Binge Eating Disorder Treatment
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Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious eating disorder characterized by frequently consuming large amounts of food and feeling unable to stop. BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting between 1-5% of the general population.2

Those struggling with BED should seek treatment as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the greatest chance of recovery.

This article answers the following questions about binge eating recovery and treatment options:


Is There a Cure for Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder is a treatable condition.

The goals of binge eating disorder treatment are to:

Treatment is tailored to the individual and should address the disorder itself as well as any concurrent medical or mental health issues.

Most binge eating recovery centers will use a multidisciplinary approach and have a variety of professionals on staff such as psychotherapists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, nurses, and dieticians. Check to see if your insurance provider covers binge eating treatment. Learn more about your relationship with food. Take the Do I Have An Eating Disorder Quiz today.


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Residential Inpatient Treatment

Residential binge eating disorder treatment centers can help people focus exclusively on their recovery. People in residential facilities commit to staying at the center for a designated duration, typically 30 to 90 days. Programs may be longer under certain circumstances.

During treatment, people have little contact with the outside world and have limited visits with friends and family. These requirements help assist with recovery.

Benefits of attending residential inpatient binge eating recovery centers include:


Outpatient Treatment Programs

Outpatient binge eating disorder recovery centers allow people to continue to live at home and remain active in their personal, social, and professional lives.

Outpatient binge eating disorder rehab programs typically consist of the same types of treatment as inpatient facilities, but care takes place on a part-time basis. Some of the common treatment options available on an outpatient level include:

Not sure which type of treatment program is right for you? Call one of our recovery support advisors today at .


Luxury and Executive Facilities

Horseback riding for equine therapyLuxury programs include many of the same treatment services as inpatient programs. However, they include extra amenities and are often located in desirable locations such as near the ocean or in the mountains.

Many working professionals and business executives choose to attend a binge eating disorder treatment center that has executive facilities and amenities such as meeting rooms and work spaces.

These types of centers tend to have a higher cost than standard treatment options.

Although each recovery center is unique, some of the many amenities and services that may be provided at these facilities include:


Therapies for Binge Eating Disorder

People struggling with BED may have a negative body image, shame, and low self-esteem, as well as other diagnosable mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Because the disorder can have such a negative impact on a person’s mental health, psychotherapy is a crucial component of binge eating disorder treatment in inpatient and outpatient rehab centers. Concerned about your mental health? Take an online depression quiz today.

Psychotherapy can help a person address negative emotions, improve self-esteem, and replace unhealthy eating habits with healthy coping skills and eating behaviors. Some of the common therapies available for BED include the following:1

Weight Loss Programs

Weight loss programs are not recommended for people with BED because dieting may trigger more binge eating episodes.

If a person struggling with binge eating disorder chooses to undergo a weight loss program, they should do so under medical supervision to ensure they receive proper nutrition.1

If you’re ready to get help for binge eating disorder, call 1-888-997-3147 to learn more about your treatment options.


Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

Prescription and over-the counter medications that may be effective at treating binge eating disorder include:1

People with binge eating disorder are at risk of abusing dietary supplements, weight loss pills, and herbal products. These medicines may also interact with prescribed medications or have potentially dangerous side effects. People suffering from BED should talk with their doctor before taking any of these. 1


Support Groups and 12-Step Programs

Binge eating disorder support group with hands in centerSupport is an essential component of binge eating disorder recovery, and several support groups and 12-step programs are available for binge eating. These programs use the same 12-step approach developed by Alcoholics Anonymous.

Eating disorder 12-step programs provide a linear, step-by-step process toward recovery among the support of peers. People in these programs can seek out the help of a sponsor, who has completed recovery and provides added support. Many 12-step programs view binge eating disorder as a spiritual disease, but a person does not have to hold religious beliefs to participate.

Some of the most common 12-step programs available to those suffering from binge eating disorder include:


How to Find the Best Binge Eating Disorder Treatment Centers

Binge eating disorder can lead to the development of several physical health complications such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and gallbladder disease. It can also cause emotional and mental health problems such as shame, anxiety, and depression.2

If you or someone you love is struggling with binge eating disorder, call our recovery support hotline at 1-888-344-8837 for information about binge eating disorder treatment centers near you.

Read next: Getting Help for Binge Eating Disorder


Sources

[1]. Mayo Clinic. (2016). Binge Eating Disorder.

[2]. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). Binge Eating Disorder.