Question 1

i seem to have an addiction to eating ice. but now sometimes after eating it, i start to feel nausea. i go through maybe 2-3 trays of ice a day.

Accepted Answer

Compulsion: I see this more as a compulsion than an addiction.  I'm sure it's not in the best interest of your health and your teeth.  Consider seeing a therapist that specializes in OCD and related conditions.  Medications such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) may also help.

Question 2

i have a strange addiction to eating coffee grounds throughout the day. i stopped for a while, but the urge has returned. is this harmful?

Accepted Answer

How's the iron level: It is interesting that you say you have iron deficiency; the urge to eat odd things like ice or chalk or even dirt can be a sign of iron or other mineral deficiency. It's called 'pica' and given your history i would definitely get your iron level checked. It can also occur in pregnancy but i would assume that's not your situation.
Sometimes ocd or obsessive compulsive disorders are the cause.

Question 3

is anorexia, or eating less/controlling also an addiction?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Anorexia and other eating disorders are often treated using an addictions model.  The cause of eating disorders are arguable.  However, the addictions model of treating these problems are often successful.

Question 4

have an addiction to french fries and candy. what could someone do to stop eating these foods?

Accepted Answer

Decipher Cause: Smell is strongest memory trigger. Avoid walking into hamburger joint, candy store--may stir up childhood memories of comforting foods.
Eat well rounded:protein, fiber, enriched carbs, salads & fruit. Hydrate.
Lots of sleep and regular exercise (one hour a day) helps reduce craving!
talk about your daily plan; journal what you ate.
Healthy substitutes: yogurt, fruit, nuts instead of candy.

Question 5

i have a decent enough eating habit except i do drink a lot of tea with suger in it (an addiction really). will this be a problem?

Accepted Answer

Probably.: If you are drinking any sugared beverage throughout the day you are at great risk of tooth decay and diabetes. Try to enjoy the flavor of the tea itself. Warning, substituting lemon for the sugar will also risk cavities if bathing the teeth in it all day!

Question 6

i have a eating addiction. how can i get rid of it? i eat for comfort and sometimes can't stop. i tried everything and nothing works. please help.

Accepted Answer

Food Addiction: Have you received treatment from a mental health professional who specializes in eating disorders? Have you been part of a 12 step group such as Overeaters Anonymous?  Have you had a physical exam from your doc to measure hormone levels?  Hope these options help.  Peace and good health.

Question 7

i have an addiction to sugar. i have no control. sneaking hiding. eating sugar by spoonfulls. candy bars 3 at a time. fast so not caught. help. :-(?

Accepted Answer

Have a therapist?: If so, talk about the extent of the problem. If not, think about finding one w/ experience in eating disorders/addictions. Until then, go to a 12-step program (i.e., aa meeting). They often welcome sugar addicts and have the best reputation for addiction success. Most towns have more than one, so a finding a good fit should not be a problem. Good for you that you see the problem. 1st step done!

Question 8

how come bipolar people have shopping and eating addictions?

Accepted Answer

See below in details: One of symptoms for bipolar affective disorder is elevated goal-directed activities, like increasing activities in shopping, eating, house cleaning, etc.. It is not addictive behaviors. Those behaviors will subside once bipolar affective disorder is treated.

Question 9

i have a recent addiction to eating chalk. why is this and what is the reason and how to treat it?

Accepted Answer

Pica: Pica occurs when a person repetitively eats substances which usually  provide no nutritional value. Recommend evaluation by your physician as rarely the pica is driven by a nutritional deficet.  Once, this is evaluated, work with a therapist is usually beneficial. Take care.

Question 10

what if eating is an addiction and starving is just a withdrawal symptom? is that how some people with eating disorder thinks?

Accepted Answer

Even more, I think: This sounds like a piece of disordered thinking. A person with an ed might also have other problems. Some intelligent people with thinking disorders can get tangled up in logic that includes a few true elements and leads to very wrong places. Some eating can be addictive, but not in general. Starving leads to death it is not a symptom. If this is you - see a psychiatrist for an evaluation. Best!

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Doctor answers about:

Addiction to eating ice cubes

A member asked:

I seem to have an addiction to eating ice. but now sometimes after eating it, i start to feel nausea. i go through maybe 2-3 trays of ice a day.

A member asked:

I have a strange addiction to eating coffee grounds throughout the day. i stopped for a while, but the urge has returned. is this harmful?

A member asked:

Is anorexia, or eating less/controlling also an addiction?

A member asked:

Have an addiction to french fries and candy. what could someone do to stop eating these foods?

A member asked:

I have a decent enough eating habit except i do drink a lot of tea with suger in it (an addiction really). will this be a problem?

A member asked:

I have a eating addiction. how can i get rid of it? i eat for comfort and sometimes can't stop. i tried everything and nothing works. please help.

A member asked:

I have an addiction to sugar. i have no control. sneaking hiding. eating sugar by spoonfulls. candy bars 3 at a time. fast so not caught. help. :-(?

A member asked:

How come bipolar people have shopping and eating addictions?

A member asked:

I have a recent addiction to eating chalk. why is this and what is the reason and how to treat it?

A member asked:

What if eating is an addiction and starving is just a withdrawal symptom? is that how some people with eating disorder thinks?

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