Drug/alcohol addiction treated like an illness but food addiction people are just called fat, why is that?
I know people who go to N.A. and A.A. and it is free, 2 of them even receive SSI payments as they are too “addicted” to work. I on the other hand, have a food addiction. I’m morbidly obese because of it, but Weight Watchers meetings charge me money to attend. Drug addicts have clinics they can go to for free medical care, I have to pay to go to gym. Mine addiction I’m told is one I can give up with will power, but they have a “disease”..I want to know why is it different? I am so tired of trying only to be shut down at every try and my health insurance would pay for me to go in rehab, but not for weight loss clinic or program. I feel like I should start being a druggie to get any help!
Let me give you a few details. I care for my 80 yr old mother and my 2 grandkids as their parents are off on drugs somewhere and I only get $335 from state to help pay for their care. I work 2 jobs just to pay bills and 1 of them is at fast food, the other is for insurance office. I cannot afford to buy better insurance and not eligible for state insurance because they say I make too much. By the end of working 14 hours a day M-F and 8 on Sat, plus all the housework, I am just too tired to work out. And there are plenty of free services for bulimia and anorxia, but not for food addition. I’m not making excuses I just want to know why the system is step up this way.
I eat for free at restaurant job and with the amount I earn I have to because the money has to go to pay for rent/utilities and childcare the state only allows me 40hours a week for the 2 kids. My grocery budget for 4 of us is $50 a week, so we eat as cheap as possible and yes that means alot of canned foods and such. People need to get off their high horses and walk a mile in someone elses shoes.
RdRedWine posted: 29 Aug at 5:58 am
GET A BETTER INSURANCE!!! Even mine offers free programs and discounts to fitness clubs and martial arts courses.
Weight Watchers is a FOR PROFIT company. You need to look into support groups.
Check the newspaper and go to health fairs. Some free courses are offered at your local hospital. At some health fairs you can get your diabetes tested, eyes and teeth checked, and blood pressure taken. Check our your YMCA and community building for free classes.
Shane posted: 29 Aug at 6:11 am
I think it’s because drugs and alcohol are actually physically addictive, while food is only mentally addictive at best. You can never be anything more than mentally dependent on food. And I know, I used to weigh 350+ lbs but I finally got my head out of my ass and lost 150 lbs. There is nothing magical about weight loss, you burn more calories than you take in and you lose weight. And if looking better, feeling better, and living longer aren’t good enough reasons for you to break this “addiction”, then nothing will be. Good luck!
Robert S posted: 29 Aug at 6:14 am
I sympathize, eating disorders which are treated as diseases are those like bolemia & anorexia; we’re considered normal.
I believe there is an “Over-eaters Anonymous” though.
tracymae64 posted: 29 Aug at 7:01 am
Take some of the money you spend on keeping your weight up and spend in on Weight Watchers and a pair of tennis shoes. You don’t need a gymnasium to walk, do pushups or situps. Quit throwing roadblocks in front of good health.
Kakitiss posted: 29 Aug at 7:03 am
BEING A CRACKHEAD IS NOT THE SAME AS BEING FAT.
Drug addictions are PHYSICAL changes in the brain pattern. Being fat is being lazy and weak.
Alcohol, cigarette, and yes, food addictions are ALL JUST MENTAL. Just get some willpower for chrissakes, I don’t care WHAT you say it’s just an excuse, anyone could stop if they wanted they just can’t be fcked so they use support groups and shit to try and make it seem worse than it is- just a lack of mental strength. Oh look, theres a cake! WOW GEE I DIDNT EAT IT! Oh look, theres a beer! OH GEE I DIDNT DRINK IT! Oh look, theres a cigarette! Well gee willikers, I smoked for 5 years but I DIDNT SMOKE IT. Get over yourself, go out and exercise.
tone posted: 29 Aug at 7:26 am
You do not have illness, you just overeat and eat wrong foods…… I do not agree with SSI and free assistance for drug addicts or alcohol addicts, however, these items have chemicals in them that cause addiction, food does not…..you had better check your insurance and local healthcare better, they will pay for mental health counseling which you need to stop food addiction (if you truly have that) and also many hospitals and clinics offer FREE courses on how to eat healthy, lose weight and also offer FREE – again I say FREE exercise programs for the morbidly obese…….I get tired of people complaining about their “addiction” take some responsibility and get some willpower…..you better start looking into assistance….
parkermbg posted: 29 Aug at 7:43 am
It is tragically true that obsessive/compulsive food issues are not recognized or supported by our government in the same way that addiction/alcoholism are. i would suggest overeaters anonymous as the best option for dealing with your O/C behavior, it’s free-and you get great support! You get information and emotional support on how to deal with your triggers, emotional debris from the past, and current crisis,…
the idiots who do not understand this kind of addiction do not realize that alcoholics and drug addicts just have to stop using or drinking,…..then use their support system to stay stopped (12 steps, family, church, sponsor,..)
a “FOOD ADDICT” has to let the monster out 3 times a day and still be able to control it. My hat is off to anyone who has been able to get long term abstinance from O/C food behavior, I could hardly imagine trying to stay sober and sane if I absolutely had to have one glass of beer with my lunch every day. I would be out the door-down to the liquor barn to get the rest of the keg!
deviousone_98 posted: 29 Aug at 7:51 am
Wow – I would love to see some of the ignorant posters above put in your shoes for a day. Have some compassion, people.
Personally, I’m with you in thinking that both are diseases. Addiction is addiction and if you’ve never faced it or know anyone who’s faced it then you have no right making judicious comments about someone else.
It’s funny how insurance will cover drug and alcohol addiction treatment, but not nutritionists or dieticians who can help people addicted to food get ideas on how to get their life together.
I commend you for taking care of everyone – you need to try to take care of yourself, too. You deserve it, and all of these people who rely on you need you around!! I’m sorry there are such idiots in the world who feel it necessary to respond with ugly comments, such as the ones above me. Keep up the good work, and I wish you luck in getting the help you deserve!
lil sammy posted: 29 Aug at 8:29 am
Well, let me say first off: good on you for taking care of your family and recognizing that you have a problem that needs to be addressed. Overcoming any addiction can be a nightmare if you don’t have proper support.
My story is similar from the other side of the fence. I’m well off, and appear and behave fine but am only rejected by the people around me for admitting my alcoholism. There was no sympathy for my illness, only blame. All of those pricey rehabs, addiction specialists and even the free meetings just don’t work for everyone.
Please don’t be a druggie to get help, it isn’t the kind of help you want, trust me.
Everybody always says to help yourself and it sounds like horse$hit, but it’s what made me finally, slowly, do better.
Get a full physical and blood panel. Maybe when you see what’s happening inside of your body, it will spark something in your brain. When I saw that I had liver damage (at 32!!), it really motivated me to do better. I printed out a picture of my liver at it’s current state and one of a healthy liver (my goal) to keep in my journal. Perhaps you could do something similar for your heart. You’d be surprised at the jolt it sends you!
Perhaps you can keep a food diary. Then you have to think about every bite that goes in your mouth, much like I think about every swig of beer when I have to write it out. Then maybe go back and get a physical in a few months to see the improvement.
A few food tip: rice instead of pasta is good and filling. Hot sauce and Mrs. Dash kinda replaces sodium. Icy pops are tasty and cheap. I know it sounds crappy, but any little bit helps. At work, start by leaving off the cheese and mayo from your sandwich, or not salting your fries
I don’t have much more advice, but stay strong and think in terms of feeling better. I believe that any addiction is a disease, but maybe doctors and other folks don’t have the answers.
Very good luck to you!