How to overcome sugar addiction?

Sugar consumption activates the mesocorticolimbic system in a very similar way to substance abuse. But if all addictions initially start with a feeling of pleasure, as in the case of highly palatable foods and sugar rich diets, then why should I abandon something that makes me feel good? And then why does one continue to abuse food despite the negative consequences. There are various ways to deal with the different addictions. However, the problem with sugar addiction, or even more generally with food addiction, is that there is no awareness that the relationship with food can represent an addiction in some cases, and the tools are lacking to identify the most suitable professional figures to help manage the situation when needed. Therefore, the approach to the problem must be multidisciplinary. A methodology based on three fundamental elements is proposed: 1. Training the patient with regard to her/his addiction, providing objective and scientific information, 2. Providing the patient with the right tools, i.e. ‘know-how’, 3. Preventing relapses. Our patients’ stories report how they have learned to manage their emotional needs without escaping, to observe their thoughts by recognising their distortions, to identify what triggers their spasmodic desire for food and understand their behaviour in depth, and to connect better with themselves and others, also sharing the painful emotions along the way! KEY WORDS sugar addiction; food addiction; awareness; addiction treatment; multidisciplinary team.