CEA-HOW Literature

CEA-HOW uses two primary texts: the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous and the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. All other literature used in meetings must be CEA-HOW or AA Conference-approved.

Primary Texts

Required

Alcoholics Anonymous (The Big Book)

The foundational text of the 12-step program. CEA-HOW uses the Big Book as its primary guide, applying its principles to recovery from compulsive eating. Fourth Edition recommended.

Available from AA World Services →

Required

Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions

Known as the "12&12," this text provides deeper exploration of each of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, authored by Bill W. Used in step study and Tradition meetings.

Available from AA World Services →

CEA-HOW Publications

These publications are produced by the CEA-HOW World Service Organization and are available through the Literature Store.

Newcomer Packet

An introduction to CEA-HOW for people new to the program. Includes program overview, the Seven Tools, and meeting information.

Meeting Guide

Complete meeting formats, readings, and scripts for secretaries. Includes the Preamble, How It Works, the Promises, and Seven Tools.

Sponsorship Guide

A guide for sponsors and sponsees, covering the sponsorship relationship, step work, and daily calls.

Food Plan Pamphlet

An overview of the CEA-HOW food plan: three weighed and measured meals, abstinence from sugar and flour.

The Seven Tools

A pocket-sized reference to CEA-HOW's Seven Tools of recovery, suitable for daily use and meeting distribution.

Service Handbook

A guide for group secretaries, treasurers, intergroup representatives, and other trusted servants in the CEA-HOW structure.

Visit the Literature Store

Free Downloads

Meeting Readings — One-Page Reference

Quick-reference card with the Preamble, Seven Tools reading, and Promises for meeting use

Download PDF

Letter to Healthcare Providers

A printable letter explaining CEA-HOW for doctors, therapists, and other healthcare professionals

Download PDF

What is CEA-HOW? — Newcomer Flyer

A one-page overview of CEA-HOW suitable for distribution at health fairs, treatment centers, and community events

Download PDF

Approved Literature Policy

Only approved literature may be used in CEA-HOW meetings

In keeping with the Traditions, CEA-HOW meetings may only use literature that has been approved by CEA-HOW WSO or AA World Services. This protects the integrity of the program and ensures consistency across meetings.

Approved literature includes:

Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book) — all editions
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (the 12&12)
All publications available through the CEA-HOW WSO Literature Store
AA Conference-approved pamphlets and books

Not approved for meeting use: Personal writing, outside publications, diet books, non-CEA-HOW or non-AA materials, or publications from other 12-step programs, even if the topic is related.

Questions about whether a specific piece of literature is approved should be directed to your group conscience or to the WSO.

Visit the Literature Store

Order official CEA-HOW pamphlets, meeting guides, newcomer packets, and other approved publications directly from the World Service Organization.

Visit store.ceahow.org