It is normal to turn to comforting or familiar coping methods when things get tough. However, some coping methods can be bad for us, such as addictive substances that can lead to substance use disorder (SUD). Many of us find comfort in foods that give us a sense of familiarity. A variety of foods can be used as comfort foods. Common categories include coffee, sugars, processed meats, carbohydrates, and alcohol. While these consumables can be harmless on their own, the dependence on them as a form of comfort can harm us and perpetuate anxiety. At Clearview, we encourage healthy living and coping, and we teach those skills to the students who learn with us.
When girls understand and limit their dependence on things like comfort foods, they can live healthier lifestyles. Likewise, when your daughter is struggling with a dependence on unhealthy coping skills, this can affect her recovery.
At our facility, we focus on helping our students live lives focused on health and recovery. Getting through addiction issues or mental health issues involves addressing every area of our students’ lives. Knowing how eating comfort foods can perpetuate and increase anxiety or dependence is important for the long-term success of our students.
How Comfort Substances Can Affect Mental Health
As humans, food can be culturally important. Serving food can be a reason to gather and spend time together. Food is also how we nourish our bodies and give ourselves energy to do the things we need and want to do.
There is nothing inherently wrong with enjoying food or eating, but when it becomes a method of dependence for mood and coping, issues can arise. Relying on something to get through difficult times or to manage emotions puts people at risk of addictive conditions. Food addiction occurs when someone begins to exhibit addictive behaviors, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms from certain types of foods.
This addictive behavior can be mitigated when girls learn to recognize triggers and tend to their overall health. Unfortunately, a food that may start as a comfort food can encourage and worsen anxiety. Knowing what foods are more likely to be problematic when used in this way can allow girls to better manage their health.
AVOID: Coffee and Sugars
Drinking coffee is a habit that is enjoyed by millions, but it is also something that can be heavily depended upon. Coffee contains caffeine, which is the most commonly used drug in the world. Caffeine addiction, or caffeine use disorder, is so prevalent that it is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Many caffeine consumers find it difficult to avoid caffeine, even when they know the risks high levels of consumption can cause. Caffeine is not just addictive, but it can also deeply worsen anxiety. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying coffee intermittently, if it is consumed regularly and in large amounts, it can affect the health of girls’ hearts and minds.
The inclusion of sugar is another prevalent culprit in comfort food. Sugar can be found in many foods and drinks, including in processed sweets and candy. When life feels emotionally tough, girls may want to turn to sweet treats to alleviate their discomforts. However, many studies have found that sugar can be just as addictive as other substances. This is especially true for adolescents and youth. Sugar consumed in large quantities can also cause energy crashes, which affect mental energy and the physical body.
AVOID: Processed Meats and Carbs as Comfort Food
The lack of nutrients in highly processed foods can affect girls’ physical and mental health. Consuming a diet high in processed foods will affect girls’ energy, which in turn affects their minds. Processed meats can negatively affect the consumer by way of the sodium and preservatives. These have been proven to affect mental processing and can heighten anxiety if someone already suffers from that.
Many people find high-carbohydrate foods to be comforting. Our bodies need carbohydrates for energy, but when they are over-consumed, it can affect our health. Physical health and mental clarity can be affected by indulging in too many comfort foods that are high in carbohydrates. High-carbohydrate foods usually contain processed grains, such as bagels and soft pretzels. French fries and potato chips are also high-carbohydrate foods.
AVOID: Alcohol
Overconsumption of alcohol can also affect us. Adolescents with growing minds should not be exposed to the effects of alcohol. Consuming alcohol in excess can greatly damage the organs, brain, and mental processing abilities.
Alcohol addiction is a serious disease that can permanently damage the body, and even in some cases end in death. Managing alcohol consumption is integral to your daughter’s health. Consuming alcohol can also intensify mental suffering and exacerbate the issues that can accompany mental health disorders. For all of these reasons, it is important to seek treatment for alcohol addiction.
AVOID: Marijuana
In the short term, low doses of marijuana (particularly strains high in CBD and low in THC) may have a calming effect, promoting relaxation and reduced stress. Some individuals report feeling temporarily less anxious after consuming marijuana, as it can dull the intensity of negative thoughts and induce mild euphoria. However, over time, there is a natural progression toward higher doses, which trigger increased heart rate, paranoia, and heightened anxiety, leading to panic attacks and emotional distress.
Long-term marijuana use, particularly frequent or heavy consumption, can contribute to increased anxiety and mental health instability. Chronic use may lead to dependence, withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability and restlessness), and changes in brain chemistry that make anxiety worse over time. Regular THC exposure can alter dopamine and serotonin levels, which are crucial for mood regulation, potentially making individuals more susceptible to anxiety disorders. Additionally, marijuana may interfere with REM sleep, which is essential for emotional processing and anxiety management.
Who Is Most at Risk?
• Individuals with a history of anxiety disorders or panic attacks may experience worsened symptoms with marijuana use.
•Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable, as their brains are still developing, and marijuana use can increase long-term anxiety susceptibility.
•Those with a genetic predisposition to mental health disorders (such as depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder) may experience more severe negative effects.
Get Help With Marijuana Dependence or it Will Lead to Anxiety
If your daughter turns to food when she is struggling, there is a chance for it to become a dependence. Behavioral dependencies can be just as hard to break as substance addictions.
It is important when looking for care for your daughter that you find a facility that cares about her physical health alongside her recovery. Clearview focuses on both the diet and physical health of all of our students. Working to mitigate dependence on comfort foods and find new healthier outlets for stress will decrease anxiety and improve mental health.
Knowing and managing our limits can be difficult, especially for adolescents. Common comfort substances like sugar, caffeine, high-carbohydrate foods, processed meats, and pot, alcohol can feel temporarily satisfying. However, it is important to monitor the consumption of those things. Relying on food for comfort can perpetuate anxiety in those who struggle with mental health. Helping your daughter learn which foods can harm her mental health will help her achieve recovery. At Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we focus on both the mental health and the physical health of our students. Learning healthy coping skills and how to manage eating patterns will set girls up for success. To learn more about comfort foods that can perpetuate anxiety, contact Clearview at 866-584-4788.
