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Eating Disorders

At any given time, it is estimated that 8 million people in the U.S. suffer from an eating disorder. Only about 10 percent receive treatment, and roughly 35 percent of those who get treatment choose an appropriate program at the appropriate level of care.

Disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating and compulsive overeating may result in a range of consequences, from mild disturbance in daily functioning to serious and even life-threatening problems, such as heart failure, vitamin deficiencies, irregular blood pressure, dehydration, kidney damage and gastrointestinal complications. Those who suffer from eating disorders are also at high risk of substance-related disorders and serious psychiatric conditions, including depression, panic disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders.

Eating disorders are not necessarily about food or weight. They can be triggered by sudden stressful life changes, such as personal loss or illness, and frequently result from a complex interplay between society’s ideals of beauty, childhood psychological trauma, genetics and family dynamics. For individuals struggling with low self-esteem, dysfunctional relationships, lack of boundaries or perfectionism, experts have suggested that the acts of binge eating, purging, excessive exercising or food restriction may be an unconscious effort to control and cope with internal sources of conflict.

Though many treatments for eating disorders exist, there isn’t a definitive standard treatment protocol that is right for everyone. Each individual brings a unique mix of experiences, challenges and subtleties that need careful attention.

At CRC Health, patients can choose from a variety of eating disorder treatment options tailored to their individual needs, including day programs, residential/inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment. All of CRC’s eating disorder programs are collaborative and patient-driven with an emphasis on recovery through awareness of one’s relationship with self, with others and with the environment. Our expert staff of doctors, nurses, therapists, dieticians, and other professionals provides a system of services that produce the lowest possible relapse rates, promoting healthy lifestyle choices and the tools necessary for long-term recovery.