Are You Emotionally Addicted To Food?

You might overdose on potato chips or even perhaps tortilla
chips once in a while, but did you ever consider that you might
be addicted to food? The answer is very important, because it
could be the key to determine what steps you need to take in
order to lose weight. A significant number of medical experts
say that food addiction is just as serious as nicotine or
cocaine addiction, and it can potentially be just as deadly.

An indicator of food addiction is when you find yourself with
overwhelming desire for a particular food. The desire is so
strong, and you are unable to consume that particular food, you
begin to experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches,
nausea, and depression. Food addicts desire the comfort that a
particular food gives them. They also experiences bouts of binge
eating of that particular food. The cravings may be physical as
well as psychological.

It should be noted that several varieties of food addictions
exist. For example, there is compulsive overeating, where an
individual goes on an eating binge that may last several days.
The addicts do however lose weight, but tend to gain it back
over time. Other symptoms include eating quickly, compulsively
eating alone, and also eating when there is no evidence of
hunger.

Another common form of addiction is bulimia, in which the
individual overeats, than purges the consumed food through
vomiting or by taking laxatives. Signs of this condition include
isolating oneself when eating, consuming huge portions of food
rapidly, and being over conscious as well as preoccupied with
one’s weight.

Food addiction also comes in the form known as anorexia, in
which the individual attempts to starve oneself in order to
achieve an unrealistic weight loss In a short amount of time.
Anorexics tend to be around 15 percent below normal body weight
and have a phobia about being fat and gaining weight. They often
have difficulty eating with other people and appear to be
obsessed with their weight. They also may suffer depression.

There is good news! Food addiction can be successfully treated.
Treatment can come in variety of forms. A food addict may work
with a psychotherapist in order to develop new ways to deal with
food and their emotions. The therapist might be able to identify
the origin of individuals’ food addiction, and also discovers
the reasons for the condition. In the majority of cases, the
psychologist will help the individual develop a treatment plan
which structures expectations and short and long term goals. In
more serious cases an individual may chose to undergo in-patient
treatment at a psychological facility. Treatment often involves
helping the individual to return to a healthy eating lifestyle,
deal with underlying emotional issues of food addiction, and
learn to develop new coping techniques.

Food addicts often follow the structure of the same kind of 12
step program used by alcoholics. By admitting their
powerlessness over food, their belief that they could be
restored to normal state of mind and an admission of their
faults and failings. In addition food addicts often draw
strength from support groups who have similar difficulties
dealing with food. Knowing that there are other people who face
the same challenges can be incredibly therapeutic.

At this point, it is unclear whether food addiction is a
genetic-based illness. Although there is evidence of eating
patterns being passed down throughout generations. In fact, many
food addicts many food addicts only seek help after they have
concluded that their illness could adversely affect their
children.

It is entirely possible that in the long run food addiction can
never be cured and only be treated. In other words, the recovery
period can last a lifetime, yet one should never lose hope of
beating food addiction. With patience and time, individual
addicts can adopt behavioral skills which will enable them to
keep their weight under control. Of course, there will be times
when individuals will be tempted to indulge in food; however
knowing the pain that they will undergo if they continue their
harmful eating habits could be the incentive to fight against
food addiction.

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