Food Addiction: A Craving You Can’t Seem to Control

Food Addiction:  A Craving You Can’t Seem to Control

Food Addiction:  A Craving You Can’t Seem to Control

Food Addiction:  A Craving You Can’t Seem to Control

You can overdose of chips or tortilla chips once in a while, but consider yourself to be addicted to food? The answer is important because it could be the key to determine the course of action you need to take to lose weight. A number of medical experts say that food addiction is as serious as nicotine or cocaine - and potentially can be just as deadly.

When you suffer from food addiction, you have a huge desire for a particular food. The desire is so strong, in fact, if you are unable to consume that food, you suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea and depression. Food addicts seeking the comfort of a particular food gives them. They can also participate in binge eating. Their cravings for food may be both physical and psychological.

Note that there are different varieties of food addiction. For example, it is not compulsive overeating, when a person goes on feeding frenzy that can last several days. Sometimes the addict can lose weight, but tends to gain it again. Symptoms include eating quickly, compulsively eating alone, and eating when there is no evidence of hunger.

Yet another form of addiction is bulimia, in which an individual eats too much, then either purge by vomiting or taking laxatives. Signs of this condition include isolated eating, trying to consume large portions of fast food, and are concerned about your weight.

Food addiction can also take the form of anorexia, where an individual attempts to starve you to a realistic weight. Anorexics tend to be below 15 percent of normal body weight and have a phobia of fat. They have difficulty eating with other people and seem to be obsessed with weight. They can participate in the ritual involves feeding behavior and may suffer from depression.

The good news is that food addiction can be successfully treated. This treatment may be in a variety of ways. A food addict may work with a psychotherapist to develop new ways of dealing with food and emotions. The therapist may be able to identify the source of fear or anger of the individual - the reason for the dependence of the individual. In most cases, the psychologist helping the individual to develop a treatment plan that details the expectations and goals, short term and long term. In severe cases, the person may have to undergo a psychological outpatient treatment center. Treatment often involves helping the individual to return to methods of a healthy diet, to address the underlying emotional causes of addiction, and learning effective coping techniques.

Food addicts often follow the principles of the same kind of 12-step program used by alcoholics. This involves admitting their powerlessness over food, their belief that they could be restored to reason, and the recognition of their faults and failures. In addition, food addicts often draw strength from support groups made up of people who have similar difficulties dealing with food. Just know that there are others facing the same challenges can be very therapeutic.

It is not clear at this point whether food addiction is a disease of genetic origin. Certainly, however, no evidence of food habits being passed from one generation to another. In fact, many food addicts may only seek help after determining that the disease could harm their children.

It is very possible that food addiction cannot be cured, it cannot be processed. In other words, the period of recovery from addiction can last a lifetime. However, you should never lose hope of beating a food addiction. With patience and time, individual addicts can learn the behavioral skills that enable them to keep their weight under control. Of course, there will be times when individuals will be tempted to enjoy sweets or excessive carbohydrates. However, knowing the pain they suffer if they continue their bad eating habits could be just the motivation they need to stay in the race.