Addicted to Addicted to Food…Food…Gaining Gaining

RecoveryRecoveryTennie McCarty, LCDC, ADCIII, CEDC, CASFounder, CEO and co-owner

Shades of Hope Treatment Center

Speaker

Carrie L. Willey, PhD, LPC

Clinical Director

Shades of Hope Treatment Center

•2 out of 3 Americans are overweight or obese.•More than 24 million Americans suffer from

eating disorders.

AMERICA’S EPIDEMICAMERICA’S EPIDEMIC

Can you be addicted to food?Can you be addicted to food?

"We found that the high food addiction group showed low inhibition. They have less control in their consumption, and that's something

we've seen also in addicts," Ashley Gearhardt said.

ADDICTION CYCLEADDICTION CYCLEEmotional

problems or stresses

Attempt to sooth self, rid self of pain, or be in control

Overeaters numb with food Bingers numb then rid self of pain Anorexics starve to

have control

Leads to guilt and shame

over behavior

Food Addiction is a disease…Food Addiction is a disease…Physical allergyPhysical allergy

++Mental ObsessionMental Obsession

==Hole in the SoulHole in the Soul

The main problem is with our mind!The main problem is with our mind!

Food addiction affects the Food addiction affects the whole family…whole family…

If it’s not one thing, it’s your mother!

Father Hunger

How can we recover?How can we recover?

We must first accept that we have a disease.

Anorexia BulimiaCompulsive Overeating

Crave the “high” Numb feelings, crave release

Numb out

Eating Disorder SpectrumEating Disorder Spectrum

FOOD ADDICT(Chemical dependency)

Problem is physical, emotional & spiritual: Abnormal response to certain foods

Physical craving Mental obsession Self-will run riot

Often trauma and weight issues

Solution is physical, emotional & spiritual: Abstinence from binge foods and behaviors

Rigorous honesty about thoughts and feelingsA disciplined spiritual program such as a 12 step programFood plan, exercise, lifestyle change, express feelings,

resolve trauma & body image/acceptance of body

Using what process? Surrender & grief process

We are perfectly, imperfect!

Substance Addiction Process Addiction

•Food/Eating Disorders

•Alcohol/Drugs

•Nicotine •Sex/Love/Relationships •Shopping/Credit Card Abuse

•Self Mutilation•Exercise

•Gambling•Internet and Thrill Seeking

Core Pain/Issues Co-Dependence

Levels of CareLevels of CareThorough screening and assessment

Individual therapy and nutritional counseling

Support group

Out-patient services

Inpatient treatment - may be necessary if there is history of relapse

•Long-term care - for clients with chronic relapse

““It takes a village”It takes a village”

Q & AQ & A

Coming Coming in in

March, 2012March, 2012

http://tenniemccarty.com

Food Addiction Food Addiction ConferenceConference

April 20-22, 2012April 20-22, 2012

Abilene, TXAbilene, TX