ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the role of relationship problems in recovery from processed food addiction (PFA). It reviews evidence suggesting how to manage relationship problems to improve outcomes in recovery. Like all addicts, PFA clients may use addictive substances in spite of social and interpersonal problems. The research suggests a prominent role for interpersonal relationships in the development of obesity. A review article found that difficulties in childhood interpersonal relationships, such as caregiver physical and sexual abuse and peer bullying, were associated with adult obesity. Alcohol, sedatives, and opioids reduce the contributions of the frontal lobes that facilitate recall, executive decision-making, interpersonal sensitivity, judgment, and morality. Probing for severity of relationship problems is a key element of assessing PFA clients for conformance to Criterion 6, continued use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused by or exacerbated by the effects of processed foods.
