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Locked Up for Eating Too Much: The Diary of a Food Addict in Rehab
By Debbie Danowski, Ph.D. Center City, MN: Hazelden, 2002, 220 pages, $14.99
Binge eating is a devastating problem for numerous members of today’s society. Although it is not acknowledged as a specified disorder, food addiction plagues a considerable percentage of the population. The effects of binge eating are highly detrimental both physically and psychologically. In Locked Up for Eating Too Much: The Diary of a Food Addict in Rehab, Debbie Danowski gives a first hand and extremely personal account of her experience as a food addict.
Danowski’s account of food addiction and rehab is exceptional in the fact that Locked Up For Eating Too Much is her own personal biography of her life as a binge eater. This is an exceptional strength when considering this book for utilization in psychotherapy as her account is both true and personal. This book is truly unique in the fact that food addiction and rehab are depicted from the personal experience of a food addict. Those individuals who currently suffer from a food addiction may find solace in this book as the author describes rehab and recovery in detail. Unfortunately, many who suffer from food addiction are not aware of or deny their addiction to food. Perhaps Locked Up For Eating Too Much can help them to understand and come to terms with their addiction. These individuals may benefit from reading this book as the author was also unaware and then in denial of her addiction to food. Many who currently suffer from this addiction may find comfort in this book as the diary does have a positive ending in the fact that Danowski has maintained her recovery. In addition, those who fear rehab may benefit from this description of rehab from a fearful beginning to a positive conclusion. Danowski is an exceptional role model in the fact that she has been capable of controlling her binge eating and leading a seemingly happy and successful life. Perhaps her story is capable of assisting other food addicts in pursuing the help they need.
This book is easy to read and written at a level that most young adults could comprehend. One weakness to be considered is the fact that this book does not fully outline treatment of food addiction. Perhaps her first book, Why Can’t I Stop Eating?, may be recommended as it outlines the plan she followed in rehab. In addition, Danowski’s story of recovery and a one hundred and sixty pound weight loss, although remarkable, may provide false hope. A large percentage of food addicts relapse and the implications of this are extremely painful.
Danowski’s description of food addiction and rehab begins during her first day at rehab and continues until her completion of treatment. Daily entries from her personal diary are given all the way through her last day in the treatment facility. During each entry she describes the meal plan and therapy experience while in rehab. In addition, she describes her own personal experiences and feelings that are quite revealing and even painful at times. The hurt and pain of being an obese food addict is documented throughout the book. Danowski begins rehab in a state of denial. She feels that others around her in treatment are sick, however, she cannot see that she too suffers from the same disease. Each day is described so that the reader really gets an understanding of the implications of food addiction and rehab.
Towards the middle of the book, Danowski has a breakthrough and realizes that she does indeed suffer from a food addiction. This is a tremendous turning point in her treatment and a movement towards recovery. The most essential part of Locked Up for Eating Too Much is Danowski’s apparent triumph over her food addiction. This is likely to instill any food addict with a sense of hope. In the conclusion of the book, she informs the reader of resources for help.
Danowski’s personal account of food addiction and rehab is quite moving and could be integrated carefully into psychotherapy. It may be utilized in the beginning stages of psychotherapy as a tool to assist in treating an individual with a food addiction. This book may facilitate the therapeutic process in helping the patient to understand or stop fearing food addiction. The greatest gift this book can provide is a sense of both universality and hope. Universality is an irreplaceable asset to convey as food addiction is not recognized as a specific disease. It is important to note that this book is simply a starting point for those working with food addicts. Further assistance such as rehab will likely need to be provided for many patients. It is best suited for portraying to food addicts that they are not alone and can find a positive way out of the embarrassment and pain.