Recovery Is Real
Personal Stories
Recovery is real. These are the stories of CEA-HOW members who have found a solution — in their own words, from their own lives.
First names and states only are used to protect members' anonymity. This is a program of anonymity — we respect the privacy of every member who has shared their story.
"
"After 30 years of compulsive eating, I found CEA-HOW. For the first time, I have peace with food. I no longer wake up dreading the day. I have a sponsor who loves me, a food plan that works, and a Higher Power I can lean on."
S
Sarah
Pennsylvania
"
"I came to CEA-HOW broken. I had tried every diet, every program, every pill. Nothing worked because I was treating a spiritual problem with physical solutions. Today I have a life I never imagined possible."
M
Maria
California
"
"As a man in a program largely attended by women, I was skeptical at first. But compulsive eating doesn't discriminate. The structure of CEA-HOW gave me the boundaries I couldn't set for myself."
D
David
New York
"
"I was a secret eater. My family didn't know the extent of my problem. CEA-HOW taught me that honesty — being truly H.O.W. — was the first step to freedom."
L
Linda
Texas
"
"I'm a healthcare professional. I knew intellectually what I was doing to my body, but I couldn't stop. CEA-HOW showed me this is a disease, not a moral failing. The 12 Steps gave me the spiritual solution I needed. I spent years trying to treat myself — and failing. The irony is that admitting powerlessness was the most powerful thing I ever did."
J
James
Florida
"
"My eating disorder nearly cost me my marriage. Through CEA-HOW, I learned to put down the food and pick up the phone. Four calls a day seemed impossible at first; now they're my lifeline."
R
Rachel
Ohio
"
"I came for the weight loss. I stayed for the spiritual awakening. CEA-HOW is so much more than a food program — it saved my life."
T
Tom
Arizona
Your Story Could Be Here
Every recovery story is different. Yours is waiting to be written.
Have a Story to Share?
If you are a CEA-HOW member with time in recovery and would like to share your story on this site, we would be honored to hear from you.
Contact UsStart Your Recovery
Recovery is possible. Find a CEA-HOW meeting near you and take the first step toward a life free from compulsive eating.
Find a Meeting