What is sugar addiction?
Sugar addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that changes both brain structure and function much like drug and alcohol addiction.
When food addicts eat certain foods, a biochemical process is triggered which changes their brains and causes them to crave more and more of the trigger food. These chemical processes also affect clear thinking which makes it even harder to abstain. No amount of dieting or willpower can alleviate these cravings.
It’s important to understand that food addicts are not lacking willpower. There is an actual physiological process taking place within their bodies that has zero to do with willpower. It is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It is a common condition affecting millions of people of all ages, backgrounds, and body sizes.
Sugar addicts need to discover and abstain from the foods that cause the biochemical reaction in their brains. Moderation is not the correct treatment and can cause even more suffering if the trigger food continues to be consumed.
Food addicts put the trigger food in their mouths, but they are not responsible for what happens to their brains afterward. BUT, it is their responsibility for recovery.
Do You Feel You May be Addicted to Food, but aren't Sure?
In order to implement the right treatment, it's crucial to know if your are a normal eater, harmful eater, or a food addict.
A true food addict will have a different treatment plan than a person who does not have an addictive brain.
The misdiagnosis of food addiction is much too common in the world today.
As a result, many people are given the wrong treatment plan. The majority of misdiagnosed food addicts are being treated for obesity and/or eating disorders.
The assessment tool SUGAR (Sugar Use General Assessment Recording) is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis.
Schedule a free 15 minute Zoom consultation to see if I am the right person to help you. No obligation. No pressure.
Signs of sugar addiction
- Have you tried every diet out there only to "fail" time and time again?
- Do you think of food 24/7?
- Do you look forward to the food more so than people at celebrations?
- Do you watch cooking shows and browse recipes constantly?
- Do you eat in private and/or hide food for fear of being judged?
- Do you feel out of control with certain foods?
- Do you feel shame after a binge?
- Do you feel frustrated that you seem to lack willpower?
- Do you eat when you're not hungry?
- Do you overexercise, over fast, or abuse diet pills, diuretics, or laxatives?
- Have you suffered from anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders?
- Do you continue to eat certain foods despite adverse health effects?
- Do you find you eat after an upsetting event or use food as a reward?
- Do you get more pleasure from food at first bite but less over time?
- Do you have a history of trauma or abuse?
- Do you self-medicate with food to temporarily feel better?
- Do you neglect responsibilities in order to eat?
- Does your family have a history of addiction?
Maybe it’s not your fault.
Maybe it’s not a willpower problem.
Maybe you’ve been treating the wrong issue all along.
Maybe sugar addition is at the root of it all.
Sugar Addiction Services
If you are tired of struggling and feel you may have issues with sugar/food addiction, reach out and get the help you need.
Schedule a free 15 minute Zoom consultation to see if I am the right person to help you. No obligation. No pressure.
Sugar Addiction Assessment and diagnosis ONLY
$259*
This option is for those who...
- Are only interested in finding out if they are a sugar addict
- Are not ready to commit to the full treatment plan
- Can't afford the full plan but want the diagnosis
Includes:
- 60-90 Minute SUGAR® Initial interview
- 45-60 Minute Diagnosis & Treatment Recommendations
SUGAR Addiction Diagnosis & Treatment Recommendation Program
$527*
This option is for those who...
- are ready to accept they may diagnosed as a sugar addict
- are ready to do the work
- want support and direction to deal with sugar addiction and cravings
Includes:
- 60-90 Minute SUGAR® Initial interview
- 45-60 Minute Diagnosis & Treatment Recommendations
- 60 Minute Food Addiction Education
- (3) 45 Minute one-on-one Zoom Sessions
- 3 Month Support via Text and/or Email
- Resource Guide
Amber Wentworth
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Specializing in Sugar Addiction
I can remember joking that I was a sugar addict. But deep down, I believed I was just weak and lacked willpower even though I knew that was not true. I bought into the narrative that it was my fault and a character flaw. That’s what those of us who have a sensitive brain and are bombarded by addictive foods have been told.
It wasn’t until I was officially diagnosed as a pathological sugar addict that everything I had been through for over 40 years started to make sense. The constant dieting, eating disorders, exercise disorders, other addictions, depression, abuse of over-the-counter diet pills, laxatives, and diuretics, health issues, obesity were symptoms of the underlying issue of food addiction. What I put into my body was my choice, yes. But what happened to my brain after I had the food/drink was not.
Don’t let anyone shame you for having a sensitive brain. You didn’t have the knowledge or understanding, not to mention knowing you have a sensitive brain in order to avoid certain foods.
I broke the bonds of sugar addiction, and so can you. It’s not easy, but totally worth it to gain freedom from the control of food. Nothing tastes as good as my freedom feels!
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Credentials
Join my FaceBook Page
A place for sugar addicts to get information, support, and accountability.
Websites
- Bitten's Addiction
- Trigger Free Nutrition
- Food Addiction Institute
- SugarX Global
- Live Free
- Robert Lustig
- Diagnosis: Diet
- Sugar Addiction
- Unsweetened SIO
- The Kay Sheppard Plan
- Dr. Joan Ifland
- Dr. Nicole Avena
- Addictions Unplugged
- Mark S. Gold
- American Society of Addiction Medicine
- National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers
Podcasts
Food Addiction Self-Help/Support Groups
Videos
Articles
Sugar Addiction Resources
Here are a few resources to get you started.
BOOKS
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