One night in 2007, sitting alone in my apartment, I came to a decision. After 22 years of marriage my wife had left me in 2001 for a younger man after a year-long affair. I was now in my 50s, over 420 pounds with a BMI over 57, hadn’t had sex in years, and had given up on dieting after numerous … [Read more...] about The Bariatric Surprise
Food Addiction IS Drug Addiction
I am the Medical Director of Renascent, which is a 21 day residential treatment centre in Toronto for people suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. I have been in the field of Addiction Medicine since 1993, and have had my specialization in addiction medicine (by … [Read more...] about Food Addiction IS Drug Addiction
Fat Denial
Writing this post about fat denial was a real eye-opener. How can a person who is overweight or obese be in denial about their weight? I understand how an alcoholic can be in denial or a drug addict but a person who is overweight?? How can this be?? Isn’t it obvious? The answer is, as with most … [Read more...] about Fat Denial
The Therapist Asks: How Can a 12 Step Group Help the Food Addict?
1. INTRODUCTION
Doctors don’t hesitate to send their patients with alcohol problems to Alcoholics Anonymous. Why do so few send their patients with eating problems to a similar group? … [Read more...] about The Therapist Asks: How Can a 12 Step Group Help the Food Addict?
The Yale Food Addiction Scale
The Yale Food Addiction Scale is an attempt to diagnose Food Addiction from a scientific and clinical perspective. A diagnosis of Food Addiction from the medical or psychiatric framework does not yet exist, but a Scale such as this marks the first step towards professional credibility of this … [Read more...] about The Yale Food Addiction Scale
Big Sugar : Big Winner By Signe Dewar
We have all heard the taunts delivered to people who are overweight. But is obesity solely the fault of the individual? Why would someone choose a lifestyle that is so problematic from an individual … [Read more...] about Big Sugar : Big Winner By Signe Dewar
Can Diet Soda Lead To Relapse?
Twenty-six years ago and a hundred pounds heavier, I was told "You eat like I used to drink". The information came from a recovered alcoholic. I then sought out recovered food addicts. It was suggested that I put down (eliminate completely) all my binge foods. I wrote them down: there were 76. … [Read more...] about Can Diet Soda Lead To Relapse?
The 3 P’s to Food Addicts Avoiding Failure
I’ve heard it said that failing to plan is planning to fail.
For this food addict, it is certainly true. And I like to keep it real simple.
Planning when going out prevents failure. Make a call to the restaurant or to the hostess and inquire if they have food that you are … [Read more...] about The 3 P’s to Food Addicts Avoiding Failure
Crack Den By a food addict in NY
I went in to a coffee shop (not my regular place) for my daily decaf. On the counter were individually wrapped baked items. I picked one up, looked at it, and thought about how it would taste. Suddenly I realized that as a food addict, I was holding and looking at CRACK. I got my coffee and … [Read more...] about Crack Den By a food addict in NY
Experiencing Dr. Tarman’s “Biology Of Addiction”
Over the years I have met numerous professionals in the addictions field, who’ve made many presentations about their areas of study and their experiences working within the realm of their expertise. Between my own addiction and the ensuing treatment I sought, and my current experience as a clean … [Read more...] about Experiencing Dr. Tarman’s “Biology Of Addiction”
How Low is Your Bottom?
An addict will often claim that he or she has to reach a ‘bottom’ before they really quit their drug. The pain of the substance abuse is greater than the pleasure (even perceived pleasure) … [Read more...] about How Low is Your Bottom?
Dr Phil and Amber: Food Addiction Interview
I am sitting on a plane, heading to LAX. Even the three letters seem glamorous. Heading to Los Angeles to appear on Ask Oprah’s Allstars. I am being interviewed, on a stage, by Dr. Phil himself. We are talking about the challenges with dating after weight loss. I have a hotel on Hollywood Blvd. I … [Read more...] about Dr Phil and Amber: Food Addiction Interview
