Food addiction, and a question for you

Hi All,

A quick update here, and then I wanted to ask you a question.

First, I was on the “Food Junkies Podcast,“ hosted by Vera Tarman and Clarissa Kennedy, two thoughtful clinicians who are working on understanding the phenomenon of compulsive overeating. (Other guests include the recovery researcher John Kelly and the addiction historian David Courtwright.)

They had wonderful, well-researched questions. We talked about big-picture models and theories of addiction. I especially enjoyed turning the tables and asking them about their own approaches and philosophies regarding food addiction. We got into a stimulating discussion of how to think about (what I continue to insist is the false dichotomy of) harm reduction vs abstinence, even in the case of seemingly unavoidable, everday addictions. I highly recommend their show.

Now for my question. For a while now, people have periodically asked whether I would offer some kind of group training or workshop. I’m touched by these inquiries, and I take them as an indication that folks are really seeking serious, meaningful help and support regarding addiction, recovery, and flourishing. So I’m looking into this possibility. Would you help me gauge interest and identify what would be most helpful by filling out this short survey?

In particular, back in January, I sent out a poll and was surprised to see that a huge number of respondants worked in the mental health/addictions field. Many more of you have joined since then, and I’m curious to see if that’s still the case, so even if you’re just vaguely curious, click here for the first Rat Park reader survey and let me know!

As usual, and especially in this case, please feel free to hit reply and write back to this newsletter to tell me more. Always great to hear from you. ‘Till next time.