# food as a drug #Unfinished See [[food log]] Anything that deals with [[anxiety]] should help. 2024-04-17...craving bad food...what am I looking for? [[distractions]], [[Numbing]] If you are on this page. Meditate. Move a tiny bit. Go get a hug. Get off your computer. It is a matter of focus. Take it bit by bit. - You [[craving|crave]] food regularly - You have [[emotional eating|binge ate]] - You have done food [[mindlessness|mindlessly]]. - You have done food for [[Numbing]] - You have continued use despite negative consequences (this is [[addiction]]) - People won't understand your difficulties with it - There will be much peer pressure to do it - Cross-craving. It practices not feeling this. Practices needing something other than this. [[attachment is the root of all suffering]] - It feels like it is just another drug and I'm practicting doing and wanting drugs - When you are doing it you are not meaningfuly connecting with others, it has a high [[opportunity cost]] - Truly serious consequences....[[Inflammation]], [[brain fog]], [[pain]], [[suffering]] - [[a vote for the life you want]], a poor vote. - easy to take for granted. - You tell yourself its not a problem. - You think about it too much - You feel shame/regret around it, especially afterwards - You'll need to develop a healthier schema regarding its use Anchoring bias might help. ## What are its effects? - [[sedative]] !!! this cannot be understated - [[compulsive redosing]] - [[anti-social behaviour that I do]] - Physical discomfort !!! this cannot be understated. - Less optimal breathing - [[digestive issues]] - [[IBS]], [[Bloated|bloating]] - [[belly fat]] and [[weight]] - When See [[food as fuel]]. It is potentially a better [[narrative]]. ## Harm reduction... - slow down - make what you eat be healthy - drink lots of water - [[good drug etiquette]] applies to food consumption. - Maybe engage more senses - Don't put yourself in environments - If you find yourself buying food, decide to give it away (giving other cookies is rewarding in way that eating them is not) ## Why I have thought it is like a drug - I eat. Then I get sleepy. This is a #Problem/Symptom - I crave it intensely, until I do it, and there is a wave of relief. ## I have struggled using food as a drug There is a decent chance this problem is just an example of obsessiveness, that I am looking for weeds to describe why I'm ill at ease in a garden that is on most accounts quite stunning. I would suggest trying not to obsess. Remember you can focus on anything. ## Misc I'm not interested in doing cocaine because the reward is short-lived and the consequences of addiction potentially decades long. This makes it easy to not do cocaine. The damage that disordered eating causes is unclear. ## Let's discuss the pro column for food - You can enjoy food - Sensory input largely positive - deliciousness - - there is a sense of reckless abandon - I am fully occupied. - ?The cost to benefit ratio is way off. ## Related - [[food]] - [[drugs]] - [[addiction]] - [[emotional eating]] - [[can we never go to dinner again]] ## #Pasted/AI Food and drugs share many similar properties when it comes to the way they affect our brains and bodies. Here are some ways in which food can be likened to a drug: 1. **Reward System Activation**: Both food and drugs have the ability to activate the brain's reward system. Dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, is released during the consumption of food, especially those high in fat, sugar, and salt, similar to the response induced by certain drugs. 2. **Addiction Potential**: Certain foods, particularly those that are highly processed or high in sugar, can lead to an addictive pattern of consumption. This is similar to the compulsive use of drugs despite harmful consequences. 3. **Tolerance**: Just like with drugs, regular consumption of certain types of food can lead to an increased tolerance, necessitating higher quantities of the food to achieve the same pleasure or satisfaction. 4. **Withdrawal**: Abstaining from certain foods, particularly those high in sugar, fat, or caffeine, can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, cravings, and physical discomfort. This is akin to withdrawal symptoms experienced when abstaining from drug use. Here is a table to compare the effects of food and drugs: | |Food|Drugs| |---|---|---| |Reward System|Activates dopamine pathways in the brain|Activates dopamine pathways in the brain| |Addiction|Possible with processed foods, high in fat or sugar|Common with many substances| |Tolerance|Increases with regular consumption of certain foods|Increases with regular use| |Withdrawal|Can occur with abrupt cessation of certain foods|Can occur with abrupt cessation of use| |Physical Harm|Overconsumption can lead to obesity, diabetes etc.|Overuse can lead to organ damage, overdose, death etc.| While these parallels exist, it's also crucial to note that food is a necessity for life, unlike recreational drugs. It is possible to have a healthy relationship with food, and here are some characteristics of that relationship: 1. **Balanced Intake**: Consuming a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, to ensure the body gets the necessary nutrients it needs. 2. **Moderation**: Enjoying all types of food, but limiting intake of those high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. 3. **Mindful Eating**: Paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, eating slowly to savor the food, and not eating out of boredom or emotional distress. 4. **Regular Physical Activity**: Balancing food intake with regular exercise. 5. **No Guilt**: Eating should not induce guilt. If you eat an unhealthy meal, simply make a healthier choice at the next meal. 6. **Food as Fuel**: Seeing food primarily as a source of energy and nutrients for the body, rather than a means of emotional comfort. 7. **No Fear of Food**: Not fearing any food, but recognizing that some foods should be consumed more sparingly than others. These strategies can help maintain a healthy, balanced relationship with food, prevent the cycle of food addiction, and contribute to overall physical and mental health.