I have a wife with bulimia and it was getting to the point where I couldn't take it any more. She needed bulimia treatment badly, but I didn't know where to turn. Through the internet I came across your site and sent my wife for bulimia treatment at your center.
Whoever she first spoke with made her feel so comfortable, she even became excited about the possibility of not having to binge and purge any more. The change in her is amazing. I know she will always be recovering, but I am proud to say she is the most courageous person I know. Thank you for all of your help.
-- Preston V., Nashua, New Hampshire
I needed to find an eating disorder clinic so badly. I used to eat compulsively and had swung over completely to purging and laxatives. I felt so bad about myself, the shame and guilt was just killing me. I had been to an eating disorder clinic before, but they really did not address my mood swings, that I have since understood them to be a bipolar disorder.
Your staff kept telling me that my eating behavior was a symptom of other problems. Well even though I didn't believe them they turned out to be right. I don't use laxatives, I have even learned to exercise moderately. Thank you so much. By the way, it has been ten months since I last purged.
-- Bonnie S., Boston, Massachusetts
Well Shelly, I told you I would write when I had one year in recovery and here I am. Who would have guessed. I have so much gratitude for you taking your time and referring me to a great facility. I knew from the moment I walked in there that I was in the right place. The next time I come by it will be to visit, not as a patient. You are absolutely the greatest.
-- Venessa C., Raleigh, North Carolina
Eating Disorder & Addiction
Find eating disorder & addiction help by calling our nationally recognized toll-free helpline at 1-800-941-5313. Get the help you need to recover your health and reclaim your life. Caring professionals are standing by 24/7 to assist you and all calls are confidential.
Treating an Eating Disorder and Drug Addiction
More and more people entering drug addiction treatment are being diagnosed with dual disorders such as drug addiction in conjunction with an eating disorder. The question is how do you provide drug addiction treatment and treatment of an eating disorder and produce positive results? Do you treat the eating disorder first or provide treatment for drug addiction first?
Which Disorder Do You Treat First?
When providing treatment for co-occurring disorders, the patient must receive a thorough evaluation to determine whether detoxification is necessary and if there are any medical issues and if any medications are taken on a prescribed basis. It is also important to determine what eating disorder the patient presents with - binging, purging or restricting.
If the individual has a drug addiction, the first step is drug detox within a drug addiction treatment center. Prior to this the nursing staff must determine if there is an addiction to ipecac, diuretics or laxatives. If this is the case, the detox protocol must include these substances or you run the risk of the patient leaving drug addiction treatment prematurely.
In order to provide a high level of care, the staff providing drug addiction treatment needs to also be thoroughly trained in the dynamics associated with eating disorders. A separate component for the eating disorder patient should be designed to allow them to discuss issues associated with eating disorders which they might not yet feel comfortable discussing in front of the general treatment population. In addition, the program needs to have a nutritional component dedicated to the needs of the eating disorder patient.
How Do I Choose Drug Addiction and Eating Disorder Treatment?
There are several things you must look for including:
A board certified psychiatrist A.S.A.M. and trained in eating disorders
Drug addiction treatment staff credentialed in eating disorder treatment
A nutritionist trained in a particular eating disorder philosophy
exercise and recreational program
Comprehensive medical and psychiatric services
If you need drug addiction and eating disorder treatment call us toll-free at 1-800-542-6410. Let us help you find the treatment that's right for you. All calls are confidential and we are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
