Hiya
I have been reading the binging threads for a while. And looking in the OE sub forum too. When I went onto the OE web sites it seems to have allot of an American and religious slant. I am just on the IRC chat room now, and its a very formal affair, only one talking at a time (which is weird cos u want to hug the people and shout me too). And there is allot of things about sponsors and the such. And about calling each day. I am trying to understand the system. Do you need to goto meetings, chat to people, have sponsors or can you work yourself into it? I am very overwhelmed.

thanks
amber

I'd be really interested in this too because I'm based in the Uk and haven't a clue how I'd actually get involved..

there is a newcomers emailing group starting today, can be found at the recovery group's web site

Amber,

In my opinion, you can't really learn about what OA is REALLY like without going to a few meetings. Meetings are a cornerstone of the program. All else will be revealed in good time. There is no need to figure things out all at once.

For what it's worth, I find OA to be a very "spiritual" program rather than a very "religious" program, which is good for me because I don't really believe in what most religions are selling. OA encourages you to have a "Higher Power" of your choosing. This means that if you believe in God, great. If you believe in Jesus, great. Buddha, great. If you worship the Sun, great.

The only important thing is to believe that there IS a god of some sort, AND YOU'RE NOT IT.

OA has totally changed my life. I really hope you give it a good chance. Good luck!!

Tony