10. Questions & Answers

Can the addict gradually taper off his drugs while on the fast?

All drugs must be eliminated the first week of the fast. This is an absolute necessity. After the first few days, the artificial cravings will cease and bodily repair will commence.

Can a person really become addicted to a particular food?

Yes, this is quite possible. In fact, it occurs frequently. People become addicted to foods that are especially stimulating such as cooked foods with condiments, white sugar, baked goods, junk foods, flesh foods, etc. However, this temporary stimulation soon leads to depression. Then the "junk-food addict" seeks to relieve this depression through more stimulation via the junk foods. It becomes an endless cycle that eventually results in enervation and disease.

Is it true that one stimulating habit often leads to another?

Yes, this is often the case. Once stimulated by candy, ice cream, cookies, and cake, a person often looks for something more stimulating and turns to cigarettes, or perhaps to coffee drinking, alcohol or drugs. You rarely see fruitarians who also smoke or drink alcohol. It does not occur to a person on such a diet to look for stimulation. They are healthy and enjoy life. No poisons are sought to feel "well" or alter moods.

Do certain people have "addictive personalities?"

The "addictive personality" has been described by behavioral scientists, but there is no scientific evidence that characteristic personality factors exist. Some have concluded that addicts are basically escapists, persons who cannot face confronting the realities and who run away. Others have described addicts as schizoid individuals who are fearful, withdrawn, and depressed, and who have a history of frequent suicide attempts and numerous self-inflicted injuries. Addicts have also been described as basically dependent and grasping in their relations and frequently exhibiting overt and unconscious rage and immature sexuality. These descriptions are often used as excuses for a habit but they are irrelevant. We know that these addictions are wrong and must be discontinued. Under a Hygienic program, everyone can overcome their addictions, whatever their personality may be.