Finding Eating Disorder Treatment
When you or someone you love is battling an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia or binge eating disorder, you know it's something that goes far beyond just a love/hate relationship with food. And contrary to popular misconception, eating disorders aren't simply a problem affecting teenage girls. They affect both sexes and every age. Most eating disorders carry with them other serious physiological and psychological risks, including a deep, pervasive form of depression, with many of these risks being potentially life-threatening, which is why it's critical to get help as early as possible.
What is a Dual Diagnosis?
Besides the devastating emotional and physical toll an eating disorder can take, they often lead to substance abuse issues as well. Substance abuse coexisting with an eating disorder is known as a dual diagnosis. An eating disorder sufferer may use drugs or alcohol to combat a low self-image or to diminish their appetite, further eroding their health and causing them to spiral further into depression. Anorexics and bulimics commonly turn to alcohol, cocaine and meth, as well as diet pills, diuretics, laxatives and pain pills of both over-the-counter and prescription varieties. Each carries a real danger of dependency and abuse for anyone, but this is even more pronounced for those suffering from an eating disorder.
Recovering from Bulimia or Anorexia
Like any addiction, it is imperative to seek treatment for your or your family member's eating disorder as soon as possible. As outwardly damaging as anorexia or bulimia can be, more of it is occurring "behind the scenes", wreaking havoc on nearly every part of the body, from internal organs to bones to hair, skin, teeth and gums and presenting a long list of cardiovascular problems. Depending on the particular eating disorder and whether the person suffering also has co-occurring disorders or substance abuse issues, an outpatient program may be sufficient or a 30, 60 or 90-day course of eating disorder rehab may be recommended.
How to Choose an Eating Disorder Program
If you need help deciding between the wealth of excellent eating disorder rehab programs that exist, call a credible toll-free eating disorder hotline such as the one we have at
1-888-232-6949. A treatment advisor will help you determine what kind of anorexia, bulimia or binge eating recovery program will best suit your needs, or those of your loved ones. Professionals are standing by to take your call 24/7. Don't let an eating disorder eat away at your health, your relationships or your happiness. Call today and take control back from your food-related addiction.