Episode 215: Clinician's Corner - Exploring Harm Reduction in Ultra-Processed Food Use Disorder

In this episode, we dive into a hot topic in the world of Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) Use Disorder—Harm Reduction. This concept, widely recognized in substance use recovery, has been largely undefined or misunderstood in the food addiction space. Today, we explore:

• What is harm reduction?
• How does it work in food addiction recovery?
• Who might benefit from harm reduction strategies?
• Practical ways harm reduction can be applied in real-world recovery

Join Clarissa and Molly as they break down harm reduction principles, share real-life client applications, and discuss how respect for autonomy, compassion over shame, and evidence-based strategies can support individuals on their unique recovery paths.

Key Topics Discussed:
✅ Respecting Individual Recovery Journeys – Meeting people where they're at without shame or coercion
✅ Common Misconceptions About Harm Reduction – How it differs from moderation management
✅ Practical Harm Reduction Strategies – Meal timing, food sequencing, mindful eating, and more
✅ Addressing Clinician Pushback – Why harm reduction is often misunderstood in food addiction spaces
✅ Balancing Abstinence & Harm Reduction – Helping clients determine the best path for them
✅ The Role of Medications & Surgical Interventions – Understanding how medical tools can support food addiction recovery

Key Harm Reduction Principles:

1. Respect for the Person

• Compassion over shame: People struggling with UPF addiction deserve respect and understanding—not guilt or judgment.
• Meeting people where they are: Recovery is personal; some may need to eliminate certain foods, while others focus on reducing harm without complete abstinence.
• Building trust: Encouraging open, non-judgmental conversations fosters a supportive recovery environment.

2. Commitment to Evidence

• Understanding food addiction science: Research shows UPFs hijack the brain's reward system, leading to compulsive overeating. Harm reduction is based on evidence, not willpower.
• Using proven strategies: Structured meal planning, protein-rich whole foods, and blood sugar stabilization can help reduce cravings and binge episodes.
• Medication as a tool: Some individuals benefit from medications like Naltrexone/Bupropion to regulate cravings—similar to medication-assisted treatment for substance use.

3. Focus on Harms

• Minimizing the most damaging behaviors: Recovery is not about immediate perfection but reducing harm over time.
• Shifting food choices: A harm-reduction model may involve replacing binge-triggering UPFs with minimally processed alternatives.
• Reducing metabolic harm: Eating whole foods first, balancing blood sugar, and prioritizing nutrition can help mitigate UPF-related health consequences.

4. Recognizing Food Addiction Realities

• Not everyone can quit UPFs overnight: A phased approach may be more sustainable.
• UPFs are engineered for addiction: Willpower alone is not enough—practical strategies like structured eating and environmental changes can help.
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