Food addiction

tulsa oklahoma

Food addiction is misunderstood

and unfairly judged in our society. People often see those with this addiction as lacking self-control and willpower. They might face harsh judgment and unkind treatment. However, it's essential to understand that food addiction is an addiction just like drug addiction and alcoholism.

Individuals grappling with this issue have developed a coping mechanism over time to deal with life's challenges and manage uncomfortable feelings and emotions, and that coping mechanism is eating.

Often, food addicts received comfort from parents and friends through food when they were children, and this has led to a lifelong struggle to seek comfort and happiness through food.

are you experiencing?

  • Often wanting to stop eating but finding it difficult to do so

  • Constantly thinking about food and your weight throughout the day

  • Consuming large amounts of food in one sitting

  • Keeping your eating habits a secret from friends and family

  • Always being on a diet or searching for the next best diet

  • Eating differently in private compared to when you're with others

  • Eating even when you're not hungry

  • Using eating as a way to distract yourself from your feelings and emotions

  • Feeling like there's no hope for your relationship with food

  • Frequently feeling guilty or ashamed about what or how much you've eaten

  • Hiding food or taking it without permission because you're worried there won't be enough

  • Noticing that your eating habits are affecting your relationships, career, or overall way of life

A challenging aspect

of overcoming a food addiction is that we all need to eat and take care of our bodies. Unlike individuals dealing with alcoholism or drug addiction who can avoid those substances and the places where they might be tempted, food is something we can't avoid. We have to eat to survive, and many social events and family gatherings center around food. This makes it especially difficult to address and manage a food addiction.

People dealing with a

food addiction often find themselves facing additional challenges like anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.

They tend to be really tough on themselves, which ironically leads them back to the one thing that provides comfort – food. This creates a cycle of self-criticism that's tough to break.

While some manage to break free from this cycle and overcome the addiction independently, many continue to battle it throughout their lives.

Food addiction can be tricky to recognize, and some people don't even realize that there's a path to healing and moving forward.

If you find yourself grappling with a food

addiction that you can't seem to conquer by yourself, it might be the right moment to seek support from professionals. At Exhale, we have specialists who are experienced in helping with food addiction, body image concerns, and eating disorders. They will collaborate with you to create healthier ways of coping, shift your thinking patterns, and address any lingering problems that might be linked to your addiction. They will also assist you in identifying and planning for potential challenges that could arise as you continue on your journey to recovery.

 

You're heading in the right direction

toward breaking free from the grip of food addiction, and we're here to offer you a welcoming and supportive environment where you can find the motivation, understanding, and strategies to leave your addiction behind for good.