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
Food Addicts
Food Addicts and Getting Help
If you are a food addict and suffering from a food addiction, call our nationally recognized toll-free helpline for food addictions 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.
Food addicts suffer from a disorder referred to as food addiction. Food addiction is a very serious illness and like drug addiction, can prove to have serious consequences.
Food addicts would manage their food addictions through willpower if they could, but unfortunately, no disease can be arrested simply through willpower. The food addict demonstrates a constant preoccupation with regard to their next meal and may have continual cravings for certain types of food. They may experience emotional and sometimes physical withdrawal if these foods are not consumed.
The withdrawal symptoms usually exhibit themselves in mood swings, irritability, anxiety, sleeplessness, anger and an intense craving for their food of choice or anything they feel will relieve these symptoms. It is not out of the ordinary for food addicts to turn to drugs to assist in managing their feelings usually controlled through the consumption of food.
Health Complications
It is also important to keep in mind that people with food addictions can suffer from numerous health problems, including:
Fatigue
Arthritis
Depression
High blood pressure
Respiratory illness
Migraines
Diabetes
Obesity
Help For Food Addictions
While food addiction is classified as a disease that can be deadly, there is help available. Since almost every food addict has tried weight loss programs and numerous diets, the answer usually lies in residential food addiction treatment. Treatment found in this type of residential setting provides the patient with 24 hour support while addressing issues affecting their body, mind and spirit. This type of holistic food addiction treatment has shown to have incredibly positive results.
Most quality residential treatment centers believe that food and weight are but the symptom of a person’s underlying problems. Treatment will address issues such as sexual trauma, low self esteem, mental health issues (depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorder or post traumatic stress disorder), family problems, grief, domestic violence and self hatred. People with food addictions often manage these issues by eating and using food as their coping mechanism. Many refer to this type of behavior as "eating their feelings."
In order to experience long term recovery from food addictions, new ways to cope with feelings must be developed. To learn how to develop these skills, call our toll-free helpline any time day or night at 1-800-941-5313. Our professional staff is standing by 24 hours a day to help and all calls are completely confidential.
