As with other addictions like alcoholism and drug addiction, treatment for food addiction isn’t a cure. Food addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed or at least mitigated. People who are recovering from an addiction will be at risk for relapse for years and possibly for the rest of their lives.

Research shows that combining abstinence from a person’s “addictive foods” with support from a twelve step program and or a professional who uses the abstinence approach to treatment, ensures the best chance of success for most people.

Treatment approaches tailored to each person’s food use patterns and any co-occurring medical, mental, and social problems can often lead to continuous recovery.