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Writer's pictureJessica Piszker

Food Addiction

Updated: Sep 18, 2020


What is food addiction?

Food addiction refers to a biochemical dependency on food. For some people, the same reward and pleasure centers of the brain that are triggered by addictive drugs like cocaine can be activated by highly palatable food.


Highly palatable foods are often rich in fat, sugar, and salt. These foods trigger feel-good brain chemicals (i.e., dopamine), which induces feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. This creates a chemical dependency on certain foods for some individuals, which means when they do not have highly palatable foods, they experience withdrawal symptoms.

Causes of food addiction

Anyone can develop an addiction due to a myriad of biological, psychological, or social reasons. According to Debi Anson LMSW, LCSW, CAADC, a therapist at Telebehavioral Health.US, "eating disorders can affect anyone at any time, but they're typically most often reported in adolescents and young women.”

Signs & symptoms

We all have foods we indulge in from time to time and cravings. But at what point do these cravings become problematic.


Listed below are some food addiction signs and behaviors:

  • Feeling a loss of control eating certain foods

  • Experiencing relief, comfort, and extreme pleasure while eating

  • Avoiding social interactions or relationships to spend time eating certain foods

  • Going out of your way to obtain certain foods

  • Difficulty function in a career or job due to decreased efficiency

  • Continuing to eat certain foods even if you are no longer hungry

  • Experiencing panic attacks, anxiety, and irritability when food is not readily available

  • Spending an excessive amount of money on buying certain foods for bingeing

  • Undergoing intense feelings of depression or self-hatred following periods of overeating

  • Suicidal ideations

If you would like to more information on symptoms or think you may have an unhealthy relationship with food, researchers at Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Science and Policy developed a questionnaire to identify people with food addictions.

If you or someone you love is experiencing food addiction, seek professional help.

Treatment options

Debi Anson states, “early intervention and treatment work the best. The chances for recovery increase the earlier an eating disorder is detected.”

12 step programs


Individuals attend a 12 – Step program with others who are suffering from food addiction as well. During the program, an individual will receive a sponsor who will help them navigate recovery and develop a dietary regimen. This treatment option provides a great support system. There are several different programs to choose from, and they are usually free.


Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)


CBT is a great option for treating food addiction and other eating disorders. Debi Anson states, "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been shown to be one of the most effective treatments for eating disorders. Nutritional counseling is also a critical component to incorporate education about nutritional needs.” Visit our website if you are interested in speaking with someone regarding CBT.


Commercial treatment programs


Some commercial treatment programs for food addiction include ACORN, The Turning Point, and Milestones in Recovery. Food Addiction Institute is an excellent resource for further details and information on these types of programs.


If you'd like to book an appointment with Debi or any of our other clincians, please click here.


And you can find and follow Debi Anson LMSW, LCSW, CAADC on Facebook and LinkedIn.


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tarekrseo
Oct 05, 2020

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