ABSTRACT

The failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home is a generally recognized characteristic of drug addiction. Processed food addiction (PFA) manifesting as obesity has been shown to be associated with failed educations, careers, and family management. As practitioners review the devastation of PFA through the assessment of SRAD Criterion 5, it may become apparent that it is unrealistic to expect a person with such a severe disease to be able to carry out obligations. It is especially important to assess the safety of children in the food addict's care. School can present a number of problems for the food addict. Dense cueing, stress, and negative interactions with classmates can combine to accelerate the disease and create barriers to success. Practitioners can reassure clients that they are not to blame by comparing PFA to any other serious illness or serious accident.