

For an official diagnosis, this has to occur at least once a week for at least three months. These episodes are followed by feelings of guilt, disgust, and depression. What Is Binge Eating Disorder?īinge eating is compulsively eating large amounts of food in a short period of time. There are several different kinds of eating disorders but the one that most closely mirrors drug addiction is binge eating disorder (BED). The same causes that lead to addiction can lead to other manifestations that are not always associated with addiction such as eating disorders. These can include fear, insecurities, and escape from the reality of a situation with which we are not happy. While the manifestations differ, the causes are often the same.

People sometimes get addicted to multiple things. For example, some other common problem areas of addiction are gambling, pornography, and eating. Seeing a psychiatrist to discuss other treatment options, including medications.Addiction is most commonly associated with drugs and alcohol but the disease of addiction can manifest itself in many ways. This can allow a person to focus on recovering from a feeding or eating disorder.Ī psychiatrist can explain the different options available and make a recommendation based on an individual’s circumstance or specific treatment plan. Taking antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication could help relieve some of those symptoms ( 4).Īntidepressant and anti-anxiety medications do not cure food addiction, but they may be a useful tool to help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. In many cases, depression and anxiety may contribute to feeding and eating disorders. Studies suggest that it may be effective, especially when combined with healthy lifestyle changes ( 2, 3). This drug directly targets some of the brain pathways involved in the addictive nature of food. It’s marketed under the brand name Contrave in the United States and Mysimba in Europe. One drug to consider is approved by the FDA to aid weight loss and contains bupropion and naltrexone. That said, medications are not guaranteed to work for feeding and eating disorders and tend to have side effects. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any drugs for the treatment of food addiction, medication is another option to consider. Treatment programs for food addiction are available throughout the world. This webpage lists numerous individual health professionals across the globe who have experience treating food addiction. Options for those with feeding and eating disorders in Sweden. Offer treatment for various feeding and eating disorders. Shades of Hope: Located in Texas, they offer both 6- and 42-day.The Turning Point: Based in Florida, they have options for several.Located in Minnesota, they offer a 5-day program. They offer long-term treatment for food addiction.


Twelve-step programs are usually free, but several commercial treatment programs also offer effective treatments for feeding and eating disorders. Programs provide access to peers and mentors who can help you overcome foodĪddiction. These groups are designed to provide a welcoming, nonjudgmental space. Other groups include Food Addicts Anonymous (FAA) and Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA). While they’re not as widespread as OA, they offer phone and Skype meetings. Greysheeters Anonymous (GSA) is similar to OA, except they provide a meal plan that involves weighing and measuring three meals per day. Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is the largest and most popular option, with regular meetings across the world. There are several different programs to choose from.
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In addition, 12-step programs are free and usually available worldwide. Finding people who share similar experiences and are willing to help can be beneficial to recovery. Social support can make a big impact when dealing with food addiction. Eventually, they get a sponsor to help them develop a dietary regimen. In a 12-step program, people attend meetings with others who also struggle with food addiction. These are almost identical to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) - except the substance of addiction is different. One way to address food addiction is to find a good 12-step program.
