Meetings offer a gathering place for those seeking recovery from compulsive eating and fellowship with those actively working on their recovery. CEA-HOW meetings practice the principles of CEA‐HOW as outlined in our preamble. Our primary purpose is to carry the message to those who suffer from compulsive eating.

All meetings are run by CEA-HOW members at various stages of recovery. The Secretary is responsible for ensuring the meeting runs smoothly and the principles of CEA-HOW are upheld. Meeting times vary as does the length of time for each meeting. There are also different meeting formats which cover the various aspects of recovery; some meetings discuss a particular topic, or are based on a study of conference approved literature. Those attending the meetings do not offer advice, rather they share their own experience, strength and hope in dealing with the disease of compulsive eating.

Meeting Types

Meetings can be in person (face to face),  or via telephone or electronics. You can find where and when there is a meeting in your location and attend on the date and time that is convenient for you (look under the Meetings tab on this website).  Your privacy and anonymity will be respected.

Principles of CEA-HOW Meetings

  • Purpose is to meet to practice the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of CEA-HOW.
  • A meeting can consist of two or more people; anyone who has a desire to stop the symptoms of food addiction are welcome in the meeting/group.
  • As a meeting/group, we have no affiliation other than CEA-HOW; we do not discuss programs other than CEA-HOW.
  • The following readings are required at a CEA-HOW meeting :
    • Twelve Steps of CEA-HOW, the Twelve Traditions of CEA-HOW
    • CEA-HOW Concept
    • Seven Tools of CEA-HOW
    • The leader must have a minimum of 30 days of CEA-HOW abstinence
    • Other literature used at a meeting will be CEA-HOW or AA Conference literature