Successful Bulimia Clinic Program
If you know someone who is suffering from bulimia then you realize that finding the right bulimia clinic is a crucial part of their recovery. Avalon Hills is a bulimia clinic located in Utah; they understand the needs of those who suffer from bulimia and they realize there is a need for an individualized bulimia treatment plan for each person.
Creating a unique treatment plan is one of the first steps they will take on their road to recovery at Avalon Hills bulimia clinic. This eating disorder treatment center has received praise from several organizations and loving patients and parents. Avalon Hills also treats those suffering from Anorexia Nervosa.
Avalon Hills is not a lockdown facility. They believe that bulimia treatment does not have to be a painful experience. They offer several outdoor therapeutic activities to assist in their recovery while enjoying life at the same time. The staff is hand picked and very caring. If you are interested in getting some free information from this successful bulimia clinic please fill out the contact form.
Avalon Hills is a Bulimia Clinic located in the outdoors of Utah. Our successful bulimia treatment program can assist you in taking back control of your life. We provide an individualized treatment program to find the best possible treatment program for your unique needs and desires.
Bulimia is an eating disorder and should be taken seriously. It can affect your mental and physical in a negative way; it can even cause death if not treated correctly. Bulimia can affect men and women of all ages, there is no set demographics of this eating disorder. Some common symptoms are excessive eating or binge eating afterwhich there is vomiting or purging.
We feel like you should be able to enjoy life while receiving treatment at our bulimia clinic through participating in uplifting activities such as horse back riding, boating, skiing, and more. We are not a lock-down clinic and encourage you to have fun while at the same time improving your condition with those who want to help you.
Avalon Hills bulimia treatment clinic helps those suffering from bulimia to learn impulse control and discover their self-worth while decreasing their anxiety, depression and guilt. Our bulimia treatment program is tailored for those entrenched in the devastating bulimia cycle. Avalon Hills is a well-known successful bulimia treatment program.
Being Underweight is NOT pretty.
Society, and Western culture in particular, are constantly sending us mixed messages about standards of beauty. The magazine racks are filled with pictures of beautiful, thin celebrities touting the latest and greatest way to "Lose those stubborn last ten pounds" or "Learn how the stars lose weight"! Ironically, those same magazines will show pictures of overly thin celebrities and question if they are too thin or if they have an eating disorder. Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, and Mary-Kate Olson to name a few, are celebrities who have had their weight questioned. What a quagmire of confusion! Is it beautiful to be underweight? Is it healthy emotionally or physically? The answer is a resounding NO! True beauty comes from a healthy physique, a healthy lifestyle, a healthy emotional state, and spiritual peace.
The physical effects faced by those who are underweight due to an eating disorder are many. They include (but are not limited to) heart problems, muscle wasting, electrolyte imbalance, hormonal imbalance, and malnutrition.
Anorexia Nervosa, or self-starvation, depletes your body of the nutrients necessary for survival. The body, by design, will protect the brain and internal organs first. Therefore, the first noticeable physical effects of this condition will be outward. Sufferers will have dry skin and hair, as well as brittle nails and hair as a result of vitamin and mineral deficiencies combined with dehydration. They will also develop a fine, light colored coat of hair called Lanugo all over their bodies. This is an attempt by the body to insulate itself as body fat dissipates. Menstruation will stop and hormonal imbalances will become apparent. There will be electrolyte balance disturbances. These electrolytes, primarily sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate, are essential for normal function of the organs and cells in the body. Without a balance of these essential nutrients, the body is unable to replenish cells adequately. Sufferers of anorexia and bulimia are both susceptible to electrolyte imbalance. Anorexic tendencies cause this imbalance due to lack of electrolytes, bulimics tend to have an imbalance because of excessive use of vomiting and laxatives to eliminate food that has been eaten. Either way, the results are the same. Electrolytes are essential to ensure healthy teeth, joints, bones, nerve and muscle impulses, blood sugar levels, and oxygen delivery to the cells. These factors, all associated with eating disorders, lead to muscle wasting, fatigue and heart problems. Heart atrophy is common in those with eating disorders; this can lead to heart attack, stroke, fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.
The friends and family of a person suffering from an eating disorder may notice changes in the person's personality and attitude. Restrictive dieting and self-starvation cause an obsession with food. Anorexics will often have a preoccupation with food. This may be exhibited by strange eating patterns such as cutting up food into tiny bites before eating or pushing the food repeatedly around on the plate. They may also increase their use of spices, and their consumption of liquids such as diet soda, coffee and tea. Ironically, those who suffer with Anorexia are often excellent cooks, having a large collection of recipes, cookbooks and menus. They might enjoy cooking food for others, but eat little if anything themselves. They tend to think of foods as either 'good' or 'bad'. Bulimic sufferers will often binge on 'bad' foods before purging with either laxatives or vomiting. Often poor decision-making and judgment is found in these illnesses. There is an increase in irritability and emotional stability or mood swings. Eventually, these will become even more serious, such as psychotic episodes and/or depression. Anxiety and decreased ability to concentrate are also common. Often, those who suffer from eating disorders will begin to withdraw from social situations, preferring to be alone rather than deal with the criticism of those around them. Bulimics will tend to go to the bathroom after eating a meal in order to purge the food they have consumed.
There is a saying that goes something like this: "You can never be too rich or too thin". Apparently this belief is rampant in Hollywood and on the Catwalk. Unfortunately, this is not only untrue but is a damaging ideal to strive for! There have been several stories recently of models and celebrities who have died or been in treatment for symptoms related to eating disorders. Initially losing weight may be seen as a good thing. If a person is a few pounds overweight and begins to lose weight, they are seen as having willpower and self-control. Family and friends may initially compliment the person on their weight loss and tell them that they look great. This can lead to the mind-set that if a little weight loss is good, more must be better. A distorted body image and food obsession can quickly turn what was once thought of as pretty and good into an illness that can destroy your life. Not only does a person destroy their health, but also they destroy their relationships and their life by becoming enslaved by an eating disorder. An initial desire to be prettier is replaced by an all-consuming illness that takes over life. It becomes rapidly obvious, when physical and emotional effects of self-starvation become apparent that, not only do these illnesses cause serious health crisis's they also make a person irritable, antisocial, mentally unstable, and most definitely not pretty!
Bulimia Treatment Myths
Someone once said "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got."
To change and recover from an eating disorder, and more specifically Bulimia, the seemingly endless cycle of binging and purging must be broken. However, it is the case while seeking treatment, beliefs surface about the options available and why they are, or are not effective. In order to properly aid someone who suffers from Bulimia these mental roadblocks must be overcome and replaced by the truth.
The following are myths that abound about treating bulimia, and why they are simply not true. Though this list is not comprehensive, it will provide the rebuttals to beliefs preventing treatment and help from reaching the patient.
Myth #1 - I can overcome bulimia by myself. I don't really need help
This is the first and most destructive myth because the person thinks that through the power of their own inner self, they can conquer their own issues of weight and body image. As the most common myth, it leads the sufferer to continue the cycle of gaining control, succumbing to an episode of stress or overeating, intense guilt at another failure, and finally purging the food that has been eaten in an attempt to again reestablish control.
Why this is FALSE:
This myth is destructive because in most cases it simply adds fuel to the fire of Bulimia in that patient. The person may be successful in less severe cases, but if they are not held accountable for their actions by an outside party, a relapse will more often result causing the severity of the disorder to increase. In most cases this leads to moments of weakness and guilt that again only continue the problem. The majority of those suffering from Bulimia, Anorexia, or any other eating disorder, will need outside help from someone who cares and understands and has a high level of expertise in this area
Myth #2 - Our family is strong enough to fix bulimia
Often it is believed that the family (who most likely were instrumental in instigating the eating disorder) is able through their own devices to overcome any poor food behavior at home. They may see the arguing and dysfunction as normal and healthy. A truly strong family, if they stick together, can overcome anything.
Why this is FALSE:
The truth is, most families have disagreements, and most people are adversely affected to some degree by this relationship at one point or another. True however is the power that a loving and supportive family can have on someone who suffers from Bulimia. A non-judgmental and accepting environment can truly provide a healing haven for someone who feels that their own body needs these extreme measures to be "beautiful". This proper familial support if often most successfully facilitated by a trained councilor who understands this dynamic, and can offer valuable advice for those that suffer eating disorders.
Myth #3 - I don't need a shrink to help with bulimia problems
This myth advocates that people receiving psychotherapy for an eating disorder at a clinic or recovery center are "mentally ill" and "weak". They are seen as being "crazy" or "messed up" and negatively looked at as "freaks".
Why this is FALSE:
This fallacy discourages those that truly need help, and further entrenches their personally skewed sense of realty. The truth is, eating disorders are not normal and are dangerous to the health of those who suffer from them. However, because the disorder is abnormal, does not mean that the patient is. Those who suffer from eating disorders can lead perfectly normal lives and be wonderful citizens and people. Seeking help is more a show of strength than weakness. It demonstrates an inner power to recognize ones own challenges and rise above them. An even greater truth to recognize is that those who enter a treatment program earlier, before habits and false beliefs are engrained, have a much higher probability of fast and more complete recovery.
Myth #4 - I don't want to lose my daughter to bulimia
There is a fear that brining bulimia out in the open will only cause more unhappiness on the part of the child or loved one affected. They see the disorder as shameful enough to cause their loved one to retreat even further into their shell of pain and dysfunction.
Why this is FALSE:
Eating disorders do not go away if ignored, they almost always get worse, and can progress at an alarming rate. An eating disorder is often a cry for help and a sign of an even deeper psychological issue or need. The only way to deal with a problem is to bring it completely to light. This can be done gently, with the love and support of a caring parent or family member and experienced professional. Bringing this problem out into the open will also provide the confidence needed to overcome something so entrenched and fixed as an eating disorder. Often parents fear that their relationship will also suffer and their child will "hate" them. The truth is, if someone with an eating disorder knows that they are cared for, they will know who to turn to and ask for more help. Family therapy improves relationships of family members by improving inter-family communication and reinforcing the knowledge that each person is loved. Those problems that a family overcomes together will strengthen the family as a whole.
Myth #5 - Bulimia is not that bad. They/I don't need treatment yet
This myth says that if bulimia is only occasional, not endangering the health and well being of the sufferer, or the person simply does not feel ready yet, treatment is not the proper course of action. This stems from an internal desire to make "timing" important.
Why this is FALSE:
The discomfort of confronting an eating disorder often leads to putting it aside until the "time is right". The truth is eating disorders must be addressed when the first symptom is recognized. This, as stated earlier, will help in a faster and more successful recovery. Waiting is not the answer, and waiting until it is bad enough could be too late. Symptom is usually never the first occurrence, but the first time is has been seen. The patient has most likely been engaged in bad behavior for quite some time.
Myth #6 - I can never really get better. I will be a bulimic all my life
It is believed that once someone has had an eating disorder they will always suffer from it, and that those challenges and incorrect beliefs will never completely change.
Why this is FALSE:
It is often true that those who have suffered from an eating disorder must deal with it the rest of their lives. However, with proper treatment, is highly likely that a full recovery will take place. Those that suffer will learn techniques to deal with stress, pressure, false body images, and nutrition beliefs that will help them understand and cope with their disorder.
Myth #7 - The therapist has never had bulimia, they don't understand what it's like
It is believed that a therapist who has not suffered from some form of eating disorder is not fully qualified to treat it. They must have had dealt with the disease to truly understand the inner feelings and challenges that are faced.
Why this is FALSE:
Treatment for any challenge or sickness does not need to come from someone who has had it. Therapists are taught to understand eating disorders, and through caring, a deep concern for the patient, and an overall earnest desire to help, they are able to understand and help a bulimic cope with their eating disorder. The truth is those who work actively, purposefully, and with an earnest desire to help, are best qualified to engage in treatment. Those seeking help should make sure to insist on trained and experienced professionals to aid in the treatment of their eating disorder.
Myth #8 - It will take months before we know treatment will help
This myth says that the only way to predict success in treating an eating disorder is after months and months of therapy, and only if the patient "likes" the counselor or therapist.
Why this is FALSE:
Often on the first visit a good therapist can determine the success rate and duration of treatment needed. The time required for a recovery should never discourage active measures towards dealing with and eating disorder. Many times the therapist is not well liked by the patient on the first and sometimes second session because they are perceived as someone who is trying to take away their ideal body image and "make them fat". The truth is, time can never be an issue. The end goal must be wellness good health in both mind and body.
Myth #9 - Bulimia is not the worst thing in my child's life
When an eating disorder is coupled with other issues it loses importance. This myth leads the patient and their family to believe that there is are issues more serious than the eating disorder that must be addressed first before any further progress can be made.
Why this is FALSE:
Truthfully, there are issues that are more destructive than an eating disorder. However it might be because of these more destructive issues that the turmoil exists in the first place. Dysfunctional food behaviors should be treated at the same time as other issues. It is often the case that both problems are psychologically linked, and treatment for one yields more successful treatment for the other. It is also true however, that symptoms of an eating disorder will not simply disappear without attention.
Myth #10 - I gained weight so I don't need treatment anymore
This myth perpetuates the idea that treatment should stop when the sufferer has gained or stopped the destructive behavior. If they have stopped they are "cured".
Why this is FALSE:
One indicator that treatment is having a positive effect is the improvement of the overall health of the patient. One aspect of health is weight and calorie consumption. However this is only a part of what is necessary to treat and "cure" an eating disorder. There are more considerations of overall wellbeing that cannot be measured by physical health. Some of them include the emotional state of the patient, the desire to control, the body image, and the emotional issues that are driving the disease. A victim of an eating disorder should be assessed and counseled, even after the disorder has subsided, to prevent relapse and continued healthy behavior.
Sources: Nationaleatingdisorders.org, aedweb.org, anred.com, anad.org, somethingfishy.org, edreferral.com, npr.org, Sheri Barke, MPH, RD, web4health
