Food Addiction

For most people, eating is a pleasurable experience. It's a biological necessity that most cultures have elevated to a high social status. But for some, eating is a compulsion. Men and women of all ages force themselves to eat too much or too little, and suffer tremendous psychological pain when they do. Eating, body weight and image become an obsession that damages relationships and has serious medical consequences.

In this section, you'll find information on the two most common eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. A self-test is provided to help you determine if you or someone you know might have an eating disorder. Click on any of the following topics to learn more:

The Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery has centers at the following locations: