dealing with this compulsion since about 4 or 5 years old.

What helps me are the O.A. meetings which I have been in and out of since 1976. Overcomers Outreach meetings. I just got a diabetic food plan last week, and I am writing my inventory.

In 1979 I weighed 173 lbs thans to God and O.A. After I quit smoking I blew up. I now weigh 363 lbs and I have High Blood Pressure, Diabetes and High Cholesterol.

I finally hit bottom recently and am now surrendered to God and the program and my new food plan.

Don't Give Up or loose hope!

Keep Smilin & Keep Prayin!!

BigTom

[Pony]

Thanks Tom for sharing your incredible story and welcome to this forum. You seem to have a great direction and goal/plan going. Good for you. Stick around and let us in on your progress.

Pony

[Tom Henderson]

Greeting all:

On June 3, 1978 which was three days after my 29th birthday and 14 days before my first A.A. birthday I made the most important decision of my life. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord. I was truly born again. The last 25 years has been a tremendous journey.

Although I first started O.A. in 1976 and have been in and out ever since, I do not consider myself to be a failure or the O.A. program as ineffective.

What I have finally after all of these years of not trusting God in this and other areas of my life and hitting the physical bottom that I have and weighing 365 lbs with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

I give up, I have quit fighting the O.A. program, myself and God I have truely hit the bottom that I have had to hit to be able to admit and accept that I am a compulsive overeater and have type 2 diabetes and all the other physical problems. I surrender al to Him Jesus Christ!

While reading Chapter 5 from the Big Book of A.A. I come have come to realize that the first paragraph describes me for the last 22 years perfectly.

I just completed a course called "Creation Therapy" about Temperament and this training along with my fourth step inventory will be a major factor in my complete healing.

I am returning to school to get my Bachelors and then my Masters degree so I can become a "Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor" specializing in Substance Abuse & Marriage & Family.

God's love, mercy, grace and patience is something that I will never until I get to heaven fully comprehend. But I do accept and receive it.

I am know willing to go to any lenghts to get everything God has for me!

Do not be discouraged!

This is a simple program admit and accept our disease or addiction, trust God, clean house, serve others. But it is not easy.

Keep Smilin & Keep Prayin!!

A hopeful and encouraged fellow sufferer.

BigTom