Abstinence-based programs called 12-step programs are often offered to people with food addiction. These programs, which are adapted from the 12-step program originally developed for alcoholism, take place over a series of face-to-face or online group meetings aimed at helping people to overcome addiction to specific foods through a support system. In this context, the term “abstinence” doesn’t refer to abstaining from food in general, since one can’t abstain from eating, but to abstaining from specific ingredients (e.g., refined sugar). Although 12-step programs are effective for alcoholism, there is currently limited evidence supporting their efficacy for food addiction.[1]
Are there any other treatments for food addiction?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Abstinence-based 12-step programs, which are adapted from those for alcoholism, are available for individuals with food addiction and focus on abstaining from specific ingredients rather than food itself. However, there is limited evidence to support their effectiveness for food addiction.