Effects of Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating is the most common eating disorder in the United States. Without the proper treatment, the chances of relapse are very high. The key lies in individualized treatment, which offers a custom plan for each woman seeking treatment, addressing the needs unique to her. At Crossroads, we offer women’s binge eating disorder treatment in a safe and supportive environment. A team of trained eating disorder specialists offers treatment at our women’s recovery center. We strive to create a place where women can get the treatment they need and participate in programs that support and complement their recovery.

It’s essential that if you or a loved one think you need help, you seek help right away. Reach out to a trusted medical professional to discuss your conditions and the treatment options available to you to make the best decision possible for you.

Binge eating is when you lose control of managing your food intake and consume excessive amounts of food in a short period, such as an hour or two. In addition, binge eating usually happens in secret, when you’re not even hungry, and to the point of causing stomach pains.
Some of the physical effects of a binge eating disorder include:

Severely dry skin
Hair loss
Facial acne
Bloating
Nausea
Lethargy
Acid reflux
Diarrhea
Weight loss
High blood pressure
Irritable bowel syndrome
Gastric perforation
Diabetes

In the long term, binge eating can have severe effects on your overall physical and mental health.

Getting Treatment for Eating Disorders

When the obsession with food, eating, and weight becomes all someone can think about, it’s clear it’s time to seek treatment. It won’t be easy, but it will be necessary. Treatment for binge eating disorders can involve different levels of care. Programs include residential care, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), or outpatient therapy and counseling.

At Crossroads, we work to create an individualized treatment plan unique to each person’s needs. We review four key areas to create each plan.

Mental – It’s essential to determine if a psychiatric condition like depression, anxiety, or PTSD exists and contributes to your eating disorder.
Physical – Our medical team reviews your nutrition, vital signs, substance use, and any pre-existing conditions.
Emotional – Past trauma, stress, relationships, and self-esteem all play a part in how effective your treatment will be.
Spiritual – A strong connection between the body, mind, and spirit is important for those undergoing treatment. This treatment allows clients to become more mindful and reconnect with themselves and others.

Long-term, sustainable recovery is the goal of every individualized treatment plan. The physical and mental effects of a binge eating disorder can take a substantial toll and the additional factors that influence a person’s well-being. Treatment can include a mix of individual, group, and family therapies. In addition, we may use experiential therapies such as art, animal, nature, and even yoga or acupuncture to balance out the traditional treatments.

Contact Crossroads to Learn More

Crossroads is a leader in the treatment of addiction and behavioral health. For over 40 years, we have served women struggling with substance use disorders and eating disorders in Maine and beyond. Our founders created our eating disorder treatment center to deal with eating disorders, like binge eating, on their own or co-occurring alongside an addiction. As part of our women’s binge eating disorder treatment, our team uses a multi-disciplinary approach, and it all starts with an individualized treatment plan. If a dual diagnosis exists, we have experience in treating co-occurring substance abuse and a binge eating disorder.

Our treatment programs for women include: