I was raised in a very addicted family structure as a young boy. Born in 1957 and growing up in the 1960s, a time of cultural upheaval, casting off societal restraints, and experimental behaviors set the hook of addiction in my life on many levels. Let me just say that I was exposed to a lot of addictive behaviors, even in my own family. I'm the youngest of five children. I had 3 siblings who died from drug and alcohol overdose directly and another who died early as a result of premature organ failure due to decades-long heroin addiction. When I was only 15 years old the neighborhood heroin dealer tied a band around my arm to give a "free shot" of heroin, only he couldn't hit a vein and in the process, I became so agitated that I ripped the band he wrapped around my arm. Thank God for veins that aren't easily raised, or who knows what would have happened to me. Despite having dodged becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol, I was already addicted to an equally devastating substance which had already hijacked my brain's dopamine center since I was a young child, that being processed sugar and overconsumption of carbohydrates in general. You see, I am a food addict. I know it and I admit it. I'm only beginning to understand some of the multi-layered physiological aspects of this disease. As previously noted, I am extremely grateful to professionals like Dr. Tro and others who have walked the walk and have made it their life's passion to help others like me. I have recently been introduced to a group called, The Food Addiction Institute. They have a plethora of YouTube videos available. I watched one this morning of a woman named Daria Green who is a recovered food addict as well as a board member of the FAI. If you're so inclined, you can watch her tell her own story in the link provided. https://youtu.be/vfTlVuaEGfo?si=S9nVlRFnZECJqsHV

Posted by Scott. at 2025-09-11 13:29:19 UTC