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Binge Eating Disorder & Maintaining Recovery

Wednesday, Apr 14  •  

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BingeEatingDisorder

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

There are numerous different types of eating disorders that affect those who suffer from them both physically and mentally. Today, we’re going to be breaking down a common type of eating disorder we see and treat, binge eating disorder (BED) as well as sharing some tips to help those who are maintaining recovery from this particular eating disorder.

Binge eating disorder is characterized by a pattern of binging that is more significant than simply overeating. While everyone gets to past the point of fulness on occasion, binging is completely different than this common behavior. For something to be considered a “binge”, the amount of food that is being consumed would have to be much larger than a person would typically eat in one sitting. These binges are usually followed by feelings of depression, disgust, and/or guilt and the person experiencing them feels out-of-control during the episode. 

Maintaining Recovery

This is an exciting time in anyone’s life as they find refuge from the eating disorder they have been suffering from. As any professional who works in the field of eating disorders will tell you, recovery is often interrupted by relapses, so don’t get discouraged when this happens to you. While this article does not substitute for professional advice and treatment, here are some general tips we recommend to continue working throughout the recovery process.

Tips While In Recovery

  • Know your triggers, stay vigilant, and create a coping plan. For those experiencing binge eating disorder, there will be certain things that may trigger you to fall back into the binging cycle. Take out a notepad and pen and write down the things in your life that have triggered you and may do so in the future. If you know you will be experiencing a trigger, seek support from those who know what you are going through. Work to create a coping plan that helps you bypass binging behaviors. 
  • Increase self-care. Self-care looks different for everyone, what does it look like for you? As life’s stresses work away at you, take note of how you’re feeling, and make an effort to practice self-care that helps you to destress. Practicing self-care that allows you to destress can go a long way in preventing relapses during your recovery journey.
  • Create a support group of people who love you for the difficult days. Eating disorders don’t exist and only affect one person. There’s likely one or a few people around you who know what you’re going through and would love to provide extra support when you need it. Having people around you that understand your struggles can also provide that extra accountability you need to prevent relapses throughout recovery.

If you’re experiencing an eating disorder, you’re not alone. At Avalon Hills, we see and successfully treat numerous eating disorders and help our patients take their lives back. If you or a loved one needs help, don’t wait to reach out. To speak with one of our admissions specialists, please click here.

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