Local 12-Step Program to Gather for Global Celebration of IDEA Day

Members of the local group of Overeaters Anonymous (OA) will gather on Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 1 – 3 pm both in-person and online in celebration of IDEA Day – International Day of Experiencing Abstinence. Observed annually across the globe, IDEA Day encourages OA members to reaffirm or begin their abstinence from compulsive overeating and compulsive food behaviors.

The Milwaukee Area Intergroup of OA – which serves members residing south to the state border and north to Green Bay and beyond – will gather for IDEA Day online via Zoom, and in-person at The Lighthouse at Aurora Psychiatric Hospital, located at 1220 Dewey Ave., in Wauwatosa, Wis. New and prospective members are welcome to attend. As with all OA meetings, anonymity is assured both in-person and online.

“Abstinence is a contented way of eating whereby a member gives up foods and behaviors he or she determines to be personally problematic,” said an anonymous member of the local chapter. “Abstinence is the baseline of recovery, although it is only the beginning of a much richer, often life-changing experience. We are a wonderfully supportive group and we welcome new and prospective members with open arms!”

At this year’s gathering, attendees will explore the question, “What is Abstinence?” as three speakers share from their hope, strength, and own experiences. Speaker topics will include: 1) Getting started and developing a program; 2) Maintaining abstinence no matter what, and living with a healthy body weight, and; 3) Living in abstinence one day at a time and the joy of recovery.

Those interested in learning more about OA are invited to attend; the event is suitable for prospective, new, and long-time members. There are no fees to attend, registration is not required, and anonymity is assured. For more information or to inquire about this event, please visit the “Events” section of the website www.OAMilwaukee.org, or email Info@OAMilwaukee.org.