Food Addiction

I have been pondering the idea of food addiction for a while. It was frustrating to me that despite my best efforts and desires I was still struggling with food. In my mind everyone eats a little too much occasionally, but not everyday. I did everyday.
In the first year or two after losing Zack I turned to food. I didn't see it then, but now it is crystal clear. Food was an excuse to leave the room when the topic of babies came up. Needing snack was a perfectly good excuse to leave during a commercial break when a diaper commercial came on. Going out to eat got me out of the house so I didn't have to sit and talk about my feelings. Feeling frustrated? Here have a cookie. Food became the constant through the years.
Now that I have gotten over the overwhelming sadness and feelings of failure and inadequacy I have developed habits-addictions you could say. Food is everywhere anytime I need it.
The other day I was feeling impatient with children and frustrated and saw some licorice. As soon as I put it in my mouth I realized what I was doing. The feelings were replaced with temporary relief. It didn't last long though and I was right back to feeling the frustration. It hit me that if I didn't find a better way to deal with things I would never get over this. I have been searching for ways to cope and am still trying to find some good solutions. Right now I am just not allowing myself to have those foods in my home.
I struggled calling my issues an addiction because I feel like it lessens the "legitimate"addictions. Who am I to compare over eating to a serious drug or alcohol addiction? I have a friend that reminded me that an addiction is an addiction and it doesn't matter what to. The mind works the same whether it is drugs or food. That helped me to see that it wasn't just me being lazy or lacking in motivation, it is a real thing.
So now I am working to figure it out. It is hard to admit that I can't beat this entirely on my own. I like to think I am stronger than anything that comes my way. And while I know I am strong,  I still see that I need help beyond myself to conquer this. I have found comfort in scriptures and in prayer. I am feeling hopeful.