In this article, we have compiled the best 4 treatment methods for food addiction. I hope it will be useful.
Not covered in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, food addiction (DSM-5) can be similar to other addictions and often requires similar treatments and support to overcome.
Fortunately, various programs and treatments can provide treatment.
This article lists the 4 most commonly used food addiction treatment options.
1. 12-step programs
One way to address food addiction is to find a good 12-step program.
In a 12-step program, people also attend meetings with others struggling with food addiction. Eventually, they get a sponsor to help them improve their diet regimen.
Social support can have a huge impact when dealing with food addiction. Finding people who share similar experiences and are willing to help can be beneficial for recovery.
Additionally, 12-step programs are free and generally available worldwide.
There are several different programs to choose from.
Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is the largest and most popular option with regular meetings around the world.
Anonymous Greysheeters (GSA) offers a meal plan similar to OA but involves weighing and measuring three meals a day. Although they are not as common as OA, they do offer phone and Skype meetings.
Other groups include Food Anonymous Addicts (FAA) and Food Anonymous Addicts (FA).
These groups are designed to provide a welcoming and non-judgmental space.
SUMMARY
Twelve-step programs provide access to peers and mentors who can help you overcome food addiction. These programs are available worldwide.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
A psychological approach called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown great promise in treating various eating disorders such as whale eating disorder and bulimia.
These conditions share many of the same symptoms as food addiction.
When looking for a psychologist, ask for a referral to someone who has experience with food addiction or related eating disorders.
SUMMARY
Seeing a psychologist who specializes in eating disorders or food addiction can help you overcome food addiction. Additionally, CBT has proven effective in some situations.
Commercial treatment programs
Twelve-step programs are usually free, but some commercial treatment programs also offer effective treatments for nutritional and eating disorders.
The main ones are:
- ACORN: They usually offer a variety of treatment options in the United States.
- Milestones in Recovery: They offer long-term treatment for food addiction found in Florida.
- COR Retreat: Those in Minnesota offer a 5-day program.
- Milestone: Florida-based, there are options for several nutrition and eating disorders.
- Shades of Hope: Those in Texas offer both 6- and 42-day programs.
- PROMIS: Based in the UK, they offer treatments for a variety of nutritional and eating disorders.
- Bittens Addiction: They offer a variety of options for those with nutritional and eating disorders in Sweden.
SUMMARY
Commercial treatment programs for food addiction are available worldwide.
4. Psychiatrists and drug therapy
Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any drugs for the treatment of food addiction, medication is another option to consider.
However, medications are not guaranteed to work for nutritional and eating disorders and have side effects.
One drug to consider is FDA-approved to aid weight loss and contains bupropion and naltrexone. It is marketed under the brand name Contrave in the United States and Mysimba in Europe.
This drug directly targets certain brain pathways that are involved in the addictive nature of food. Studies show that it can be particularly effective when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
In many cases, depression and anxiety can contribute to eating and eating disorders. Taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can help relieve some of these symptoms.
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications do not cure food addiction, but can be a useful tool for relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety. This can allow a person to focus on recovery from a nutrition or eating disorder.
A psychiatrist can explain the different options available and make a recommendation based on the individual’s situation or specific treatment plan.
SUMMARY
Consider seeing a psychiatrist to discuss other treatment options, including medications. Various medications and mental health treatments can help overcome food addiction.
Result:
Food addiction is a mental health problem in which a person becomes addicted to food, especially processed junk food.
Numerous scientific studies confirm that food addiction involves the same brain areas as drug addiction (5 Trustworthy Sources, 6 Reliable Sources, 7 Trusted Sources).
It is best to pursue a treatment option for fish to live healthy because food addiction does not resolve on its own.
