This research involves a qualitative analysis of the recovery experiences of women with bulimia nervosa (BN) who utilized the self-help group Overeaters Anonymous (OA) to maintain abstinence from binge eating and purging. Patterns of utilization and the influence of participation in Overeaters Anonymous meetings among women with sustained abstinence were identified and described in order to better understand the factors that potentially explained their symptomatic control. The strong influence of the Alcoholics Anonymous treatment philosophy is not only evident in recovery from alcoholism; it has facilitated the development of a range of support groups including Overeaters Anonymous, a program for dealing with disordered eating. Studies examining the impact of OA have demonstrated overall effectiveness in controlling symptomatic eating for women with bulimia nervosa. What have not been addressed prior to this investigation are the specific characteristics of Overeaters Anonymous groups and their role in contributing to ongoing recovery among bulimic women. To address this gap in the literature, this investigation involved a qualitative analysis of the experiential accounts of OA members and explicated the mechanisms by which members used this self-help program to develop and maintain abstinence from compulsive eating and purging behaviors. Twenty-six women ages 20-60 responded to open-ended questions during three focus groups sessions and 8 individual interviews. At the time of the investigation, 6 participants lived with their family of origin, 8 with their spouse and/or children, 4 were single parents, and 8 lived alone. Seventeen of the participants had a history of alcohol or drug addiction among one or both parents. Approximately half of the participants had been a member of OA less than six years; the remainder had been members 6-15 years. The constant comparative method of analytic induction was used to analyze data and establish a grounded theory. Emerging categories were coded and working hypotheses concerning relationships between categories were generated and tested during ongoing data collection. The data revealed several OA-based recovery behaviors that were critical to successful recovery. Five critical recovery skills that were identified as essential for ongoing BN recovery included: (1) regular attendance at OA support group meetings, (2) interaction with a sponsor or mentor, (3) writing and journaling, (4) prayer and meditation, and (5) adherence to a food plan. Information concerning these critical recovery skills will be provided during this session.