Get Help for a Binge Eating Disorder
Feeling the compulsion to eat is a type of behavioral addiction. Many reasons can bring this on, but without treatment, it can be a problem for physical and mental health. At Alina Lodge, we offer a range of eating disorder treatment options to help this and other types of behavioral addiction.
What Is a Binge Eating Disorder?
A binge eating disorder occurs when a person frequently overconsumes. This generally involves a large amount of food. Often, a person with this disorder feels unable to stop eating. While most people overeat sometimes, a person that is binge eating is ingesting far more, often to the point where it becomes out of control. This type of overeating begins to happen frequently, and at that point, it is considered a serious eating disorder.
Some people are very embarrassed about this type of activity. They may even promise to stop doing so, even to themselves. Yet, as with other types of addictions, a person who is compulsively engaging in overeating has no ability to control it. However, there is an effective treatment for this type of behavioral addiction at Alina Lodge.
Symptoms of a Binge Eating Disorder
It can be difficult to know when you’ve crossed the line from overeating to binge eating. Some of the most common symptoms of a binge eating disorder include:
- Eating that feels out of control
- Eating a large amount of food in a short amount of time
- Eating until it hurts (not just feeling full)
- Eating quickly for brief periods of time
- Consuming food even when you’re not hungry
- Being on a diet often, but not always losing any weight
- Experiencing feelings of depression, guilt, shame, and disgust about your eating habits
Those with an eating disorder do not force themselves to vomit. They may try to diet but often fail to do so. Over time, this condition can worsen, causing health concerns and leading to significant weight gain.
How Is Binge Eating Disorder Treated?
Working with a mental health counselor at Alina Lodge is the first step in getting help. As a behavioral addiction, psychotherapy tends to be the best treatment for men and women struggling with this disorder. Some of the treatment options that may also be effective include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group therapy programs
- Family therapy programs
At Alina Lodge, we offer a comprehensive eating disorder therapy program. It’s uniquely designed to meet your individual needs.
Further, some people may also benefit from medication. Some medications can help to minimize episodes of binge eating. Topiramate is a type of anticonvulsant that works to accomplish this goal. However, there are several side effects associated with this drug that can be problematic. Antidepressants may also be an option but also carry some risk of adverse side effects.
In addition to this, some people benefit from behavioral weight loss programs. These programs are designed to specifically address the needs of a person with a binge eating disorder. Many people who engage in dieting as a part of this disorder don’t have success. However, when it is done with the help of a medical professional, nutritional requirements can be met, and a person’s weight may begin to fall. This may be an important part of treatment for those facing medical and psychological risks associated with their mental health disorder.
Treatment is critical. Without care, many people suffer from not only medical complications but also a lack of happiness and self-worth. This typically improves as symptoms of the condition improve as well.
Invest in Your Health by Calling Alina Lodge Today
Do you believe you may have a binge eating disorder? It’s time to get help. You don’t have to struggle on your own. Instead, reach out to Alina Lodge to learn more about behavioral addiction and mental health treatment. To learn more, call us at 833.685.1700 or connect online.
