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WHAT
IS FOOD ADDICTION ? Food addiction is a disease characterized by obsession with weight and body image.
Food addiction is similar to drug and alcohol addiction. Very often for a food addict, refined sugar, flour and fats become what alcohol is to the alcoholic, or cocaine to the cocaine addict. When eating food in this group, the addict sets the phenomenon of "craving" into motion. Like the drug addict, the food addict experiences withdrawal when attempting to cut down on foods that trigger cravings. They can experience both physical and emotional withdrawal such as tremors, cramps, depression, teary periods and self-hatred which leads to self abuse.
Food addiction displays the following characteristics:
TYPES OF FOOD ADDICTION
Binge eaters are part of the eating disorders continuum. They are unable to control their food intake and repeatedly attempt to lose weight by dieting. While there may be some initial success at weight loss, the weight is ultimately gained back, plus additional pounds. Fluctuations in weight and medical complications, such characteristics of this disease.
Individuals with binge eating disorders often find that their eating or weight interferes with their relationship, their work and their self-esteem. Due to the repeated failures to control their food intake, they may be also give up all dieting efforts, thus becoming depressed and anxious.
Symptoms Specific to Binge Eating:
Bulimia Nervosa is a potentially devastating disease which is characterized by periods of binge eating followed by attempts to prevent weight gain through purging behaviors. Symptoms Specific to Bulimia Nervosa:
self induces vomiting, laxatives or diuretics, strict dieting of fasting, and compulsive exercising, or misuse of insulin if the bulimic is diabetic.
Anorexia Nervosa is a progressive and potentially fatal disease that is characterized by a 15% below normal body weight, an intense fear of fat and repeated claims of feeling fat even when obviously underweight. Individual with the symptoms of anorexia are suffering from a disease whose components are psychical, emotional, sociological and spiritual. Anorexics typically have trouble experiencing feelings or handling stressful situations in their lives. Restricting food becomes a way to numb their thoughts and feelings and establish a sense of power and control. Individuals with anorexia may also engage in other forms of purging behaviors, including vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, use of enemas or excessive exercise in order to maintain their low body weight and emotional control. Symptoms to Anorexia Nervosa:
CAN FOOD ADDICTION BE TREATED? A Successful Treatment Approach Yes. Treatment can work. Realization Center believes eating disorders are addictive, progressive and potentially fatal disease that require a comprehensive treatment approach. Clients realize, after years of failed attempts, that diets or starvation do not work, and that professional help is needed to deal with their feelings of anger, fear and depression. Because each person is unique, an individual, comprehensive treatment plan is designed to meet his or her specific needs. It is our experience that the most successful treatment is that which treats the total person. Our treatment meets this objective by utilizing a blended model which includes cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, 12-step principles and family components.
GOALS OF TREATMENT Treatment for eating disorders at Realization Center focuses on these specific goals:
These goals are achieved through a combination of treatment components. Men, women, and adolescents in our program learn that weight is not the issue, but rather the symptoms of their disease. The safe, supportive environment provides them to opportunity to explore their feelings, particularly anger and shame, and begin to deal with issues such as body image, post-traumatic stress issues, relationships and family systems. Other obsessive-compulsive behaviors and addictions are also identified and addressed using a variety of therapeutic techniques.
A series of lectures and group workshops provide formal instruction on issues such as the disease concept, what is abstinence, compliance versus surrender, relapse prevention, assertiveness, the medical aspects of the disease and family communication Lectures are presented by Realization Center staff and leaders in the addictions field. Individual
Therapy One-on-one sessions with a psychotherapist are intended to help a patient understand how an eating disorder has affected his or her life. For example, patients who believe they have little control in their lives may try to feel in control through abusive eating behaviors. Other patients may use bingeing or restrictive behaviors as a way to repress memories or cope with fears.
Through group therapy, patients learn they are not alone in their illness or in their desire for recovery. Numerous experiential techniques, such as psychodrama, art and specialized psychotherapy are used in this healing process. The supportive group environment is a place to share feelings and fears, address family of origin and abuse issues, get feedback and learn socialization skills. Family Services
Believing that recovery, like the disease itself, affects the family unit, Realization Center regularly offers family therapy. It is an opportunity for families to gain a better understanding of the disease and the recovery process.
Each patient is encouraged to explore his or her relationship with a higher power. This non-denominational journey into spirituality helps a patient realize there are many sources of strength in recovery. The 12-step philosophies of Overeaters Anonymous and Food Addicts Anonymous offer helpful models to utilize on this spiritual journey.
THE TREATMENT PLAN At Realization Center an individual treatment plan is prepared for each client based on the individual intake assessment, family involvement, work place, feedback where applicable, and case conference findings. Depending on their unique needs, the client may participate in group therapy and individual counseling, from one to five times a week. Education workshops are conducted in an appropriate 12-Step program. Family members are expected to participate in the treatment process. The family program includes individual and group counseling, education workshops, co-joint therapy and referral to appropriate support groups.
WE CAN HELP
If you or someone you know is a food addict, do not be part of "conspiracy of silence". Food addicts need help and without treatment, the majority may die of their disease. This is a senseless tragedy considering that this is a highly treatable illness. An eating disorders specialist at Realization Center will assist you and answer any questions you may have. All inquiries are confidential. Information Request Form
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Binge Eating Bulimia Nervosa Anorexia Nervosa
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