Freedom from food addiction – Rhona's storyFreedom from food addiction – Rhona's story
Real Recovery
Believe it or not, the twelve step program applies to food disorders as well. Dr. Rhona Epstein, author of "," joins to share about setting healthy boundaries when it comes to our eating habits. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support....
49:37•20 Jul 2025
Breaking Free from Food Addiction
Episode Overview
- Food addiction can be managed with faith-based 12-step recovery.
- Emotional eating often stems from stress or disappointment.
- Healthy boundaries are crucial for overcoming food triggers.
- Spiritual growth is key to sustaining recovery.
- Support systems play a vital role in recovery success.
“The gratitude is not that we suffered, but the blessings that come from going through a recovery journey are immense.”
In this enlightening episode of Real Recovery, hosts Bill Arnold and George P. Fraser are joined by Dr. Rhona Epstein, a renowned expert in the field of food addiction recovery. Dr. Epstein, who has dedicated over 35 years to understanding and treating food-related disorders, shares her insights on how the 12-step program, traditionally used for alcohol and drug addiction, can be effectively applied to food addiction.
The discussion begins with a reflection on the common experiences of emotional eating, which many listeners can relate to. Whether it's reaching for comfort food after a stressful phone call or indulging beyond fullness during holidays like Thanksgiving, these habits often lead to cycles of guilt and discomfort. Dr. Epstein emphasizes that food addiction is particularly challenging because unlike substance abuse, eating is a necessary part of daily life. Dr.
Epstein highlights the importance of identifying trigger foods and setting healthy boundaries to manage them. She notes that emotional distress often leads individuals to seek solace in food, which can become a quick, albeit temporary, solution to changing one's mood. The conversation then shifts to how the 12-step recovery principles can be integrated into the process of overcoming food addiction. Step one, admitting powerlessness over the addiction, is crucial in recognizing the problem and beginning the journey to recovery.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Epstein stresses the significance of spiritual growth and the power of God in sustaining recovery. She explains that while eating healthily can lead to physical improvements like clearer thinking and better sleep, true motivation and change must come from spiritual strength and a committed support system. As the episode concludes, listeners are encouraged to explore more about Dr. Epstein's work and her books on food addiction.
Her approach combines psychological insight with spiritual guidance, offering a comprehensive path to healing and freedom from food-related struggles.
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