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At the same time, it is important to gain an understanding of the causes, beginning with
analysis of the eating patterns.
W
HAT
CIRCUMSTANCES
TRIGGER
A
BINGE
?
Most people binge when they are frustrated, lonely, or want to shut off their minds and
seek temporary gratification.
W
HAT IS IT YOU REALLY WANT AT THAT PARTICULAR MOMENT
,
OTHER
THAN
FOOD
?
Do you want companionship? Or do you want privacy? Is there a project or activity
you'd rather be working on right now? Or would you rather be relaxing by the pool or with
friends in a café? Once people pay attention to their own behaviors, thoughts and feelings,
they will be able to become aware of their own needs and really deal with the root of the
problem rather than using food as a temporary relief. Most people with an eating problem
will not talk about it with family or friends. Therefore professional help is often necessary.
Compulsive eating will not only destroy a person's self-esteem, but also his or her physical
health. If the problem continues, it can lead to other self-destructive behavior, such as sub-
stance abuse. Unless appropriate treatment is taken, a person will never be free from daily,
self-imposed torment.
C
OMPULSIVE
SPENDING
“I often buy outfits I never end up wearing,” Cindy said. “I know I shouldn't have
bought them, but shopping always cheers me up. It makes me feel alive.”
Cindy, 34, moved to Taiwan sixteen months ago. Her husband has gotten on her case
lately over her spending habits. She feels ashamed and depressed.
“In fact, he's right about me. It doesn't matter how much he gives me, I end up spend-
ing it all. I'm really no good with money.”
Cindy is a compulsive spender. Although she recognizes that she exceeds the family
budget, she can't resist her impulses. She ends up feeling guilty and frustrated for over-ex-
tending herself financially, but the more frustrated she feels, the more she spends.
Compulsive spending may not sound like a serious problem to most people, but in fact it
is a form of addiction. It is no different from other material addictions, such as pathological
gambling or kleptomania.
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