Food Addiction: Binge Eating Disorder

 There are basically four types of eating disorders, but not all are classified as food addictions. Anorexia and bulimia are defined as disorders, whereas compulsive overeating and binge eating are typically classified as food addictions. But, what exactly is the basis for food addiction? Is there a substance in a particular food that chemically addicts people to it, causing them to eat uncontrollably? Well, many proponents of the addiction brain disease model would have you believe exactly that! Hypothetically speaking, the impaired function of dopamine a neurotransmitter in the brain associated with pleasure and reward is thought to be directly related to food addiction.

The beginning of food addiction is a bit different for everyone because it can start at different ages. However, there is one universal theme. Somewhere along the lines you learned that eating can soothe the ordinary hurts in life. We all learn that, because it is true, has always been true an always will be true.

Food addiction is actually quite similar to drug addiction. This is because of the general underlying principle for which addicts tend to use drugs and alcohol or eat emotionally in an addictive way. In each of these instances, addicts are using either eating or chemical substances in order to deal with their emotions.

How can you spot a food addict? Those who eat in secret, or stash hoards of food, or eat a lot of bad for you food, may be an addict. Bad food can describe food that is stale, raw, undercooked, overcooked or half frozen. This is in addition to mounds of ice cream or lots of biscuits and butter, for instance. A bad food is one that's not balanced, or good for you, or eaten in too large an amount. Food addicts can appear to be of normal weight. This is normal fro bulimics or anorexics. If a family member or friend is an apparent addict, sit down and try and determine from them what's up. Addicts need help and psychological counselling may be in order. A visit to a doctor is the first priority, as there could be a physical cause for the addiction. Identify the cause and you will be on the way, or be able to help a fiend or family member, recover from the food addiction.

Food addiction is becoming a serious problem and it is not restricted to adults. Even kids can suffer from addiction to sugar and certain types of foods that can cause serious health problems like obesity. It is not only addiction to the particular types of foods loaded with sugar or as they are termed, junk foods, but there is a good amount of emotional attachment as well. The craving has similar effect cocaine or any other drug has on the human brain.

The power of group therapy is well known and has millions of success stories. These groups offer unconditional support as well as unconditional acceptance. Here the person will have help from others who are fighting the same battle and who understand exactly what they are going through. This can be a powerful step on the road to recovery from food addiction.