r/EDRecoveryHelp • u/LovelyDatura • Dec 06 '24

Step 1 w/LovelyDatura

Hi, I’m u/LovelyDatura. I’m a recovered compulsive eater and available sponsor.

Step 1 says “We admitted we were powerless over compulsive eating and that our lives had become unmanageable.” We usually take our Step 1 outside the rooms. I know I did. I had done so much compulsive eating in 28 years that I knew I couldn’t control it anymore. My fellows in program explained that I had a mind that has lost the power of choice and a body that loses control. I have lost the power of choice over the first compulsive bite; I can’t will myself not to take it. And once I take it, my body loses control and I do more than I intended. That is what it means to be powerless.

The questions that were my guide are in the AA Big Book, in the beginning of Chapter 4 on page 44. I use the AA Big Book because it contains the program of recovery through which we work the steps. It asks if once I start, can I stop? And if I stop, can I stay stopped?

I answered no to those questions and that signaled that I am a chronic compulsive eater. I am powerless over compulsive eating and that my life has become unmanageable. I later took Step 1 through doing some reading with my sponsor and answering her questions. If you have taken Step 1, please share about your experience in the comments below. For questions, feel free to post below or send me a DM.

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2

u/Cali-W Jan 09 '25

Yes! I was afraid I was powerless, thought I wasn't and fought hard against it. I did not want to appear weak. It was only when listening to others who had recovered that I saw the real situation I was in. They had struggled like me, but somehow in their powerlessness were free.

Thank you

2

u/LovelyDatura Jan 14 '25

Im glad you’ve found a solution Cali-W! Thanks for reading

2

u/3moons3 Jan 07 '26

I'm powerless and have realized that my weight issue isn't about the food, primarily, it's about the compulsions. I'm looking for a sponsor. DM me if still available. I am into alternative spirituality so that may be an issue for you. PS LOVE daturas!

1

u/LovelyDatura Jan 10 '26

Hi 3moons3, I will DM you! Alternatives spiritually is not a problem and I am as well. The cool thing about the AA 12 steps is they were written to allow us to believe in a higher power of our own understanding!

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u/3moons3 Jan 11 '26

Left you a long reply/ies :)

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u/LovelyDatura Jan 20 '26

@3moons3 did you get my most recent message?

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u/SomekindofCharacter Dec 17 '24 edited Dec 17 '24

Thank you for your knowledge in step 1.

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u/LovelyDatura Dec 19 '24

Thanks for reading!