Fighting food addiction

John used to feel trapped by food.

He says that before he joined Overeaters Anonymous in 1994, food was a big problem in his life. But now he's helping others find support and help through a culture of understanding.

John, whose last name is withheld because OA requires member anonymity, will speak at a Feb. 6 workshop in Yuma. John said he's traveling from Tucson in hopes of inspiring people in Yuma with his story.

"They say recovery starts when one overeater helps another," he said during a phone interview. "The whole purpose is to help carry the message to others and help other overeaters recover."

The workshop, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 6 in Room A of the Yuma Main Library, 2951 S. 21st. Drive.

John explained that members of OA say the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop compulsive eating.

Though people may receive help from counselors, doctors and other professionals, John said sharing with others is important to recovery.

"Until you talk to somebody that's been in your shoes, it's hard to swallow the pill that they're giving you."

For overeaters, as with any addiction, John said it's very hard for someone at first to admit they have a problem with food.

By sharing, he said, he hopes people identify with his story. "If he can recover from this, then I can too."

As an active member of the military for 20  years, John said, people didn't think of him as a typical overeater because he was able to keep up with the weight requirements for work.

"I tried it all," John said about dieting. "My best efforts had me at 230 pounds at 5 foot 10 inches."

It wasn't until John discovered that processed foods such as flour and sugar were helping him crave additional food that he really started to lose weight.

"That was the ticket right there. When I took that stuff out of my diet, it became so easy. That's kind of been the miracle for me, but you have to be committed."

He stressed that compulsive eating amounts to two aspects: an obsession of the mind and an allergy of the body.

John said the group works off of a book written for Alcoholics Anonymous in 1936. He added the first 164 pages have never changed.

John said it may be especially tough for men to attend meetings or admit they have a problem, and that's all the more reason for him to share his story.

For more information about OA or the workshop, call 782-1305 or 503-1229.