While eating addiction and disorders may not be a new condition in the U.S., scientists have recently discovered a measurable way to identify them. In 2009, the Yale Food Addiction Scale was developed as a self-report tool to help people understand whether they were addicted to some types of food. Since that time, studies have been conducted to determine just how prevalent this problem might be among both men and women. One study performed in Newfoundland, Canada, found that 5.4 percent of individuals that participated in the survey could be diagnosed with an eating addiction. That number increased among obese individuals, as 7.7 percent had a food addiction.
Food is an essential substance of life, and not everyone develops an addiction to this vital process. People that are obese tend to have a higher prevalence of this disorder. Other risk factors might include:
Because food is a necessary part of our survival, it can be difficult to know when eating crosses the line into addiction. Some of the symptoms might include:
When eating becomes an addiction, it cannot be addressed in the same manner as other substance abuse disorders. You cannot practice abstinence when it comes to food. However, there are ways to alter how you think about food to create a healthier approach to eating.
Like other types of dependencies, food addiction can take its toll on the body in a variety of ways. Some of the long-term effects of substantial weight gain due to overeating include:
These physical issues can also be accompanied by psychological effects such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and increased irritability. In extreme cases, an eating addiction left unchecked can lead to suicidal thoughts and ideations. Treatment is imperative to avoid these long-term effects, and the negative impact eating addiction can have on the quality of your life.
Substance abuse frequently accompanies an eating addiction, a condition known as a co-occurring disorder. As many as half of individuals with an eating addiction also struggle with drug or alcohol abuse, according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). Common substances of abuse include alcohol, laxatives, amphetamines, diuretics, cocaine and heroin. When seeking treatment for this co-occurring disorder, it is essential to find a center that has the experience and expertise necessary to treat both addictions at the same time to ensure the best odds of success.
Addressing an eating addiction and substance abuse disorder at the same time can be complicated, but it is far from impossible. At Center for Professional Recovery, we understand how these issues can affect those in high-profile industries like medicine, aviation and law and have designed programs specifically to address the needs of this demographic. With the highest level of care and extensive experience in substance abuse and other addictions, we are equipped to help you explore the underlying factors that led to the dependency so that they can be managed in a healthy and sober manner. To get the help you need today, contact the Center for Professional Recovery at 866.298.0056.