We've often discussed this topic here Sonali and you are spot on with your insights. There is really no difference. I think people are reluctant to make this comparison, which I don't understand. We humans can become addicted or dependent on a wide variety of substances. Our brains light up for sugar the same as it does for heroine. It is human nature to want to subdue anxiety or depression or lonliness or even boredom and food is easy. It's rarely ever about being hungry. Sounds a lot like substance abuse to me.

My husband was a lifelong smoker. It wasnt until he suddenly fell to the ground with vascular blockages requiring emergency triple bypass that he quit...until 6 months later when his wife left him. He went back to smoking and continued until he met me. That was a deal breaker for me so he quit for good. Also daily heavy consumption of red wine. As traumatic as his near death experience and painful recovery was..it wasn't enough for him to leave his addictions. We all have to reach that moment when we become stronger then our addictions.