Compulsive over and under eating are both Food Addiction disorders. As such, they represent potentially life-threatening health conditions that can be treated. Most sufferers will attest to the fact that the quality of life is severely diminished when they are behaving compulsively. The physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences can be life diminishing for the victim and his/her loved ones. We believe that diet plans and behavior modification strategies in and of themselves are grossly insufficient. The Leadem Counseling & Consulting Services staff is trained in using the 12 Step approach to Food Addiction to promote recovery at a physical, emotional, and spiritual level.
Eating Disorders Defined
What is an eating disturbance or disorder?
An eating disorder can be life threatening and life diminishing in much the same way that Alcoholism and other addictive disorders injure the body, mind, and spirit of the victims. We must eat to survive. Total abstinence, as we understand it in other addictive disorders, is an impossibility. For those suffering with compulsive overeating, the portion is always too small. The compulsive under-eater fears becoming fat and the compulsive over-eater fears hunger. Both eaters are deprived emotionally and spiritually and view their control over food as the solution.
Who develops eating disturbances and disorders?
Eating disorders are found in all populations, neighborhoods, age brackets, and economic classes. There is no discrimination. They occur in both sexes and while more women might be diagnosed with an eating disorder, it would appear that men are equally susceptible.
Why do people develop eating disturbances and disorders?
There are as many different theories to answer this question as there are flavors of ice cream. The truth is we really do not know why. We believe that eating disorders have physical, emotional, and spiritual components that must all be addressed in the course of recovery if the sufferer is to know freedom.
What are the signs of an eating disturbance or disorder?
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Menstrual cycle irregularities
- Dental problems (such as loss of enamel)
- Chronic fatigue
- Preoccupation or distorted body image
- Dehydration
- Preoccupation with food
- Consumed with calorie counting
- Overwhelming fear of gaining weight
- Avoiding situations where food is served
- Purging behaviors (vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise)
- Social and emotional withdrawal related to body image
- Low self-esteem, agitation, depression, and mood swings
Counseling Focal Points
Recovery from Food Addiction is a life-long process that will need to address a wide array of physical, emotional, and spiritual issues. Some of our areas of counseling focus include:
- Establishing A Plan For Abstinence
- Understanding the 12 Steps As They Apply to Eating Disorders
- Practicing The Principles Of Recovery In All Our Affairs
- Developing A Healthy Body Image
- Healing A Troubled Marriage
- Developing Intimate Relationships
- Helping A Loved One Get Help For His/Her Problem
- Fighting Depression
- Understanding that Food is Neither Love Nor The Enemy
- Exploring Spirituality
- Detachment With Love
- Improving Communication
- Working With At-Risk Teens