By Dena McDowell, MS, RD

If you have ever struggled with food whether it is overeating or restricting food intake you may find it helpful to know that there is a support system available to you. Food Addicts Anonymous is a group designed to help those who struggle with eating.

What is the Food Addicts Anonymous about?

Food Addicts Anonymous (FA) is an international group of women and men who all share the common problem of being overly obsessed with food. These people have found solace in meeting in a group setting to openly discuss their everyday battles with food. The program follows the twelve-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. The goal is to use these twelve principles as a foundation to lay the groundwork to stop allowing food to control the person's life.

Who can join Food Addicts Anonymous?

FA is an open enrollment program. Anyone who is struggling with food can join this group. The group is not gender-specific, so both men and women are encouraged to attend meetings. This group is not just for people who overeat-it is intended for anyone who abuses food. People who have anorexia, bulimia, or compulsive overeating qualify as do normal weight individuals who are obsessed with food. Membership is free and members are allowed to come and go as they please. Groups meet throughout the United States as well as in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. To find out more information or a meeting location near you log onto www.foodaddicts.org .

Joining is a win-win situation

If you struggle with food and realize that you need help and want to free yourself from food obsession, then this group may be very beneficial. If you are not sure if you have a food addiction, the Food Addicts Anonymous website provides a helpful quiz to help you decide if this group is for you. With the help and support of mentors and other group members you will learn how to disassociate food from the rest of your life. Struggling with food, whether it is eating too much or too little can lead to a poor quality of life. Finding the support to cope with food as an addiction is the starting point to living a more fulfilling life.