TOOLS OF RECOVERY

ABSTINENCE
Abstinence from sugar, flour, and wheat is the foundation of this program of recovery. Members of RFA believe that abstinence is the most important thing in our lives; for without abstinence we do not have a life.  "Food Addiction: The Body Knows" is approved literature.  The food plan in the book is recommended. Always check with your doctor before starting any new food plan.


RFA APPROVED LITERATURE
Food Addiction: The Body Knows, by Kay Sheppard (both the 1989 edition and the 1993 revised edition)
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA Big Book)
The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA 12x12)
From the First Bite*, by Kay Sheppard
*The RFA Board has approved this book as an adjunct to our approved literature, however Food Addiction: The Body Knows remains our primary text. (February, 2001)


MEETINGS
Food addiction is a disease of isolation. Meeting attendance is crucial to our recovery from food addiction. Meetings, both face to face and on the phone, provide support, inspiration, guidance and help us stay in recovery. Without a community of other recovering people we easily slip back into the disease of addiction. The experience, strength, and hope of recovering members is shared at meetings.


SPONSORSHIP
A sponsor is vital to working this program.  We find someone who has what we want to help us achieve abstinence and work the 12 Steps.


SERVICE
Sharing our experience in meetings is a vital part of recovery. Once we gain some recovery, we give of ourselves to the program by leading meetings, becoming a sponsor, and carrying the message to the food addict who still suffers.


TELEPHONE CALLS
Telephone calls to other members of the program and to a sponsor are very important in recovery. When we are abstinent from the addictive substances of sugar, flour, and wheat we now have time for the second thought and to reach out to someone for support.