Over the past decades, tens of thousands of individuals have struggled with eating disorders and food addictions, many with minimal results. Until recently, many proposed solutions have failed — primarily because they lack one important component: support. Thanks to two women, however, that support has made its way into lower Delaware, and they’ve brought with their support a means of getting those who have suffered with it back on their feet.
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) provides resolution for all types of addictions, including anorexia, bulimia, obesity and obsession with food. The recovery program, based upon 12 steps, is a fellowship of men and women who share personal accounts in their lives to offer the support and encouragement others need to live their lives freely.
The FA program, which began nearly four years ago in the coastal Delaware region, has a growing following, with organizer “Marnie” and member “Deborah” trying to inform others that support for their struggle is here. The two have experienced dramatic changes in their own weights, health and lifestyles since devoting themselves to FA.
“FA asks for the truly desperate,” explained Marnie. Like many who eventually make their way to the program, Marnie and Deborah had tried a variety of procedures and techniques with minimal success. And confidentiality is crucial
for an issue that can be so personal, they said. “Anonymity is key. Everything stays within the doors, and that helps to make people feel like they belong,” said Marnie.
“With a lot of plans and programs, the motivation is not there,” said Deborah. “Most everyone in the group has tried other plans, and they’ve realized that nothing has worked for them. FA is real, though. We’re here for each other.”
The fellowship of FA is a self-diagnosed program that welcomes every person, young or old, overweight or underweight. It is based upon a food plan that consists of food products with no flour or sugar. The plan is even sanctioned by the medical community, giving it credibility. As the ladies describe, it is a step above most programs, as there are no dues or fees and, most importantly, no scales, as seen in many groups.
Deborah recognized that it may not be for everyone, but FA has made quite an impact in the lives of those who do care to give it a try, she said. "It’s a self-diagnosis,” she acknowledged. “If you feel like this may not be the way for
you, you have no commitments. You are free to come and go as you please.”
Marnie and Deborah have withstood drastic changes in their lives, losing nearly 200 pounds between them since they began. “I’m content, because I know I’ll keep this new body,” said Deborah, who decided to give the program a shot after she found herself dissatisfied with her appearance. The recovery process, which can last a few weeks to a lifetime, can be an emotional one – one that is virtually impossible without the support and assistance of others.
“There’s a lot of personality changes,” Marnie noted, “and there’s even a spiritual aspect. It’s very manageable with the aid of people around you. Once you go, you will see that together, we can accomplish what one of us cannot do alone.”
“We’ve shared with others experience, strength and hope,” said Marnie. Her decision to join FA was one of the most pivotal choices in her life that she’s ever made, she said. "I reclaimed my body,” she emphasized. “I got back the body I once had, and my husband got his bride back.” Everyone’s experience in their life is unique, and FA provides a place to share each of them. “Everyone’s story is theirs to tell,” said Marnie, “and we’re glad to hear each one.” Her ambition is not to promote or plug the fellowship, but rather attract those who are suffering and let them realize that the support and help is available.
The members who Marnie encounters are not what might be expected in the typical support group or in a recovery program.
“The people are not depressed,” she said. “They feel good about their self, and once you are in the program, you learn to love yourself. These people at the meetings aren’t miserable. They sparkle and that’s great motivation to become part of the team.”
FA meets locally every Thursday from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and Saturday morning at 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean View Presbyterian Church at the corner of Central Avenue and Route 26. For more information about the FA fellowship or to find other meetings in the area, visit www.foodaddicts.org or call (302) 541-0275 or (302) 539-0442. FA will hold a free information session on Thursday, April 10, at their usual location.