[gimme1ibertee]

Exactly...it's a coping mechanism.
I know, because I am a comfort,or as it's more commonly known in adult circles,a stress,eater.
I catch myself doing it and stop,then just get off my duff and move around,find something to do and limit what I eat at night.
It's a battle but one worth fighting,every day.

[I still care]

I will also tell you as a chronic pain sufferer, that food is a physical aid also.

If I am having a painful day, something like a cup of hot chocolate will literally physically decrease my pain.

Think of all the people you know in chronic pain who have had an accident or illness or such and gained a lot of weight while recovering. People love to blame the sudden inactivity, but I have a theory that eating certain foods is actually a painkiller.