I think if you have emotional issues with food, you carry them over when you become a raw foodist. Forunately your body can assist you once you go raw because you'll be giving it more nutrients so it will stop sending you signals that you interpret as hunger. Also raw foods unlike many processed foods are not engineered for addiction. However if you consumed cooked foods for comfort or stress release, these issues will not go away without work once you go raw.
Funny that you mentioned cashews and maple syrup. My sister mixes those two foods in a blender and makes a "vanilla creme" that is seriously like crack. It tastes sooo good.
I really don't have any food addictions anymore. The state of my health before I went raw shocked me into dealing with them all. I was willing to eat raw kale all day long, if it would improve my health.
Well that's my two cents.
God Bless you and Guide you on your way to better health,