Welcome. If you’re new to OA, this is a simple path to your first meeting—no pressure, no perfect way to do it. Just choose the path that works for you: learn what OA is, know what to expect, find a meeting that fits, and join. Take only the next step you can today.
I want to get started
Welcome. We’re glad you’re here.
If you’re ready to begin, you can start in simple ways. Any OA meeting is open to you, and you are welcome at all of them. Some meetings are specifically designed for newcomers.
Each meeting has a unique format, size, and style, so we encourage you to visit several different meetings to see what kinds of meetings you like. There is no need to register or make any commitment to attend a meeting.
Below are a few resources to help you get started. Many people begin their journey in OA by attending a meeting. If you wish, you may simply observe at first. You might also choose to listen to a podcast or explore OA literature. Any of these are helpful ways to begin.
Links
- Find a meeting (try a newcomer specific focus or any type of meeting)
- Try six meetings and ask for a sponsor
- Diverse meetings information
- Where Do I Start? Free guide
I’m not sure I’m ready
It’s very common to have mixed feelings. You might be curious, hopeful, skeptical, nervous, or some combination of all of these. You don’t have to decide anything right now. You’re welcome to attend meetings just to listen, without needing to speak, share, or make any commitments. You can come once, or as often as you’d like.
Links
- What to Expect-type page
- Introduction to the Twelve Steps
- Lifeline (newcomer content, including podcasts)
- Find a Service Body
- Diverse meetings information
- Hearing Is Believing — 5 min podcast
- Newcomer FAQ
- Overcome objections
- Conflict with medical weight loss
- Conflict with pay and weigh
- Overcome objections
I’m coming back to OA
Welcome back. We’re glad you’re here.
OA will feel familiar in many ways, grounded in shared experiences, the Twelve Steps, and mutual support. Meetings are still centered on fellowship and recovery. Members approach the program in a variety of ways. You might see some newer resources, such as the second edition of The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous and additional online meeting options. It’s okay to bring what you already know, and it’s also okay to let yourself be “new again.”
Links
- Where Do I Start? Free guide
I’m not sure if I have a problem
Many people come to OA with questions about their eating and their relationship with food. You might be wondering if things are “bad enough,” or if this program is really meant for you.
Difficulties with food can show up in many ways. For some, it’s overeating or binge eating. For others, it may be undereating, over-exercising, repeated dieting, or an ongoing struggle with weight, body image, and constant preoccupation with food.
It’s okay to explore these questions honestly, without needing to label yourself or reach any conclusions. There are no timelines or pressure on this journey.
Links
I want more information about OA
You may simply want to understand OA better before deciding how to proceed. OA is for people who struggle with many forms of food and body-related concerns, not just one kind of eating behavior. Learning more about the program and what meetings are like can help you see whether OA feels like a good fit for you.
Links
- PSA video
- Quiz
- Introduction to the Twelve Steps
- About Us
- Newcomer FAQs
- Where Do I Start? free guide
- Diverse meetings information
- Family and friends
- 2024 Recovery Survey Results
- Are you ready?
- 2017 Membership Survey
I’m here to support someone I care about
Watching someone you care about struggle can be painful, especially when you’re not sure how to help. Below are resources you can share to gently offer information about OA. Sharing information, without pressure or judgment, can be a simple way to show your support, and it allows the person to decide if OA is right for them at this time.
Links