- Image via Wikipedia
Addiction. The very word throws up images of alcohol, substance abuse, tobacco, or even obsession with sex. However, the less recognizable addictions, termed “soft addiction” by author and educator Judith Wright, also tend to bog down people. In most cases, neither the people under soft addiction nor their close ones realize that urgent help is required. Soft addictions usually relate to unusual behavioral patterns, mood swings and obsession with consumables, like shopping and food.
Not many people are aware that overeating and binging on food is an addiction. It is a compulsive behavior which people are unable to resist and overcome. Some of the symptoms of food addiction are having a constant physical craving for certain food items, thinking about those for most of the day, having spats with others who come in the way of eating and trying to tackles one’s depression or mood swings by overeating. Overall, people suffering from food addiction share an unhealthy relationship with food and eat irrespective of the urge of hunger.
Some of the consequences of food addiction are rapid weight gain, heart diseases, hypertension, depression and low self esteem. Many people suffering from food addiction tend to eat only a little in public view but gorge on eatables when alone.
However, food addiction is usually treatable by counseling and non-invasive therapies. In many cases, food addiction itself is a consequence of depression or fallout of other rehabilitation methods like anti-drugs therapies. Medical help usually involves putting the food addicts under nutritional and dietary regimes. Exercising regularly helps and so does developing a healthy relationship with food. The food addicts are usually counseled to understand that overeating will not help them escape from any emotional distress, but that they need to face stressful situations head on.
Food addicts need to understand that they are not mere victims but are fully capable of changing their behavior.