An addiction is defined as the case when any particular substance is brought into the body in excess amounts, despite the potentially harmful effects it may bring. Most of the time these substances are alcohol or drug related, but sometimes food can be an abused substance. When a person craves food, thinks about it all the time, plans for it and eats compulsively to excess, it is definitely an addiction to food. Professionals have long been addressing substance abuse with alcohol and drugs but have only in recent years been considering food addiction something to be dealt with.
Food addiction poses a unique challenge in that, unlike drugs or alcohol, those that suffer with it cannot simply cut the offending substance from their lives and build a new life without it. Food is something a body cannot get away from in order to conquer the addiction, thus making it a big challenge to learn to control. The consequences of unchecked food addiction can be severe, health threatening ones. Consequences such as obesity, eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia, diabetes and other health issues as well as psychological problems are rife in those who deal with food addiction on a regular basis.
Treatment for food addiction is a challenge because avoiding the offending substance just cannot be done. It is an impulse control problem that must be addressed from the standpoint of what and how much is good for your body. Defining excess and compulsion are key points to dealing with an addiction such as food addiction. You have to figure out what your triggers for overeating and compulsive eating are and address the addiction from those standpoints in order to cope. If stressful situations cause you to turn to food even when you are not hungry, then the addiction can be addressed from the standpoint of learning other ways to handle stress. Ways such as exercising or cleaning house, calling a friend or taking a drive, typically something active to relieve stress and get through the cravings as well.
