The addict mind will always say “It’s not that bad”

Dr. Tarman, the author of “Food Junkies” defines food addiction as a chronic, progressive, and potentially fatal disease that involves an obsessive and compulsive relationship with food, especially highly palatable foods that are rich in sugar, fat, and salt. She says that food addiction is not about eating too much or being overweight, but about having an abnormal response to certain foods that makes them feel good in the short term, but causes harm in the long term. She argues that food addiction is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower, but a biological disorder that can be treated with abstinence from addictive foods and recovery support.

In this video of a Food Addiction: The Problem and The Solution podcast episode, Dr. Vera Tarman, a food addiction expert and author of Food Junkies: The Truth About Food Addiction, explains the science and the experience of food addiction. She compares food addiction to other substance addictions, such as alcohol and drugs, and shows how certain foods can trigger the same reward pathways in the brain that lead to cravings, loss of control, and negative consequences. She also shares her own personal story of overcoming food addiction and offers hope and guidance for others who struggle with this condition.

Dr. Tarman also discusses some of the common myths and misconceptions about food addiction, such as the idea that moderation is possible for everyone, or that food addiction is just an excuse for overeating. She debunks these myths with scientific evidence and clinical experience, and shows how food addiction can be diagnosed using criteria similar to those used for other substance addictions. She also provides some practical tips on how to identify and avoid addictive foods, how to cope with cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and how to find help and support from professionals and peers who understand food addiction.

Dr. Vera Tarman is on the faculty at the INFACT School and is an internationally renowned expert on sugar and food addiction and knows recovery is possible. Dr. Vera Tarman is the Medical Director of Renascent, one of Canada’s largest treatment centers for substance abuse where she works as an addiction specialist. Check out Dr. Tarman’s Facebook group

The INFACT School The International School for Food Addiction Counseling and Treatment (INFACT School) is the world’s first and only food addiction counseling training, resulting in professional certification from an accredited certification body. Graduates qualify to receive a Certified Food Addiction Professional (CFAP) certificate from the European Certification Board and a CFAP from the The Addiction Professionals Certification Board.

This video is the 5th Episode of the podcast, Food Addiction: The Problem and The Solution sponsored by the Food Addiction Institute, produced by The International School for Food Addiction Counseling and Treatment (INFACT), and hosted by FAI Board member, Susan Branscome.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

The podcast is available on most podcast platforms including Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Amazon, Google, Pandora, and Podtail.

Listeners can also listen to the podcast on the INFACT School website and on the INFACT Youtube channel.

Must-Listen! Dr. Bonnie Nolan Unveils the Science of Addiction

Dear INFACT Community,

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of addiction and recovery? Episode 32 of the Food Addiction Podcast is here, and it’s a game-changer!

We’re thrilled to feature Dr. Bonnie Nolan—a neuroscientist, Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a powerful voice in the food addiction space. With a PhD in neuroscience and years of hands-on experience, Dr. Nolan brings unparalleled insight into the brain’s dopamine response and its role in addiction.

But here’s what makes this episode truly extraordinary:

  • Dr. Nolan’s personal recovery journey from alcohol and food addiction.
  • Eye-opening connections between childhood trauma, ACEs, and addictive behaviors.
  • Why ultra-processed foods must be recognized as addictive substances in the DSM-V.
  • The remarkable ability of the brain to heal through recovery practices.

Dr. Nolan’s passion and expertise light up this episode, offering inspiration, hope, and practical guidance for anyone affected by addiction. Whether you’re in recovery, a healthcare professional, or simply curious, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and enlightened.

Warm regards,
Esther Helga Guðmundsdóttir
Founder, INFACT School

Tune in now!

The International School for Food Addiction Counseling and Treatment (INFACT) is thrilled to announce new training modalities for 2025! We’re expanding our certification opportunities to offer greater flexibility and accessibility:

📅 Two Certification Periods:

  • March 2025 Start Date
  • September 2025 Start Date

🌟 What’s New for 2025:

  • On-Demand Online Program with examinations available twice a year!
  • Treatment & Recovery Practicum Course offered two times a year.
  • Stay tuned for exact dates—we can’t wait to share more details soon!

📖 Program Highlights:

  • 170 hours of engaging and informative virtual teaching sessions.
  • Access to our exclusive student platform packed with valuable resources and support.
  • Comprehensive lectures, teaching manual, and course materials.
  • Receive the prestigious Certified Food Addiction Professional (CFAP) credential, recognized by the European Certification Board.

Let’s make a difference together. Stay tuned for more updates! 🎓

Sign up today!

We’re thrilled to announce the Monthly Guest Lecturer Series, featuring the biggest names and brightest minds in food addiction research and treatment! This is your chance to learn directly from the pioneers shaping the field, including:

  • Dr. Vera Tarman, MD – Renowned addiction expert and author of Food Junkies: Recovery from Food Addiction.
  • Nicole M. Avena, PhD – Leading neuroscientist and author of Why Diets Fail, specializing in the science of food addiction.
  • Susan Peirce Thompson, PhD – New York Times bestselling author and founder of Bright Line Eating.
  • Robert H. Lustig, M.D. – World-famous endocrinologist and author of Fat Chance, known for his expertise in sugar addiction and metabolic health.

…and many other trailblazing thought leaders!

💡 Want to learn from the best? These lectures are open to everyone—no CFAP certification required!

🎓 Pricing Options:

  • $40 per individual lecture
  • $325 for a 10-lecture bundle (save $75!)

This is an incredible opportunity to hear directly from the experts driving change in how we understand and treat food addiction. Whether you're a professional or simply passionate about the topic, these lectures will empower and inspire you.

Message us to learn more!
📚 Must-Read Recommendation for the INFACT Community!

We are honored to present H. Theresa Wright's newest book, The Sane Food Solution: Transform Your Relationship with Food and Change Your Life. This is an essential read for anyone affected by food addiction and a valuable resource for all INFACT students.

If you’ve ever struggled with your relationship with food or felt trapped in cycles of compulsive and addictive eating, this book is here to guide you toward a path of peace, freedom, and joy.

Written by a pioneer in the field of disordered eating, The Sane Food Solution offers a compassionate and effective approach that has transformed thousands of lives. Inside, you’ll find:

  • Insightful Strategies to navigate emotional and psychological eating triggers.
  • Nutritional Expertise tailored to support lasting health and well-being.
  • Holistic Approaches to address the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of food-related issues.
  • Practical Tools like written exercises and a structured recovery program to empower sustainable change.

Whether you’re seeking personal recovery or expanding your professional knowledge, this book is a powerful tool for anyone ready to transform their relationship with food.

Don’t miss out—this is a must-read for our INFACT community!

➡️ Available now on Amazon.

Are you interested in discovering if you are a food addict?

The INFACT School now offers you access to a free diagnostic tool called the Yale Scale. If you’re curious to find out whether you might have a food addiction or just keen to see the self-report measure in action, you can complete the questionnaire below.

Once you complete the questionnaire, we will be in touch with the next steps to help you in your recovery process.

Complete questionnaire
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