Daria Green

Food Addiction Professional

Functional Medicine Health Coach

I understand how difficult it can be to struggle with disordered eating habits and the emotional toll it can take on individuals and their loved ones. That's why I'm passionate about helping people overcome their addictions and develop a healthier and happier relationship with food. Through a holistic and compassionate approach, I provide personalized treatment plans that prioritize physical and emotional wellness. I believe everyone deserves a chance to break free from the cycle of addiction and achieve long-term recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with food addiction, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can work towards a brighter and healthier future.

If you are or have struggled with any other addiction previously you might be susceptible to sugar impacting your brain in a much more serious way.

Let's apply addiction medicine framework

Sugar addiction is a complex disease that can have serious consequences for physical and mental health. However, many people may not realize that the principles of addictology, addiction medicine, and substance abuse logic can be effectively applied to the treatment of sugar addiction and food addiction.

Addictology is the scientific study of addiction, including its causes, mechanisms, and treatment. Addiction medicine is a specialty field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of substance use disorders. Substance abuse logic involves the application of scientific knowledge and evidence-based practices to the treatment of addiction.

While sugar addiction is not yet officially recognized as a substance use disorder in the DSM-5, it shares many similarities with other addictions, such as drug addiction and alcoholism. Like other addictions, sugar addiction can cause changes in the brain that make it difficult to quit using, even when the person wants to stop. Additionally, people with sugar addiction may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and irritability, when they try to cut back or quit.

Given these similarities, the principles of addictology can be effectively applied to the treatment of food addiction. Treatment may involve a combination of therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and individual counseling. In some cases, medication may also be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

One key component of addiction treatment is abstinence, which means completely avoiding the addictive substance. In the case of sugar addiction, this may mean avoiding all forms of added sugars and sweeteners, including high-fructose corn syrup, table sugar, and artificial sweeteners. By removing the source of the addiction, the brain can begin to heal and the person can begin to regain control over their eating habits.

In addition to these therapies, weight management may also be an important component of treatment for sugar addiction. By helping clients achieve and maintain a healthy weight, we can help them reduce their risk of developing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

While sugar addiction is a complex and challenging disease, it can be effectively treated using the principles of addictology, addiction medicine, and substance abuse logic. With the right combination of therapies and support, clients can achieve lasting recovery and lead happier healthier lives.

Areas of Expertise

  • Biochemical repair
  • Functional Medicine
  • Addiction counseling
  • Sugar addiction treatment
  • Comprehensive assessment
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Chronic diseases
  • Lifestyle medicine
  • Environmental medicine
  • Mindfulness
  • Wellness coaching

Solution

At the heart of my addiction treatment model is the belief that abstinence from sugar is the most effective way to overcome sugar addiction. Just like with other addictive substances, such as drugs or alcohol, the only way to truly break free from the cycle of addiction is to completely eliminate the addictive substance from your life.

While some people may be able to moderate their sugar intake, for others, abstinence is the best course of action. This factor is very individual and depends on the stage of progression of the disease. That's because sugar addiction can be a complex and deeply ingrained pattern of behavior that's difficult to break. By completely eliminating sugar from your diet, you remove the temptation and give yourself the best chance of success.

Of course, abstinence isn't easy, especially when sugar is so prevalent in our food environment. That's why I provide ongoing support and accountability to help you stay on track. We'll work together to develop coping strategies and alternative behaviors to help you manage cravings and other symptoms of withdrawal.

I also believe that a holistic approach to addiction treatment is essential. This means addressing not only the physical symptoms of addiction but also the biochemical, emotional, and psychological factors that may be contributing to the problem. Through cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based techniques, we'll work together to uncover the underlying issues that may be driving your addiction.

Overall, my goal as a sugar addiction professional and addiction counselor is to provide you with the tools and support you need to overcome your addiction and live a healthier, happier life. If you're ready to take the first step toward recovery, I encourage you to reach out to schedule a consultation.

Gift yourself freedom

Here's a self-assessment quiz that can help you determine whether you may be struggling with sugar addiction:

  1. Do you find yourself craving sugary foods or drinks, even when you're not hungry?
  2. Do you often eat sugary foods or drinks to help you feel better when you're feeling stressed or anxious?
  3. Have you tried to cut back on sugar in the past, only to find that you can't seem to stay away from it for very long?
  4. Do you find yourself eating more and more sugar over time, as your tolerance for it increases?
  5. Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, or irritability, when you try to cut back on sugar?

If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, you may be struggling with sugar addiction.

The importance of comprehensive assessment and treatment

Sugar addiction is a topic that has garnered a lot of attention in recent years, as more and more people are struggling with the negative consequences of excess sugar consumption. From weight gain to insulin resistance to a host of other health problems, sugar addiction can wreak havoc on both our physical and mental well-being. But how do you know if you are a sugar addict? And if you are, what can you do about it?

The truth is, sugar addiction can be difficult to diagnose. Unlike substance addictions, where physical dependence is often obvious, sugar addiction is a more subtle and insidious problem. It can manifest in a variety of ways, from constant cravings for sweets to mood swings to difficulty controlling the amount of sugar you consume.

So how do you know if you have a problem with sugar? One way to start is by examining your relationship with sugar. Do you find yourself constantly craving sweets, even when you're not hungry? Do you find it difficult to stop eating sugary foods, even when you know they're not good for you? Do you experience mood swings or other negative symptoms when you try to cut back on sugar?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be having a problem with the way sugar impacts your biochemistry. But the diagnosis is not always so clear-cut. There are a number of other factors that can contribute to sugar addiction, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. It's important to work with a qualified professional to assess your individual situation and determine the best course of treatment.

Some important tools which can be used to diagnose sugar addiction are the YFAS (Yale Food Addiction Scale) and DSM-5 substance abuse criteria. These criteria are commonly used to diagnose substance use disorders, but can also be applied to sugar addiction. The criteria include symptoms such as a loss of control over sugar consumption, continued use despite negative consequences, and compulsive seeking of sugar.

In addition to assessing your relationship with sugar, it's also important to consider your overall health and well-being. That is where Functional Medicine comes in handy. Excess sugar consumption has been linked to a wide range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and more. And we need to treat a person as a whole, applying a holistic approach. If you are experiencing any co-occurring health problems, it may be a sign that you need to cut back on sugar.

So what can you do? The first step is to seek help from a qualified professional. This may include working with a counselor or therapist to address any underlying psychological or emotional issues that may be contributing to your addiction. It may also involve working with a nutritionist or dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan that reduces your sugar intake.

In addition to professional help, there are also a number of self-help strategies that can be effective in managing sugar addiction. These may include mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, as well as regular exercise and stress-reduction techniques.

In the end, the most important thing is to recognize that sugar addiction is a real and serious problem that requires attention and care. By taking steps to address your addiction, you can improve your health and well-being, and enjoy a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Ambition and Innovation

Pioneering the field of food addiction is not easy yet very rewarding. I hold ambitious goals for myself as an addiction counselor and leader in my community. Becoming more involved in advocacy work surrounding sugar addiction and mental health is very important to finally bring relevant help to the affected individuals. There is still so much stigma and misunderstanding surrounding addiction, and I want to be a voice for change. By participating in advocacy efforts, reaching out to fellow practitioners, and educating medical doctors, I hope to help shift public perception and create a more supportive environment for those in recovery.

Fortunately, innovative solutions are being developed to tackle addiction and I am involved in bringing cutting-edge knowledge to the food addiction space. The solution to a complex problem must be multidisciplinary, therefore cooperation with related medical fields is of high importance.

All the following practices may highly benefit from food addiction assessment and treatment integration:

By addressing the root causes of addiction and focusing on nutrition as a key component of overall health and wellness, we can help patients achieve better outcomes and live healthier, happier lives. With continued research and collaboration between medical professionals, we can make this a reality for patients across all medical specialties.

I am committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in the field of food addiction counseling, and regularly attend conferences and workshops to expand my knowledge and skills. With a deep understanding of the neurobiology of addiction and the impact it has on both individuals and their loved ones, I am dedicated to providing a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of the disease of addiction.

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