Ep 1. Welcome to Treatment

Welcome to Treatment, the first episode of season one of Addicted to Food showcases the journey of eight individuals as they battle their food addictions. The show is set at the Shades of Hope Treatment Center in Texas, which is known to specialize in treating food addiction.

The first episode mainly focuses on the emotional struggles of the participants as they prepare to begin their 42-day journey toward recovery. The Shades of Hope Treatment Center is run by Tennie McCarty, a former food addict herself. Tennie guides the participants through the recovery program that includes therapy sessions, group discussions, and physical exercise.

In the beginning, the eight participants gather around a table, anxiously waiting to meet each other and their therapist. They all have different stories to tell, but they share a common enemy- food addiction. Together, they open up about their lives and the problems that have led them to seek help. One of the participants, Bethany, an obese mother of two is devastated at being stuck in a constant cycle of binge-eating and feeling ashamed of herself. Another participant, Ian, reveals his frustration at not being able to control his portions, which have resulted in multiple health complications. There are other stories of overeating, emotional eating, and childhood traumas, that have all culminated in this addiction.

As the first day progresses, it becomes clear that the next 42 days are going to be challenging both for the participants and their therapist. They are shown videos of their journey to get to the center, and it brings home the realization of the depth of their problems. McCarty explains that there are no shortcuts, no special formulas, and no magic pills to treat and defeat food addiction. What is required is a genuine desire and commitment to change, which is a choice that only the participants can make for themselves.

In the coming weeks, the participants undergo intensive therapy sessions that help them understand the emotional reasons why their addiction began in the first place. McCarty has the participants write letters to themselves about the painful moments from their past that have led them to be addicted to food. The letters are an outlet for the participants to express their real feelings. This is a moment of truth as many of them realize they have been repressing their emotions for a long time.

One of the heated moments of the show comes when McCarty decides to take the participants on a tour of a fast-food restaurant. She asks each of them to order from the menu, but before doing so, she hands them pictures of what their meal does to their bodies. The images of obese organs and blocked arteries help them to understand the severity of their addiction and its consequences. It becomes an illuminating moment, as they see the connection between what they are eating and their deteriorating physical health.

Physical exercise is another important part of the recovery process. The participants are shown doing yoga, hiking, and engaging in other forms of exercise to help them cope with the mental and emotional stress of withdrawal. They are also taught how to make healthier meals and snacks while on a budget, which comes as a revelation to many of them.

In the end, the first episode of Addicted to Food season one, Welcome to Treatment, sets the tone for the journey that lies ahead for the participants. It shows that recovery from food addiction is difficult, but it is achievable. They will have to overcome challenges and face their fears, but their strength, determination, and community support will help them succeed.

Overall, the show is a powerful depiction of the reality of food addiction and the personal struggles that come with it. It serves not only to educate viewers on the issue but also to offer hope to those who suffer from the same addiction. The journey of recovery may be long, but it is worth it when one is finally free from the chains of food addiction.