Alcoholism and Food Addiction
Alcoholism and food addiction are remarkably similar. Food addiction is characterized by a lack of self-control with regards to eating, an inability to stop eating despite negative consequences and a desire to eat as a solution to emotional distress. If eating is replaced with drinking alcohol is this description, you have the definition of alcoholism. In addition to being similar, alcohol and food addiction often co-occur and affect or lead to each other. The mental and emotional issues that lead to addiction are the root of both problems, and the solution is treatment that addresses both disorders and all underlying issues. Dealing with alcoholism and ignoring the food addiction or addressing food addiction while overlooking alcohol addiction does no good and only provides the illusion of recovery.
Integrated Treatment for Alcoholism and Food Addiction
Integrated treatment is designed to address co-occurring disorders such as alcoholism combined with food addiction. Integrated treatment programs are equipped to address both disorders and identify root causes that are both those shared and unique to each issue. It is important to know what to look for in a good integrated treatment program. Researching treatment options and having conversations with the staff at several facilities are good ways to get an idea of which program would be best for you. Ask any questions you may have. Being comfortable with the treatment you or your loved one will receive is vital to ensuring that treatment is successful. Some good things to look for in a quality integrated treatment program include the following:
- Education about alcohol and other drugs and how they relate to issues such as food addiction
- Counseling, either individual or group, specifically designed for those with co-occurring disorders
- Examination of the role alcohol has in the patient’s life and why dependency and addiction have occurred
- Therapy to learn about what may have led to these disorders and how to avoid them in the future
- Access to support groups during and after treatment
Unfortunately many people who struggle with co-occurring disorders like alcoholism and food addiction do not realize that the two are related. Learning how and why they affect each other is important to ensuring true and lasting recovery.
Get Help for Alcoholism and Food Addiction
If you or someone you love is struggling with food addiction and alcoholism, call us today. Our toll-free helpline is available 24 hours a day. We can help you learn more about food addiction, alcoholism and integrated treatment. You don’t have to struggle alone. Recovery is possible, and it starts with a phone call.
