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
Laxative Abuse
Help for Laxative Abuse
Effective laxative abuse treatments are within your reach. Call our nationally recognized toll-free eating disorder 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.
What is Laxative Abuse?
Laxative abuse is when someone drastically tries to lose or control their weight by taking large amounts of laxatives or diuretics. In most cases, this individual is also suffering from another eating disorder like anorexia, bulimia or binge eating.
In many cases, an individual will take large quantities of laxatives after a binge eating episode in hopes that it will flush all of the calories out of their body before they can be absorbed. This belief is a myth. While the laxatives may cause some weight to be lost early-on, the result is only temporary and is comprised of water loss, not body fat. This will often result in the individual taking more and more laxatives in an effort to match the original weight loss experience. When this occurs, it will actually aggravate a number of other painful laxative abuse symptoms like acute constipation and edema.
Often times, the individual will find themselves in a winless situation as they use the laxatives to emotionally feel thinner; however, over time, the laxatives will cause the body to actually hold water, thus making them feel heavier. This will typically result with the individual feeling depressed and ultimately using alcohol or drugs to help deal with their emotions and the powerful laxative abuse symptoms.
Withdrawal from Laxative Abuse
Withdrawing from laxative abuse is a complicated issue. In fact, it can be difficult to predict how each patient may react. The most common laxative withdrawal symptoms you can expect to experience are fluid retention and constipation. You may also feel bloated and experience a slight temporary increase in your weight. Just how long these symptoms will last is uncertain. Some patients experience them for two days whereas other patients may have them for two months. The average length of time patients experience withdrawal symptoms from laxative abuse is about one to three weeks. For these reasons, a residential eating disorder treatment program is best suited to assist you in minimizing any of the side effects of laxative abuse withdrawal.
If you require assistance in locating a safe and effective eating disorder program able to help you with laxative abuse, call 1-800-941-5313 and we will be happy to assist you.
Medical Complications from Laxative Abuse
Laxative abuse is very taxing on the body and as such, it can result in a number of health complications. The severity of the following medical conditions is dependant on a number of criteria, specifically, the types and amounts of laxatives used as well as the length of time they were being used. The most common health conditions that arise from laxative abuse include:
Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
Severe constipation or chronic diarrhea
Edema (swelling)
Blood in the stools which may cause anemia
Laxative dependency
Laxative abuse may result in an increased risk of colon cancer
These medical complications should not be taken lightly as they can cause severe bodily harm.
Treating Laxative Abuse
With proper treatment, you can recover from laxative abuse. The road may be long and difficult, but you are not alone. There are a number of facilities nationwide that specialize in eating disorders and cases involving laxative abuse, so finding the right one for your situation is critical.
If you have another health-related issue, like alcoholism or a drug addiction, then it is recommended that you seek treatment in a dual diagnosis facility. A dual diagnosis facility includes a team of physicians and staff specially trained for handling complicated cases featuring a number of concerns. A quality facility should also feature a strong family therapy component, a registered dietician and a psychiatrist. If a drug or alcohol addiction is also present, then the facility should include its own detox and continuing rehabilitation program.
