When most think of who needs help at a treatment facility, it is assumed it is for drugs and/or alcohol addiction. But for 28.8 million people, about 9% of the population in the United States, our Eating Disorder Treatment in Orange County is what is needed most.

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), struggles with an eating disorder stem from mental illnesses and can lead to drug and/or alcohol abuse, risky behavior, and attempts of suicide. 

With the help of the right treatment facility, the underlying issues behind your eating disorder can be diagnosed and treated as you get back to a healthier lifestyle and frame of mind.

Eating Disorder and Mental Health

The official definition for eating disorders, according to the American Psychiatric Association, is an illness where people have severe disturbances in their eating behaviors and accompanying thoughts and emotions. Some types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.

Studies have shown that addictive behaviors can be connected to mental health issues where one can contribute to the other. Experience Recovery has discovered some parallels in mental health disorders that are discovered among those seeking recovery treatment. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, insomnia, and OCD are among the conditions discovered during treatment.

As with eating disorders, these mental health disorders might also be connected to your behavior toward food. Help can be provided through a dual diagnosis, where a clinical specialist will determine the underlying mental health issue leading to the eating disorder and recommend the best course of treatment for both conditions. 

What you receive at Experience Recovery Eating Disorder Treatment in Orange County

There are several types of treatment programs to help you recover from eating disorders, especially if they also are accompanied by drug and/or alcohol abuse. 

On-site residential treatment allows you to have 24/7 monitored care with licensed counselors and medical professionals as you follow a structured routine that benefits your body, mind, and soul as you recover. Group and individual therapy are also part of the treatment program to build your sense of community as you find the core issues of your addiction.

As you graduate from residential treatment, you can continue your progress toward long-lasting recovery through our outpatient program. You will be able to integrate school or work obligations back into your life while also continuing counseling and therapy to learn new coping skills and tools to prevent relapse.

Finding the right facility for quality Eating Disorder Treatment in Orange County is what will help most in making sure the care you need is offered, so you can be free from addiction and learn how to handle your mental health struggles.

Warning Signs of Eating Disorders

How can you recognize if you have an eating disorder, or if someone you know is dealing with food and body issues? The following are common signs of eating disorders to keep in mind:

• A significant change in attitude toward food and his/her body
• Food rituals
• Dieting, food control, and noticeable weight loss
• Body checking
• Extreme mood swings
• Withdrawing socially from others
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Difficulty concentrating and feeling sleepy
• Dizziness when standing up 
• Health issues related to hair, nail, and skin

If you believe someone you know is hiding an eating disorder, the best option is to talk with the person dealing with the problem. Before approaching them to get help, make sure you gather your facts about what you have observed of their appearance or behavior changes, remain calm as you talk to them about your concerns, and listen to their thoughts on treatment with care and empathy.

Understand that this conversation can be hard for someone who needs treatment, so if they decide against help, try to meet them at a middle ground by openly discussing the struggle and letting them come to the decision to go to a facility. Offer to help research, and even visit, any facilities with your friend or loved one to make sure this is the right fit for them as well.

Who could have Eating Disorders?

It might surprise you who could struggle with a hidden eating disorder, as statistics show that eating disorders are common among athletes, veterans, and especially children.

• Twenty to 30% of adults who struggle with eating disorders also have autism.
• Athletes are more likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder, more noticeable through extreme exercising, and are less likely to get treatment.
• Bulimia nervosa is a common eating disorder experienced by those in the military.
• Thirteen percent of male military members and 21.7% of female military members experience body dysmorphic disorder.
• Forty-two percent of girls, 1st-3rd grade, desire to be thinner than they are.
• Thirty-five to 57% of adolescent girls admit crashing dieting, using laxatives, fasting, dieting, and self-inducing vomiting in order to achieve their desired weight.
• Those who have larger bodies also struggle with eating disorders, which result in bulimia and binge eating disorders.

Eating Disorder Treatment in Orange County, CA

Being in a facility for Eating Disorder Treatment in Orange County ensures that you get the help you need to not only get back to a healthy frame of mind toward your body but also to get to the heart of the issues that caused your eating disorder. Even as you make the transition back into work or school, Experience Recovery remains a constant resource for you to turn to for support, guidance, and care to help you stay away from addiction and focus on long-lasting recovery.