How do I know if I’m “addicted” to food?

According to Dr. Carlo C. DiClemente, a researcher in how addictions develop and addicted people recover, the definition of an addiction is: “…the end state of a process of change whereby the addictive behavior becomes habitual, problematic, and difficult to dislodge.”

Dr. DiClemente goes on to say that a regular pattern of use is considered an addiction if it includes a dependent dimension. Being dependent like this means the following:

1. The pattern of behavior is out of your control.
2. The behavior continues despite negative feedback.
3. The pattern of behavior becomes a main part of a person’s life and coping.

This can happen with eating just as much as it can with drinking alcohol, smoking, using drugs, gambling, etc. You are addicted if you are locked in to the behavior.

©2007 Maria's Last Diet