Food addiction--it REALLY DOES EXIST!!!

CCusedtodance

One of my MFP friends recent post on her blog has inspired me to write about food addiction on mine and after thinking about it, I feel it is a posting I want to share with all.

I am and will always be a food addict. I have known this for years, but it has not been till recently that I have looked this demon in the eyes and said “NO MORE”. Yet this type of addiction is so hard to battle; for there is so many that do not understand that you can truly be addicted to food. A co-worker at my office announced (rather loudly) that “If those fatsos would just stop shoveling food into their mouths then they would lose weight. They are just lazy!” This came from one of those 5’10” skinny b!tches that has never had to diet in her life and shovels hot wings or double patty hamburgers with fries into her mouth at lunch on a regular basis.

Food addiction, unlike alcoholism or drug addiction is rarely talked about, except by those who suffer from it. I have tried to explain to others that I am an addict and they look at me as though I have two heads. Even my six foot husband that has been thin most of his life, loses weight if he cuts out a candy bar, does not understand my struggles. They do not understand that for me I have to cut calories and exercise twice as much as they do. They do not understand that some body types do not respond as quickly to changes in diet or exercise. They think that I can just “walk away” from food to lose weight and that there is no such thing as a “food addict”. Why? Someone can develop an addiction to porn, drugs, video games, alcohol or anything; however they cannot do it to food?

Unlike most addictions, reminders of food are EVERYWHERE you go. On my way to work the other day I was stopped at a red light and just ahead was four billboards (two on each side of the road); three of which advertised food. As I drove down the road, I lost count of the number of restaurants and fast food places there were in just a one mile stretch of road (with all their fabulous smells wafting in the air). When I stopped for gas there were advertisements on top of the pumps for their hot dogs and sodas. After I arrived at work, I smelled something delicious coming from the microwave (located in the next room to my office), someone brought in McDonald’s pancakes for breakfast, someone stopped by holding a Pepsi in their hand and as the day progressed more food was heated up, which kept the smells kept coming. Whenever I walked into someone else’s office there was a bowl of candy or they were eating at their desk. There is food set out in the break room for anyone to take and let us not even go there about the vending machines. Then I start my drive home and my husband calls to decide what we want for dinner, again reminding me of food. While on the drive home a semi-truck passes with the oversized Big Mac and Fries on the back door of the trailer. Again, there are multiple billboards advertising food/restaurants along the way. As I walk in the door of my home, I smell the leftover barbeque my husband had heated up for a snack. This was in just one day.

In addition to this constant bombardment of food reminders, you need food to survive. You cannot just say “I will never eat food again”; like you can with other addictions. Many will say, “Just eat healthy then” and look at you as though you still have those two heads. I know how to eat healthy. I know that the cake I am about to indulge in will go to my rear end, instead of passing on through me. I KNOW that overeating will result in my gaining weight; however I am like all other addicts and knowing this does not always stop me. I cannot count the days that I have mentally bashed myself for giving in to my weakness and eating like I have not done so for a year, for I am my biggest critic. I have suffered for years due to this weakness and I have the mental scars to prove it. Every day is a struggle for a food addict. Every day is uphill and some days I am just too tired to climb that hill. It infuriates me that very few admit that this type of addiction exists and even some doctors I have gone to will not admit it does. I am tired of other type of addicts being treated as though they are fragile or mentally unstable; therefore everyone is willing to help, yet I am looked upon as being “lazy”.

Until this world finally admits that this addiction exists, then there will be overweight people and they will feel as lonely in their battle as I have for many years. They will stay hidden in their homes with their gallon of ice cream, their bag of chips, and their “comfort” food, for it does not judge or ridicule them. It will take support groups, clinics and websites such as MFP reaching out to those that are hiding their addiction. It will mean finally getting doctors to realize that it is not just “laziness” or a case of needing to learn to eat right (yeah, yeah I have learned how to for years). It will take friends such as those I have here on MFP or others who understand this addiction in order to overcome this addiction. Thank you MFP for creating this environment in which I can FINALLY find support and friends that truly understands. This time, I feel I have the tools to win this battle.

To my fellow food addicts, feel free to add me and once in for all maybe we can beat this addiction.

missability

Well said friend:)...it is an insidious addiction...as I have said before, "It is unlike any other addiction for this simple reason.....You do not have to SMOKE, DO HEROINE, SNORT COCAINE OR GLUE, DRINK ALCOHOL, ROLL A JOINT, OR SHOOT UP, TO LIVE.

You do not drive down the highway and have huge billboards staring you in the face at every turn, of celebrities or seemingly normal, happy families, sitting down to a smorgasboard of their favorite drugs of choice at a restaurant. You are not inundated every 10 minutes with commercials for Speed, Downers, or Crank. You do not have to go to the grocery store and stock up on a carton of pills, a gallon of paint thinner, and a loaf of pot. You do not have to prepare a needle, or a bowl of pills, and a side of the newest designer drug, and then serve it to your family or guests, while trying to limit yourself to one pill, half a needle, and a quick huff, while they dig in. Unlike all these addictive substance, we have to EAT TO LIVE, and that means dabbling everyday with our addiction...walking a tightrope...where we have to partake of the substance but not "Over-do" it....AND THAT IS NOT EASY!

I'd add ya as a friend...But we already are!!! We can do it...YES WE CAN!...Missability:)

TiffersStr1

Absolutely nothing to add here, to these two marvelous posts! Best wishes to all. :flowerforyou:

CCusedtodance

Well said friend:)...it is an insidious addiction...as I have said before, "It is unlike any other addiction for this simple reason.....You do not have to SMOKE, DO HEROINE, SNORT COCAINE OR GLUE, DRINK ALCOHOL, ROLL A JOINT, OR SHOOT UP, TO LIVE.

You do not drive down the highway and have huge billboards staring you in the face at every turn, of celebrities or seemingly normal, happy families, sitting down to a smorgasboard of their favorite drugs of choice at a restaurant. You are not inundated every 10 minutes with commercials for Speed, Downers, or Crank. You do not have to go to the grocery store and stock up on a carton of pills, a gallon of paint thinner, and a loaf of pot. You do not have to prepare a needle, or a bowl of pills, and a side of the newest designer drug, and then serve it to your family or guests, while trying to limit yourself to one pill, half a needle, and a quick huff, while they dig in. Unlike all these addictive substance, we have to EAT TO LIVE, and that means dabbling everyday with our addiction...walking a tightrope...where we have to partake of the substance but not "Over-do" it....AND THAT IS NOT EASY!

I'd add ya as a friend...But we already are!!! We can do it...YES WE CAN!...Missability:)

And that fellow MFPers sums up the TRUE addiction. Thank you friend, you are definitely an inspiration. :flowerforyou:

Melo1966

Admitting that you have a problem is the first step to recovery. Overeaters Anonymous has been around for years but does not get as much attention as AA. As friends on here we are here to support each other. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.:flowerforyou:

CCusedtodance

Thank you. I definitely appreciate the support.

naticksdonna

I first started attending meetings at Overeaters Anonymous in 1986. It's a wonderful support group based on the AA principles; in fact Bill's Story (the bible of AA) is also very important in OA. I've struggled with this insidious disease for years, got "sober" for awhile, backslid and failed often. But I never gave up. And this past year has seen me be able to face my demons and really fight the good fight. I am so grateful to be able to say that I am a recovering food addict. I can't worry about tomorrow; I only concentrate on today. Thank you for your post! By the way, there is an Overeaters Anonymous group here in MFP.

mirandacox

It's an addiction. I have the same problem. I am always thinkng about food. I have ben on both sides.....i have starved myself and been a chronic exerciser and I have been 206 pounds at my heaviest...it's a mental addiction. great pos!

mirandacox

I first started attending meetings at Overeaters Anonymous in 1986. It's a wonderful support group based on the AA principles; in fact Bill's Story (the bible of AA) is also very important in OA. I've struggled with this insidious disease for years, got "sober" for awhile, backslid and failed often. But I never gave up. And this past year has seen me be able to face my demons and really fight the good fight. I am so grateful to be able to say that I am a recovering food addict. I can't worry about tomorrow; I only concentrate on today. Thank you for your post! By the way, there is an Overeaters Anonymous group here in MFP.

Do you like OA?

SalishSea

Food addiction does exist. Some foods are more addictive than others. And like all addictions it can take over and ruin your life by ruining your health. It is a constant struggle to maintain sobriety from over eating.

I wish you strength and mindfulness on your journey to wellness.

Deipneus

It's bad but it could be worse. Drug addicts go to jail.

Unknown

This content has been removed.

Deipneus

It's bad but it could be worse. Drug addicts go to jail.

What an insensitive comment, not surprising though. And food addicts put themselves in an early grave with morbid obesity if they keep feeding their addiction.

Your insult is completely unwarranted. As I said, food addicts have it bad. Perhaps you are just insensitive to drug addicts. It's the same thing, different substance.

Unknown

This content has been removed.

CCusedtodance

Interesting you have chosen to make that statement, for if I was a drug addict then I would get court ordered rehab and I would receive sympathy from those around me. I could blame my financial troubles, legal troubles and relationship troubles on the drugs. I mean after all, I would have a "true addiction" and everyone would bend over to help me. However, I have been laughed at by family members and even scolded by one physician for "making up an excuse" to not lose weight. Overeaters Anonymous exists, yet its program is not comfortable for all and I am one that did not find it comfortable. I learned to not talk about my addiction, which only made it worse for I hid it well.

Also, not all drug addicts go to jail. I have two recovered addicts in my family and neither have been in jail. Why? Because they received assistance from their employers to get themselves cleaned up. After having lived with this addiction for most of my adult life (I am 48 years of age), I believe that all personal demons can cause just as much pain as any other.

claireyf12

great post...i have always thought i am addicted...i crave foods i cut out when dieting....i have terrible mood swings when i cant eat when i want to....my life revolves around it!

However i am just going to have to face this head on once and for all and and kick this habit!!!!

Cr01502

I'm confused . . .

Isn't the only cure for addiction abstinence?

garryt1980

Well said OP... What's even more, these food companies want your dollars and pour billions of advertising dollars to keep food at the forefront of your thoughts...

losbeatlesmolan

Bravo!!

Ayla70

I'm bookmarking this for future reference. I've only recently become aware that I have a food addiction. It eats away at me until I binge and feel awful. I've never been a binge eater before. It's only since being on here that it's reared it's ugly head. Simply put it's because I'm cutting out certain foods, that the addiction has taken over and I will pretty much do anything to get it into my mouth once the urge takes hold. I'm out of control, I feel helpless, and I'm angry with myself for being so weak.

Cr01502

Uhm . . . aren't we all food addicts??

Joehenny

Uhm . . . aren't we all food addicts??

Right????

Dunkirk

Thanks for this. What is the best way to support a person with a food addiction?

2essie

You could be my twin OP. Thank you for your post.

If we could give up eating it would be so much easier to beat the addiction but we are always having to make choices of what to eat and therefore bringing food to mind again.

I had a (tall, skinny) friend who once said to me 'What's your problem? If you want to lose weight just give up eating for a while'. I replied 'If you want to give up smoking, just give up smoking'. She didn't get it at all. Apparently that was different. Not in my book it isn't.

Well done on a really good post.

Unknown

This content has been removed.

quirkytizzy

Uhm . . . aren't we all food addicts??

I peg addiction as any repetitive action that gets in the way of daily living. This is why lots of people can have a beer or smoke a bowl on the weekend while, for me, it sends me straight to powder and needles. No one yet fully understands what makes an addict and what doesn't.

For some people, the act of eating does get in the way of daily living. Many of us have dysfunctional attitudes and behaviors towards food (our weight often proves it). But there are degrees of severity and some people have a much much severe dysfunction than others.

I am not a food addict. But I understand that it is possible.

CCusedtodance

Uhm . . . aren't we all food addicts??

I peg addiction as any repetitive action that gets in the way of daily living. This is why lots of people can have a beer or smoke a bowl on the weekend while, for me, it sends me straight to powder and needles. No one yet fully understands what makes an addict and what doesn't.

For some people, the act of eating does get in the way of daily living. Many of us have dysfunctional attitudes and behaviors towards food (our weight often proves it). But there are degrees of severity and some people have a much much severe dysfunction than others.

I am not a food addict. But I understand that it is possible.

Very well said! That describes me and I struggle every day because of it.

thepersonaboveyou

It's bad but it could be worse. Drug addicts go to jail.

What an insensitive comment, not surprising though. And food addicts put themselves in an early grave with morbid obesity if they keep feeding their addiction.

Your insult is completely unwarranted. As I said, food addicts have it bad. Perhaps you are just insensitive to drug addicts. It's the same thing, different substance.

A drug is a drug is a drug. Learn it.

There are all kinds of addictions. Food, drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex... talk about scorn. How would you like to be addicted to sex!?

EvgeniZyntx

Uhm . . . aren't we all food addicts??

I peg addiction as any repetitive action that gets in the way of daily living. This is why lots of people can have a beer or smoke a bowl on the weekend while, for me, it sends me straight to powder and needles. No one yet fully understands what makes an addict and what doesn't.

For some people, the act of eating does get in the way of daily living. Many of us have dysfunctional attitudes and behaviors towards food (our weight often proves it). But there are degrees of severity and some people have a much much severe dysfunction than others.

I am not a food addict. But I understand that it is possible.

This is perceptive.

My issue with the term food addiction and addiction in general can be reduced to the fatalism it can sometimes generate - the "it isn't me, it's the addiction" mentality. I tend to prefer compulsive eating when this refers to food. But in any case, if it is an addiction, and you are not trying to get help or support to break it then it certainly is all about you.
If you recognize that you have what you consider to be an addiction. What are you doing about it? Or is the term being used as a crutch?

I'm not judging anyone here - I'm suggesting that self-reflection to avoid falling into a trap of "I can't solve it".

BinaryPulsar

I peg addiction as any repetitive action that gets in the way of daily living. This is why lots of people can have a beer or smoke a bowl on the weekend while, for me, it sends me straight to powder and needles. No one yet fully understands what makes an addict and what doesn't.

For some people, the act of eating does get in the way of daily living. Many of us have dysfunctional attitudes and behaviors towards food (our weight often proves it). But there are degrees of severity and some people have a much much severe dysfunction than others.

I am not a food addict. But I understand that it is possible.

This is perceptive.

My issue with the term food addiction and addiction in general can be reduced to the fatalism it can sometimes generate - the "it isn't me, it's the addiction" mentality. I tend to prefer compulsive eating when this refers to food. But in any case, if it is an addiction, and you are not trying to get help or support to break it then it certainly is all about you.
If you recognize that you have what you consider to be an addiction. What are you doing about it? Or is the term being used as a crutch?

I'm not judging anyone here - I'm suggesting that self-reflection to avoid falling into a trap of "I can't solve it".

I'm definitely not a food addict, so I am here to listen and learn and not to judge another person's experience and struggles.

I agree with the above two comments. And particularly that there is a range in the severity of mental disorders such as disordered eating. It will not be the same for all people. This is where I also agree with the next comment about how people can sometimes develop an "I have an addiction mentality" and am trapped with that for the rest of my life. Maybe having an addiction almost becomes the addiction.

Also, it's simply not a competition. One addiction is not better than another. Drug addiction is obviously quite different because the person is physically addicted and after a long time can even die during the withdrawal process of attempting to stop the drugs (it needs to be medically supervised). I also do not agree that people rally around and support the drug addict in a cocoon of love. It really depends on the person, the family, how much the person has hurt people through the drug use, and many many reasons. I have never been an addict, but there is a lot of drug addiction in my family and it's no easy thing for anyone involved to go through. This can be a sensitive topic for me (just going to be honest about that right up front).

So, I don't see it as a comparison. But, I do understand that food addiction can also lead to other family members being hurt by the behavior and to death. I do understand the seriousness of it.

Food addiction is usually called Disordered Eating or Compulsive Eating.

So, just to be clear, I hear you and support you. I just don't particularly like when people make it a comparison to somehow say that drug addiction is somehow better. Really, when it comes to any kind of suffering, that type of comparison is usually not a good idea. I understand making a comparison in saying that both are painful, and possibly even similiar struggles. Just not that drug addiction is somehow better. It is actually extremely devastating. I'm not saying you don't know this (you said you had family members that faced it). Some drug addictions are easier for people to kick, early on. It's really devastating to watch what happens to a loved one that struggles with a severe drug addiction for decades. It's really difficult to be on the outside and every time I try to help, I am told that I can never even fathom how horrendous the withdrawal process is (and it's true, I've never been through that).

etoiles_argentees

There is no food addiction. But go on, you'll help the attorneys get more $, along with big pharmacy.