Eating disorders affect millions of women, yet they can be difficult to detect sometimes. Family and friends may dismiss symptoms as the person just wanting to improve their health or better manage their weight. In reality, these symptoms can quickly spiral into an eating disorder and may also be linked with substance use disorders. Engaging in residential eating disorder treatment can be a great way for women to prioritize their well-being and focus on recovery in a safe, supportive environment.
Recognizing the Need for Treatment
Early detection can help women get the eating disorder treatment they need for recovery before their condition becomes more severe. That means family and friends must understand the causes of eating disorders, signs and symptoms, and how to get help.
Despite years of research, the cause of eating disorders is still somewhat of a mystery. Scientists believe that they evolve from a combination of genetics, environment, social factors, and behavior. Though men do struggle with eating disorders, there is a greater percentage of women who are affected.
Here are a few signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia to be aware of:
- Fluctuating body weight.
- Excessive dieting, overeating, or a combination of both.
- Strong focus on weight, exercise, diet, and appearance.
- Avoids certain foods or food groups or is highly selective about diet.
- Avoids eating around others or eats very little.
- Visits the bathroom frequently after eating.
- Complaints of dizziness, feeling cold, or other body aches.
These can all be red flags that someone could benefit from residential eating disorder treatment and being involved with an eating disorder support group.
An Immersive, Therapeutic Environment
Look for an eating disorder treatment program that addresses all areas of need. After all, eating disorders impact not just physical health but mental health as well. Facilities like Crossroads offer women a structured, supportive, therapeutic environment where they can focus on improving their physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. In addition, they can receive care for addiction concurrently as these conditions are closely intertwined and can impact one another during recovery.
Women want to find a program where they feel comfortable and believe in the care they are receiving. In order for recovery to be more effective, they should be fully engaged and willing to try new things.
Multidisciplinary Care
A good women’s residential treatment program offers multidisciplinary care. It is essential that treatment providers have a thorough understanding of the causes of eating disorders, signs and symptoms, and evidence-based practices for treating these issues as they pertain to women in particular. Crossroads employs master-level clinicians, registered nurses, dietitians, and other support staff that all work together to provide comprehensive care.
They focus on eating behavior treatment as well as recovery from substance use disorders and management of psychological problems. Women learn how all of these factors are related to recovery and how to effectively manage them.
Diverse Approaches to Treatment
Participating in an eating disorder support group is just one part of recovery. Women should also be involved in individual and group therapies, exposure-based therapies, holistic healing, recreational activities, and more to address all aspects of their well-being. Crossroads integrates a wide range of evidence-based treatment modalities into care such as:
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Art and Expressive Therapy
- Seeking Safety
- Healing Trauma
- A Women’s Way Through the 12 Steps
Some of the same mindfulness-based approaches and evidence-based therapies used in eating disorder treatment are also beneficial in substance use disorder treatment. Women are able to understand root causes of challenges, address unhealthy habits, and create positive routines that support lasting recovery.
A Strong Support Network
Developing a healthier relationship with food is critical, but women must also cultivate a strong support network to continue progressing in recovery. Residential eating disorder treatment allows women to create strong relationships with peers and professionals, build healthier connections with family, and identify those individuals they can turn to when they need help. Joining an eating disorder support group can be an effective resource and empower women to connect with others who have been through similar situations. Together, they support one another in recovery.
Eating disorder recovery is possible, including managing substance use disorders as well. Finding the right treatment program that aligns with the person’s needs and goals is essential. Crossroads offers residential care for eating disorders and addiction, providing women with a safe, structured environment led by women who understand the challenges that females face in recovery. Engage in quality, gender-responsive care today at Crossroads.
