When people speak about addiction they generally are referring to drug addiction, but another addiction lurks behind the scenes; food addiciton. Food addiction and drug addiction share common elements such as; they are progressive, chronic and fatal illnesses, the substances used are used to avoid feelings, both produce unmanageability in one’s life and addiction treatment is effective for both.

Food addiction treatment, similar to drug addiction treatment, has as its initial method of treatment detoxification. With drug addiction it is discontinuing the use of drugs and in food addiction treatment it is usually discontinuing any binging and use of refined sugar. It is widely believed by those providing food addiction treatment that sugar is the primary ingredient in initiating the cravings. These cravings are then shortly followed by a compulsion for food ending up in full fledge binge.

After the person is detoxed from their substance of choice, intensive therapy is focused on each person’s core issues. It is not unusual for the person in need of food addiction treatment and drug addiction treatment to participate in the same type of services which address issues such as family dynamics, relapse prevention, sexual abuse and mental health issues.