Is food addiction a real thing?

I think as humans we are all 'addicted' to food. We need it to survive. I don't believe in sugar addictions or other food addictions but I haven't researched it. I know there are tons of bad food habits, but I wouldn't call those addictions. I'm sure people are physically sensitive to some food substances and it can be like a physical addiction. But mostly I think blaming 'addiction' is a copout and an excuse, usually.

Thanks everyone for commenting so far - interesting view points

@WalkingAlone - this is more me being curious than arguing against your view point (my own view points are mixed on this), but where would you draw the line in terms of using the term 'addiction' as an excuse? Would you consider a alcoholic binge to be due to a legitimate psychological problem, but a food binge a lack of willpower - or are all claims of addiction a copout in your opinion?

Oh gosh no. I believe in addiction. I just don't think food is one (except that we all are in a sense addicted to food).

I don't think the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) lists a food addiction disorder, does it? That's the mental health bible. If I search the online version of the DSM 5 for 'food addiction' I get no results.

The DSM refers to "addictions" in general - not just food, alcohol, crack, specific. The 7 signs of any addictions are as follows


DSM-IV Substance Dependence Criteria
Addiction (termed substance dependence by the American Psychiatric Association) is defined as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring any time in the same 12-month period:

1. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
(a) A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or the desired effect
or
(b) Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.

2. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
(a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance
or
(b) The same (or closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

3. The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.

4. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use.

5. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (such as visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use the substance (for example, chain-smoking), or recover from its effects.

6. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.

7. The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (for example, current cocaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced depression or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption).


So you can substitute "drug" or "alcohol" for food, texting, porn, sex, exercise, shopping and it all applies to the same.

I think as humans we are all 'addicted' to food. We need it to survive. I don't believe in sugar addictions or other food addictions but I haven't researched it. I know there are tons of bad food habits, but I wouldn't call those addictions. I'm sure people are physically sensitive to some food substances and it can be like a physical addiction. But mostly I think blaming 'addiction' is a copout and an excuse, usually.

Thanks everyone for commenting so far - interesting view points

@WalkingAlone - this is more me being curious than arguing against your view point (my own view points are mixed on this), but where would you draw the line in terms of using the term 'addiction' as an excuse? Would you consider a alcoholic binge to be due to a legitimate psychological problem, but a food binge a lack of willpower - or are all claims of addiction a copout in your opinion?

Oh gosh no. I believe in addiction. I just don't think food is one (except that we all are in a sense addicted to food).

I don't think the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) lists a food addiction disorder, does it? That's the mental health bible. If I search the online version of the DSM 5 for 'food addiction' I get no results.

The DSM refers to "addictions" in general - not just food, alcohol, crack, specific. The 7 signs of any addictions are as follows


DSM-IV Substance Dependence Criteria
Addiction (termed substance dependence by the American Psychiatric Association) is defined as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring any time in the same 12-month period:

1. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
(a) A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or the desired effect
or
(b) Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.

2. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
(a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance
or
(b) The same (or closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

3. The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.

4. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use.

5. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (such as visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use the substance (for example, chain-smoking), or recover from its effects.

6. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.

7. The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (for example, current cocaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced depression or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption).


So you can substitute "drug" or "alcohol" for food, texting, porn, sex, exercise, shopping and it all applies to the same.

I can say with 100% certainty that all 7 of these things applied to me when it came to sugary items (baked goods, ice cream, chocolate candy bars, etc.), pasta, and sourdough bread.

Here's an interesting medical paper discussing addiction of sugar

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/23719144/

Sugar addiction: pushing the drug-sugar analogy to the limit.

AuthorsAhmed SH, et al. Show all Journal
Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2013 Jul;16(4):434-9. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e328361c8b8.

Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review research that tests the validity of the analogy between addictive drugs, like cocaine, and hyperpalatable foods, notably those high in added sugar (i.e., sucrose).

RECENT FINDINGS: Available evidence in humans shows that sugar and sweetness can induce reward and craving that are comparable in magnitude to those induced by addictive drugs. Although this evidence is limited by the inherent difficulty of comparing different types of rewards and psychological experiences in humans, it is nevertheless supported by recent experimental research on sugar and sweet reward in laboratory rats. Overall, this research has revealed that sugar and sweet reward can not only substitute to addictive drugs, like cocaine, but can even be more rewarding and attractive. At the neurobiological level, the neural substrates of sugar and sweet reward appear to be more robust than those of cocaine (i.e., more resistant to functional failures), possibly reflecting past selective evolutionary pressures for seeking and taking foods high in sugar and calories.

SUMMARY: The biological robustness in the neural substrates of sugar and sweet reward may be sufficient to explain why many people can have difficultly to control the consumption of foods high in sugar when continuously exposed to them.

Every time this study gets posted, I laugh even harder at the absurdness of it. How scientists can possibly conclude that food co-opts the neural pathways that drugs use, rather than the logical (and actual) conclusion that the drugs co-opt the neural pathways that food uses, I'll never know. Although, at least this study acknowledges that their conclusion is pretty much just made up, as they freely admit it's a purely subjective concept that they can't actually test.

No, not too long at all, and thank you very much for answering. I've got this twinge with this idea because I've seen alcohol and drug addiction for my entire life.

This is what worries me with the comparison between physiological addiction to something like alcohol or drugs and the psychological addiction to food (assuming of course it exists which I'm fine saying it does). Giving up alcohol is a massive step and it means holding a glass of juice at times when everyone else is having a drink and a good time, but if you have to then you have to. But is it really necessary to give up cupcakes for life?

If it worked for you, then great. But that's an awfully serious step to take for the rest of your life. No baked goods. What happens if you fall off the wagon? Is it because of the addiction or is because you're a normal person who may want a cupcake? Hell, I get cravings for baked goods. I was known to stand in line for hours at 2:00 a.m. outside of a certain bakery in Manhattan for some of the best cupcakes I've ever eaten, but that was years ago.

This is the thing: whether it's "necessary" to give up cupcakes (or whatever) for life is ENTIRELY between you and your higher power (this is OA-speak here, sorry). It is not for me to say for you or anyone else... I can only tell you what I knew I needed to do, and what worked for *me*. Abstinence from the foods I mentioned works for *me*. Moderation works for me in other areas. And for some people, they might need ONLY moderation. It totally depends. It is your personal journey and you have to work that through with yourself.

I think what I was trying to articulate was your question about giving up alcohol and how that compares with food. I absolutely see certain foods as "acting" like alcohol for certain people (like the cupcakes for myself). I realized that for me, allowing myself to eat "just a little" of the foods I've chosen to abstain from would be exactly the same as allowing myself "just a little" of a martini if I were an alcoholic. It's exactly the same for me. I cannot emphasize this enough. Thus, it's a no-brainer for me to give those foods up, just as an alcoholic goes cold turkey and never looks back.

There are ways to tell whether you're just a "normal person" who just wants a cupcake every now and again or if you have a problem with them as a compulsive overeater. Take a look at the quiz questions I posted above and you'll get the idea real quick.

You are correct - it WAS awfully serious to take this step for the rest of my life. And again I can't emphasize it enough - it was the best thing I ever did.

Thank you both for sharing your stories.

Anyone could have an addiction to anything that causes a dopamine release in the brain. This could include exercise, shopping, porn, gambling, games, internet, and of course - food.

Amen. And interestingly, the AA 12 Steps can be modified to help with them all. It's kinda brilliant that way!

It just seems to be an awfully blunt instrument to be promoting as the cure for all these addictions.

Addictions can not be cured. They can only be arrested.
The action (drinking, overeating) is only the symptom of the disease.

I'm an avid AlAnon member, and I work the 12 step program as well.

I agree that physiological addictions cannot be cured. Do we not have a breakdown in the comparison when we say that about psychological addictions?

This thread pops up like, I don't know, at least once a month.
Yes, it's real, and yes the people denying that it's real are *kitten*.

Lovely perspective

I think as humans we are all 'addicted' to food. We need it to survive. I don't believe in sugar addictions or other food addictions but I haven't researched it. I know there are tons of bad food habits, but I wouldn't call those addictions. I'm sure people are physically sensitive to some food substances and it can be like a physical addiction. But mostly I think blaming 'addiction' is a copout and an excuse, usually.

Thanks everyone for commenting so far - interesting view points

@WalkingAlone - this is more me being curious than arguing against your view point (my own view points are mixed on this), but where would you draw the line in terms of using the term 'addiction' as an excuse? Would you consider a alcoholic binge to be due to a legitimate psychological problem, but a food binge a lack of willpower - or are all claims of addiction a copout in your opinion?

Oh gosh no. I believe in addiction. I just don't think food is one (except that we all are in a sense addicted to food).

I don't think the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) lists a food addiction disorder, does it? That's the mental health bible. If I search the online version of the DSM 5 for 'food addiction' I get no results.

WalkingAlong is right - according to this article, "This year's fifth edition of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) recognises 'binge eating disorder' (BED) as distinct from Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa, but it remains debatable whether BED is underpinned by an addiction disorder and should be prevented and treated like other addictive disorders." http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131007094006.htm

But then again, an organization called the Food Addiction Institute now has a bibliography of 2,733 peer reviewed articles and books since 2009, and hundreds more have been published since... many believe that science is starting to point to the fact that there may actually be something there. http://foodaddictioninstitute.org/FAI-DOCS/Full-Bibliography.pdf

"In fact, since 1960, self-assessed food addicts were successfully dealing with their chronic obesity and compulsive eating by treating themselves as if they had a substance use disorder to food. There were over one hundred thousand just in the food related 12 Step fellowship of Overeaters Anonymous (OA), half of which an internal study showed were abstinent and maintaining an average fifty pound weight loss; they used the literature and suggested the approach of Alcoholics Anonymous simply substituting “food” for “alcohol” and “compulsive overeating” or “food addiction” for “alcoholism.” In the l980’s and 1990’s there were over one hundred professional residential programs and thousands of health professionals using the addictive model for treating food addicts when 12 Step programs were not enough. Now there is substantial scientific evidence that people can become food addicted and that it is treatable." http://foodaddictioninstitute.org/scientific-research/

So IMHO, whether the term "food addiction" exists in the "mental health bible" or not.....Twelve Step programs still work for compulsive overeaters like they do for alcoholic and drug addicts. And that is something to investigate if anyone on these boards might be concerned they're addicted.

My degree is in psych and the very first thing I remember learning was the history of mental illness....Most illness' were not recognized until recently..."recent" as in the past few decades...there is no doubt in my mind that science will catch up and once more focus and research dollars go into this I expect to see "food addiction" right up there with other disorders...give it more time.

It just seems to be an awfully blunt instrument to be promoting as the cure for all these addictions.

It's okay if you see it that way, that's your right to do so.

I will say it's too bad you see it as something that one would be beaten over the head with (not sure if that's what you meant by "blunt instrument", but that's the image I get, maybe you could clarify?) because that's not at all what it's about. It's more like a key that unlocks a cage.

In addition, hopefully you'll note I said the Twelve Steps "help" people manage addictions, not "cure" them. Interestingly, there's actually no "cure" - only management and recovery. I'll always be aware that my compulsive overeating is always right at my heels, ready to take me over again if I'm not careful. OA is just a program that helps you understand how to cope, manage, and recover.

I'm truly only concerned about the people who actually need and want help on these boards. They will be the determiners of whether they think the program might work for them, so that's why I bring it up a lot in the forums.

Anyone could have an addiction to anything that causes a dopamine release in the brain. This could include exercise, shopping, porn, gambling, games, internet, and of course - food.

Amen. And interestingly, the AA 12 Steps can be modified to help with them all. It's kinda brilliant that way!

It just seems to be an awfully blunt instrument to be promoting as the cure for all these addictions.

Addictions can not be cured. They can only be arrested.
The action (drinking, overeating) is only the symptom of the disease.

I'm an avid AlAnon member, and I work the 12 step program as well.

I agree that physiological addictions cannot be cured. Do we not have a breakdown in the comparison when we say that about psychological addictions?

Noted.
I can only explain my own personal experiences with what I consider my 'addiction'-- which I would liken to a psychological addiction - which is why I'm in Al Anon. If I believe my addiction is real - and it's not a chemical dependency addiction- then why would I disregard someone else's claim of an addiction to food, sex, or whatever else....

This goes for saying that while there are medical misdiagnosis often for many afflictions, I am sure it happens as well with addiction.

I do not mean to say that someone who overeats should automatically assume they have an addiction. It's only when someone determines that their life has become unmanageable, that they have reached a level of insanity - they may consider if a 12 step program would be appropriate for them.

Bottom line for me, is that if it works for whoever is attempting to find serenity and recovery, then by all means--- go for it.

I'm not disagreeing with that. My concern is more along the lines of my issue with permanently cutting out foods from one's diet. It's a very serious move, and since this is self-diagnosed it's quite likely to be over-diagnosed. Then we have people cutting out foods and beating themselves up later when they fall off the wagon and eat a donut.

Anyone could have an addiction to anything that causes a dopamine release in the brain. This could include exercise, shopping, porn, gambling, games, internet, and of course - food.

Amen. And interestingly, the AA 12 Steps can be modified to help with them all. It's kinda brilliant that way!

It just seems to be an awfully blunt instrument to be promoting as the cure for all these addictions.

Addictions can not be cured. They can only be arrested.
The action (drinking, overeating) is only the symptom of the disease.

I'm an avid AlAnon member, and I work the 12 step program as well.

I agree that physiological addictions cannot be cured. Do we not have a breakdown in the comparison when we say that about psychological addictions?

Noted.
I can only explain my own personal experiences with what I consider my 'addiction'-- which I would liken to a psychological addiction - which is why I'm in Al Anon. If I believe my addiction is real - and it's not a chemical dependency addiction- then why would I disregard someone else's claim of an addiction to food, sex, or whatever else....

This goes for saying that while there are medical misdiagnosis often for many afflictions, I am sure it happens as well with addiction.

I do not mean to say that someone who overeats should automatically assume they have an addiction. It's only when someone determines that their life has become unmanageable, that they have reached a level of insanity - they may consider if a 12 step program would be appropriate for them.

Bottom line for me, is that if it works for whoever is attempting to find serenity and recovery, then by all means--- go for it.

I'm not disagreeing with that. My concern is more along the lines of my issue with permanently cutting out foods from one's diet. It's a very serious move, and since this is self-diagnosed it's quite likely to be over-diagnosed. Then we have people cutting out foods and beating themselves up later when they fall off the wagon and eat a donut.

"Then we have people cutting out foods and beating themselves up later when they fall off the wagon and eat a donut."

That's not Abstinence. That's Legalism. Very different.

Anyone could have an addiction to anything that causes a dopamine release in the brain. This could include exercise, shopping, porn, gambling, games, internet, and of course - food.

Amen. And interestingly, the AA 12 Steps can be modified to help with them all. It's kinda brilliant that way!

It just seems to be an awfully blunt instrument to be promoting as the cure for all these addictions.

Addictions can not be cured. They can only be arrested.
The action (drinking, overeating) is only the symptom of the disease.

I'm an avid AlAnon member, and I work the 12 step program as well.

I agree that physiological addictions cannot be cured. Do we not have a breakdown in the comparison when we say that about psychological addictions?

Noted.
I can only explain my own personal experiences with what I consider my 'addiction'-- which I would liken to a psychological addiction - which is why I'm in Al Anon. If I believe my addiction is real - and it's not a chemical dependency addiction- then why would I disregard someone else's claim of an addiction to food, sex, or whatever else....

This goes for saying that while there are medical misdiagnosis often for many afflictions, I am sure it happens as well with addiction.

I do not mean to say that someone who overeats should automatically assume they have an addiction. It's only when someone determines that their life has become unmanageable, that they have reached a level of insanity - they may consider if a 12 step program would be appropriate for them.

Bottom line for me, is that if it works for whoever is attempting to find serenity and recovery, then by all means--- go for it.

I'm not disagreeing with that. My concern is more along the lines of my issue with permanently cutting out foods from one's diet. It's a very serious move, and since this is self-diagnosed it's quite likely to be over-diagnosed. Then we have people cutting out foods and beating themselves up later when they fall off the wagon and eat a donut.

"Then we have people cutting out foods and beating themselves up later when they fall off the wagon and eat a donut."

That's not Abstinence. That's Legalism. Very different.

And that's when I stop taking this seriously. Have fun calling a sugar craving a lifelong addiction. I'm out.

Anyone could have an addiction to anything that causes a dopamine release in the brain. This could include exercise, shopping, porn, gambling, games, internet, and of course - food.

Amen. And interestingly, the AA 12 Steps can be modified to help with them all. It's kinda brilliant that way!

It just seems to be an awfully blunt instrument to be promoting as the cure for all these addictions.

12 Steps is not a cure. There is no cure for addictions. 12 Steps can typically be applied to any addiction though (in this case, OA). Basically, when it comes down to it - all you can do is MANAGE an addiction.

Anyone could have an addiction to anything that causes a dopamine release in the brain. This could include exercise, shopping, porn, gambling, games, internet, and of course - food.

Amen. And interestingly, the AA 12 Steps can be modified to help with them all. It's kinda brilliant that way!

It just seems to be an awfully blunt instrument to be promoting as the cure for all these addictions.

Addictions can not be cured. They can only be arrested.
The action (drinking, overeating) is only the symptom of the disease.

I'm an avid AlAnon member, and I work the 12 step program as well.

I agree that physiological addictions cannot be cured. Do we not have a breakdown in the comparison when we say that about psychological addictions?

Noted.
I can only explain my own personal experiences with what I consider my 'addiction'-- which I would liken to a psychological addiction - which is why I'm in Al Anon. If I believe my addiction is real - and it's not a chemical dependency addiction- then why would I disregard someone else's claim of an addiction to food, sex, or whatever else....

This goes for saying that while there are medical misdiagnosis often for many afflictions, I am sure it happens as well with addiction.

I do not mean to say that someone who overeats should automatically assume they have an addiction. It's only when someone determines that their life has become unmanageable, that they have reached a level of insanity - they may consider if a 12 step program would be appropriate for them.

Bottom line for me, is that if it works for whoever is attempting to find serenity and recovery, then by all means--- go for it.

I'm not disagreeing with that. My concern is more along the lines of my issue with permanently cutting out foods from one's diet. It's a very serious move, and since this is self-diagnosed it's quite likely to be over-diagnosed. Then we have people cutting out foods and beating themselves up later when they fall off the wagon and eat a donut.

"Then we have people cutting out foods and beating themselves up later when they fall off the wagon and eat a donut."

That's not Abstinence. That's Legalism. Very different.

And that's when I stop taking this seriously. Have fun calling a sugar craving a lifelong addiction. I'm out.

That's up to you, sir. Take care.

Meanwhile, everyone else on here? I'm in. Are you? Some of you are already PM'ing me and I'll get back to you asap. If any of this resonates with anyone else, please feel free to send me a message and we'll dialog. There is help and hope if you feel any of this applies to you. I'm happy to be of assistance. Blessings.

Anyone could have an addiction to anything that causes a dopamine release in the brain. This could include exercise, shopping, porn, gambling, games, internet, and of course - food.

Amen. And interestingly, the AA 12 Steps can be modified to help with them all. It's kinda brilliant that way!

It just seems to be an awfully blunt instrument to be promoting as the cure for all these addictions.

Addictions can not be cured. They can only be arrested.
The action (drinking, overeating) is only the symptom of the disease.

I'm an avid AlAnon member, and I work the 12 step program as well.

I agree that physiological addictions cannot be cured. Do we not have a breakdown in the comparison when we say that about psychological addictions?

Noted.
I can only explain my own personal experiences with what I consider my 'addiction'-- which I would liken to a psychological addiction - which is why I'm in Al Anon. If I believe my addiction is real - and it's not a chemical dependency addiction- then why would I disregard someone else's claim of an addiction to food, sex, or whatever else....

This goes for saying that while there are medical misdiagnosis often for many afflictions, I am sure it happens as well with addiction.

I do not mean to say that someone who overeats should automatically assume they have an addiction. It's only when someone determines that their life has become unmanageable, that they have reached a level of insanity - they may consider if a 12 step program would be appropriate for them.

Bottom line for me, is that if it works for whoever is attempting to find serenity and recovery, then by all means--- go for it.

I'm not disagreeing with that. My concern is more along the lines of my issue with permanently cutting out foods from one's diet. It's a very serious move, and since this is self-diagnosed it's quite likely to be over-diagnosed. Then we have people cutting out foods and beating themselves up later when they fall off the wagon and eat a donut.

"Then we have people cutting out foods and beating themselves up later when they fall off the wagon and eat a donut."

That's not Abstinence. That's Legalism. Very different.

And that's when I stop taking this seriously. Have fun calling a sugar craving a lifelong addiction. I'm out.

That's up to you, sir. Take care.

Meanwhile, everyone else on here? I'm in. Are you? Some of you are already PM'ing me and I'll get back to you asap. If any of this resonates with anyone else, please feel free to send me a message and we'll dialog. There is help and hope if you feel any of this applies to you. I'm happy to be of assistance. Blessings.

Yes, self diagnose and over treat. Be my guest

When it comes to the topic of food addiction, why do we hear about people saying things like "I'm addicted to chocolate", or soda, or cookies, or coffee, or cake, or candy. But we don't hear, I'm addicted to asparagus, or cod liver oil, smoked mackerel, or anything like that. Seems like addictive foods have a few common ingredients, like sugar and caffeine, no?