ABSTRACT
Withdrawal is one of the most important diagnostic criteria for addictions. This chapter describes evidence to the contrary. Withdrawal from processed foods is more difficult to organize into a syndrome because of the variety of addictive substances involved. For the practitioner, learning about withdrawal is vital to preparing clients to go through the process. Throughout the process of withdrawal or detoxification, the practitioner can offer encouragement and education about the long-term process of recovery to help motivate the client to complete withdrawal. A number of animal studies have demonstrated symptoms of withdrawal from a combination of sugar and fat. Symptomology of depression, anxiety, cravings, and altered motor activity have been found. The research into the neurology of withdrawal in drug addiction finds parallels in research into withdrawal from processed foods. Withdrawal should be carefully monitored for the need to reduce medications for diet-related diseases.
