Doritos are not meth.

As for wheat, there is a substance called gliaden (not gluten) that has been shown in laboratory experiments to make rats eat and eat whatever food substance that contains it.

I will preface this by saying I did not read every reply.

From what I did read, some are of the opinion that avoiding trigger food = failure.

I personally view it as success. I have worked at a healthier lifestyle for a few years now. I've quit smoking. And there are certain foods I will not purchase. Period. I have not failed by making that decision, I have overcome my triggers. I still have to walk by those things in convenience stores and grocery stores. I exercise willpower each and every time I go to the grocery store. I won't binge on chips and queso dip, because it's not in the house, even though I had the opportunity to purchase it.

For me, chips are nice but not my drug of choice. I often eat plain organic blue corn chips-- (even *gasp* with melted cheddar cheese!) no problem. But I'm like Homer Simpson with doughnuts. *shrug* So I don't go there. (Sorry to taunt the cheese addicts).

Addicts cannot have their addiction in moderation, plain and simple.

So I guess food addicts should be simply provided ......what? Pills or IV tubes? Should they get their dietary needs by prescription? I'm sure you don't think they just starve to death?

So, I guess you didn't read the link or beyond that one sentence, eh?

Let me reiterate:

"Just as alcohol is the substance that triggers the alcoholic's disease, there are substances that trigger a food addict's out-of-control eating.These substances are typically refined carbohydrates, sweeteners, fats and processed foods. These foods seem to affect the same addictive brain pathways that are influenced by alcohol and drugs."

There are plenty of healthy, unprocessed whole foods that people who are addicted to food can eat that don't trigger addictive behavior. Rarely do you hear people bemoaning the fact that eating one baby carrot leads to the consumption of an entire package. The problem is generally processed junk food--the ingredients in those foods act upon their brain receptors in the same manner in which alcohol acts on the brain receptors of an alcoholic.

Hope that takes care of your concerns that all food addicts are doomed to a life of IV fluids and vitamin pills.

1. YES, there are real addiction issues that be associated with food, like eating disorders.
2. YES, "just have more willpower" is not ALWAYS the best answer.
3. YES, there are variables for each situation that "just say no", might not be enough
However:
1. The amount of melodrama around peoples reaction to food is absurd, and many times, overreactions.
2. Eventually, one MUST learn willpower to resist overeating if they are going to become fit and healthy, this is a part of all "recovery" processes.
3. You will always be around people with "bad" foods, they aren't illegal (yet) so people are going to eat them around you, offer them to you and yes, not consider your diet and flaunt them. Unless you are going to lock yourself in your house with vitamins and rice cakes, you will have to learn self control or moderation.
4. Many of these "overreactions" are PART of the person's issue with food, that most likely led to their ED or being overweight, so while it is true a simple "no" might not suffice, a simple "no" will eventually be a necessity.
5. Learning a healthy relationship with food is the most important thing anyone can do for themselves when it comes to weightloss and healthy living.

So, I agree with the OP when she expresses her frustrations with seeing the same "plea for help" over and over again.