A tree and branches reflected in still water below

Ab-Anon: Support for Family and Friends

When someone you care about is struggling with an eating disorder, it can leave you feeling confused, worried, and unsure how to help. This space is for friends and family members who are looking for understanding, connection, and steady guidance as they support a loved one on the path toward healing.

You are not alone!

Are you worried about someone with an eating disorder? Many of us have felt overwhelmed, frightened or unsure of where to turn. The good news is you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.

Welcome to Ab-Anon, an inclusive Fellowship of friends and relatives who believe that changing our own attitudes can lead to greater serenity.

Rays of sun streaming out from behind a mountain

How does Ab-Anon Work?

A spiritual program based on 12-Step recovery, we strive to achieve emotional and mental serenity whether our loved one is practicing disordered eating or not. At weekly meetings, we share our experience, strength and hope as we learn to apply the Ab-Anon principles to our lives.

There is hope.

You didn’t cause your loved one’s eating disorder. You can’t control it or cure it. But if you try to keep an open mind, you will find help. You will come to realize that there is no situation too difficult to be bettered and no unhappiness too great to be lessened.

Audio Resources

If you’re looking for another way to learn and feel supported, there are a couple of resources available to you.

A free podcast episode, Chapter 15 - To the Family, offers a gentle introduction through shared experiences from those who have been in similar situations. It can be a helpful place to start, especially if you’re simply trying to better understand what your loved one may be going through and how others have found their way forward.

For more in-depth listening, The Family Perspective (2008) Recordings are available in our online store. This collection brings together several family voices speaking honestly about living with and supporting someone with an eating disorder, including topics like meal support and self-care while caring for a loved one.

All are welcome. We hope to see you at a meeting soon!

Ab-Anon meets weekly on Zoom, offering a steady, welcoming space for friends and family members affected by someone else’s eating disorder. This virtual gathering makes it possible to connect from anywhere, removing barriers and allowing people to access support with privacy and convenience. Each meeting provides time to listen, share if you wish, and learn from others who understand the unique challenges of loving someone in recovery. Whether you are new or have been navigating this for years, you are welcome to attend.