Behavioral Change:Overcoming Food

Addiction

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Objectives

Characteristics of Addictive Behavior

Definition of Food Addictions

Signs and Symptoms of Food Addictions

Causes of Food Addictions

Treatments for Food Addictions

Addictions Defined

A disease that develops over time (progressive) and is characterized by:

A preoccupation with mood altering chemicals Loss of control over their consumption Tendency for relapse Established tolerance Withdrawal symptoms

Addictions Defined Characteristics of Addictions (continued)

Desire or unsuccessful attempts to quit or cut down

Excessive time spent in activities obtaining “drug” Important activities given up because of “drug” Continued use in the face of consequences

(i.e., physical and/or emotional problems)

Food Addictions Defined

For some people, eating becomes an obsession and a compulsion.

It is similar to alcohol or drug addictions, but the addiction is to the process not the substance.

It is marked by preoccupation with and availability of food, and the anticipation of the good feelings derived from food.

It involves repetitive eating of food when an individual knows they should not eat in this way.

Obsessions and Compulsions

Obsessions are recurring thoughts or impulses that are intrusive or inappropriate and cause the sufferer anxiety.

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or rituals performed to neutralize anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts; relief is only temporary.

Some people with food addictions may meet criteria of a diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, though many may not.

Other Co-Occurring Disorders with Food Addiction Obesity Alcoholism Diabetes Food Allergies Major Depression Anxiety Disorders

Early Warning Signs of Food Addictions

Obsessed with food.

Eats to relieve worry or stress.

Eats until they feel so full they are sick.

Feelings of anxiety while eating resulting in more eating.

Overeats because food is available.

Eats fast so they can eat more.

Early Warning Signs (continued) Eats everything on the plate even when they feel

full.

Feels guilty when they overeat.

Hides food so they can eat in secret out of sight.

Goes on food binge after dieting.

Views food as something to be avoided.

Signs and Symptoms of Food Addiction

Eating when not hungry.

Eating when feeling low or depressed.

Eating in secret or eating differently in front of others than when alone.

Eating foods that are known to be harmful to the individual consuming them.

Experiencing feelings of guilt.

Treating Food Addiction Seek medical and/or professional counseling.

Identify and avoid triggers.

Consume healthy foods and nutrient supplements.

Exercise.

Work on personal development and spiritual growth.

Choice of Treatments Compulsive overeaters often have underlying

problems including: Past traumas Family dysfunction Anxiety Disorders Depression or mood swings

Identifying and treating these co-occurring problems is key to recovery.

Hence, choice of treatments may be guided by what co-occurring problems with which the overeater presents.

Choice of Treatments

Effective Psychotherapies Behavioral Therapy – Focused predominately on

healthy eating and exercise.

Cognitive Therapy – Focused on present behaviors and changing distorted thinking, attitudes, and perceptions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Focused on the identification of flawed core beliefs, changing those beliefs, and changing resulting behavior through behavioral techniques.

Choice of Treatments Effective Family Therapies – Focused on

identifying dysfunction in the family, from various perspectives. Communication – Focused on patterns of

communication in the family.

Structural (disengaged or enmeshed).

Strategic (approach combining communication and structural views on family problems).

Multiple Family Therapy – 4-5 families with similar problems in therapy together.

Choice of Treatments

Group Therapies Overeaters Anonymous – 12-Step program

focused on abstinence from overeating, involving a sponsor (person of support to help with twelve steps and person to contact when in high-risk situations)

Support Groups – Not a 12-step program; focused on providing insight through fellow members experiencing the same problems.

Choice of Treatments

Medical Interventions Diets AHA-Approved Dietary Medications Gastric-Bypass Surgery Stomach Stapling Lap-band Surgery

Choice of Treatments

American Heart Association Diet Recommendations

Eat a variety of vegetables & fruits (5 servings)

Eat a variety of whole grains (6 servings)

Eat fish twice a week (e.g., salmon or tuna)

Choose reduced-fat dairy products, legumes, skinless poultry & lean meats

Select fats with no more than two grams of saturated fat per tablespoon (e.g., canola, corn, safflower & olive oil)

Balance calories consumed with calories burned

Choice of Treatments

AHA Diet Recommendations Be physically active for at least 30 minutes per

day

Limit high calorie; low-nutritious foods like soft drinks and candy

Limit foods high in saturated fats, trans-fat, and cholesterol

Limit alcoholic beverages to no more than one drink per day for women and two or more for men

Maintain sodium intake at or below 2,400 mg or 1 ¼ teaspoons per day.

Choices of Treatment Alternative Treatments

Hypnosis – Given overeating is often viewed as a dissociative process, hypnosis has been found to be an effective treatment for overeating.

Acupuncture – Can be used to enhance one’s efforts to maintaining healthy exercise regimen and healthy eating.

Final Thoughts If overeaters can first identify any

underlying psychological problems and have them successfully treated and they can begin to live a more healthy lifestyle, including healthy eating patterns and exercise, they are more likely to change their behavior and leave overeating behind them.

This has been a Deer Oaks EAP Presentation

To contact Deer Oaks or access your EAP benefits, please call:

866-327-2400www.deeroaks.com

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