You might overdose on potato chips or even perhaps tortilla chips once in a while, but did you ever consider that you might be addicted to food? The answer is very important, because it could be the key to determine what steps you need to take in order to lose weight. A significant number of medical experts say that food addiction is just as serious as nicotine or cocaine addiction, and it can potentially be just as deadly.

An indicator of food addiction is when you find yourself with overwhelming desire for a particular food. The desire is so strong, and you are unable to consume that particular food, you begin to experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and depression. Food addicts desire the comfort that a particular food gives them. They also experiences bouts of binge eating of that particular food. The cravings may be physical as well as psychological.

It should be noted that several varieties of food addictions exist. For example, there is compulsive overeating, where an individual goes on an eating binge that may last several days. The addicts do however lose weight, but tend to gain it back over time. Other symptoms include eating quickly, compulsively eating alone, and also eating when there is no evidence of hunger.

Another common form of addiction is bulimia, in which the individual overeats, than purges the consumed food through vomiting or by taking laxatives. Signs of this condition include isolating oneself when eating, consuming huge portions of food rapidly, and being over conscious as well as preoccupied with ones weight.

Food addiction also comes in the form known as anorexia, in which the individual attempts to starve oneself in order to achieve an unrealistic weight loss In a short amount of time. Anorexics tend to be around 15 percent below normal body weight and have a phobia about being fat and gaining weight. They often have difficulty eating with other people and appear to be obsessed with their weight. They also may suffer depression.

There is good news! Food addiction can be successfully treated. Treatment can come in variety of forms. A food addict may work with a psychotherapist in order to develop new ways to deal with food and their emotions. The therapist might be able to identify the origin of individuals food addiction, and also discovers the reasons for the condition. In the majority of cases, the psychologist will help the individual develop a treatment plan which structures expectations and short and long term goals. In more serious cases an individual may chose to undergo in-patient treatment at a psychological facility. Treatment often involves helping the individual to return to a healthy eating lifestyle, deal with underlying emotional issues of food addiction, and learn to develop new coping techniques.

Food addicts often follow the structure of the same kind of 12 step program used by alcoholics. By admitting their powerlessness over food, their belief that they could be restored to normal state of mind and an admission of their faults and failings. In addition food addicts often draw strength from support groups who have similar difficulties dealing with food. Knowing that there are other people who face the same challenges can be incredibly therapeutic.

At this point, it is unclear whether food addiction is a genetic-based illness. Although there is evidence of eating patterns being passed down throughout generations. In fact, many food addicts many food addicts only seek help after they have concluded that their illness could adversely affect their children.

It is entirely possible that in the long run food addiction can never be cured and only be treated. In other words, the recovery period can last a lifetime, yet one should never lose hope of beating food addiction. With patience and time, individual addicts can adopt behavioral skills which will enable them to keep their weight under control. Of course, there will be times when individuals will be tempted to indulge in food; however knowing the pain that they will undergo if they continue their harmful eating habits could be the incentive to fight against food addiction.