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Get Support for Food Addiction
Overview
Food addiction refers to compulsive, uncontrollable consumption of highly palatable foods (typically those high in sugar, fat, and salt) despite negative physical and emotional consequences. Research suggests these foods can activate the brain's reward pathways in ways similar to addictive substances, leading to tolerance, craving, and loss of control.
Food addiction overlaps with but is distinct from eating disorders such as binge eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa. A proper clinical evaluation by a qualified professional is important for accurate diagnosis.
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Signs
- Eating beyond the point of fullness
- Eating to cope with emotions
- Feeling guilty or distressed after eating
- Craving specific foods despite not being hungry
- Failed attempts to moderate eating
- Eating in secret
- Continued overeating despite weight-related health problems
Treatment
- CBT (particularly CBT-E, adapted for eating-related concerns)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Nutritional counseling with a registered dietitian
- Group therapy and 12-step programs (Overeaters Anonymous, Food Addicts Anonymous)
- Treatment of co-occurring depression, anxiety, or trauma
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is FDA-approved for binge eating disorder
Related Resources
FindAddictionTreatments.com provides informational content and referral services. We are not a treatment facility. Individual treatment outcomes vary. No specific results are guaranteed.
National Resources: SAMHSA National Helpline | 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 | SAMHSA Treatment Locator: findtreatment.gov