You will hear experts talk about food addiction defining it in ways that usually relate to the treatment these experts provide.
The common thread in food addiction is that it is triggered by emotional stress, usually something buried deep inside. Regardless of what the experts say, unless they themselves have struggled with food addiction, trust yourself first.
In the case of women, the compulsive eating or overeating is often associated with issues of sexuality, including abuse.
This is not the only reason for the driving force behind a food addiction. Trauma of many varieties can trigger this kind of irresistible urge to stuff down feelings.
Releasing the emotions and feelings associated with the trauma is imperative if one is to overcome the addiction and return to a healthy emotional state, not threatened by food.
When evaluating the advice of an expert, consider these three things:
- Does it ring true to you? In other words, does the treatment “feel” right and make sense to you?
- Do they listen to you without interrupting and answer your questions without discounting or invalidating them?
- Do you feel comfortable?
Just those three questions. If you feel comfortable with your answers, then you’ve chosen the right person to help you.
Trust is essential in any relationship, so make sure that when you define your food addiction, it matches the definition of the person or persons you have enlisted to help and support you.