Eating Disorders and Drug Abuse
Many people who suffer eating disorders suffer drug abuse as well. Using drugs can help an individual suppress hunger which assists in the unpleasant side effects of having an eating disorder. Some of these drugs include: alcohol, diuretics, caffeine, tobacco, laxatives, emetics, amphetamines, cocaine and heroin. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating are the most common eating disorders. Eating disorders are most prevalent among women, particularly young women as they strive to attain an unnatural body image that is glamorized and inundated throughout our media. Eating disorders are now becoming more frequent among men as our society now idolizes an overly muscular, fit physique which men feel pressured to achieve. Most men with eating disorders and substance abuse issues may take steroids, or abuse caffeine which motivates them to over exercise and suppress their appetite.
Those who suffer an eating disorder may show signs of the following characteristics:
- Dramatic weight loss over a short period of time
- Obsession with weight
- Wearing oversized clothes to hide body shape
- Over exercising
- Frequent trips to bathroom, especially after eating.
- Strange eating habits
- Depression, fatigue, irritability and insomnia.
- And many more
This disease can be deadly as the body’s internal organs will shut down from lack of nutrition. Eating disorders marked with substance abuse will cause tremendous problems in an individual’s life. Eating disorder and substance abuse rehab centers will be able to help a suffering individual by treating their eating disorder and addiction problem simultaneously.
Eating Disorder Treatment
At an eating disorder treatment facility an individual will be assessed and provided with an eating disorder treatment plan that is tailored to fit that individual’s circumstance. They hire licensed professional therapists and nutritionists that are experienced and knowledgeable on eating disorders. They provide a safe and confidential environment that is conducive to an individual’s recovery. The individual suffering from an eating disorder will receive individual counseling and group therapy.Individual counseling is a one-on-one therapy session with an eating disorder treatment counselor. During these sessions, the therapist works to find the deep-rooted issues that may have been causing the addiction problem. Then they will provide healthy solutions on how to deal with those issues.
Groups sessions requires meeting with other individuals who share the same addiction problem. During these meetings, each person shares their stories with one another. Group counseling creates a supportive environment amongst each other and helps the person feel understood and accepted.
If you would like more information on eating disorder rehab, please contact Beachway Therapy Center at 1-877-284-0353 or click here.
