Body image disorder is a common problem that doesn’t only affect young women. More young men are dealing with body image issues as well. As societal pressures to look “perfect” all the time increase, men and women look for various ways to fit in. While everyone should strive to be healthy, many will cause damage to themselves to fit the mold society deems ideal. To suppress their appetite and lose weight, some people turn to substance use. When drug and alcohol use occur along with eating disorders, the problem becomes even more complicated. Anorexia treatment, along with addiction treatment, is necessary.
Eating Disorders and Addiction
How many times do we see perfect, airbrushed models smiling at us from TV, phone screens, and magazine covers? Unfortunately, too many individuals believe that these flawless images are a reality. They don’t think about the hours that go into hair, makeup, and editing. They end up comparing their real selves to a fantasy.
To lose weight and fit the mold of an unattainable ideal, some people turn to appetite-suppressing drugs like cocaine or other stimulants. They may also use prescription drugs like Adderall, whether it’s their medication or someone else’s.
The more they use a drug, the more dependent they grow on it. This substance dependency is coupled with their eating disorder, leading to a co-occurring disorder. However, it may not be easy for family members to recognize substance use if they’re focused on extreme weight loss.
Someone who’s not eating healthily and abusing drugs needs anorexia treatment as well as treatment for addiction. It’s not enough to only address one or the other for a person to become well.
The Need for Anorexia Treatment
People suffering from anorexia are often in denial about their weight and health. While friends and family members see someone who’s dangerously underweight, the individual only sees room for improvement. Common signs of anorexia include:
- Development of extreme food rituals
- Avoids eating in front of others
- Extreme weight loss
- Denies feeling hungry
- Excessive preoccupation with weight
Physically, someone who needs anorexia treatment may complain of constipation or feeling cold all the time. Their skin, nails, and hair will look and feel dry.
If this sounds like a loved one, encouraging them to seek treatment is vital, especially if you suspect they’re abusing drugs as a way to keep their weight down. They need a rehab facility that provides dual diagnosis treatment. Both problems are addressed at the same time, increasing their chances of recovery.
Becoming a Healthy, Happy You
Red Oak Recovery is an addiction treatment and rehab facility in Asheville, North Carolina. We offer a hybrid program that combines clinically focused treatment with adventure therapy. Our location is ideal for clients seeking peaceful, natural surroundings.
If you’re in need of anorexia treatment, we’ll help you develop a healthy relationship with food. We’ll start in our garden, where you’ll take part in planting and nurturing the food that in turn can nurture and nourish you. Our addiction treatment programs include:
We provide thorough evaluations for each client to design the best course of treatment for the individual.
Are you ready to take the next step toward a healthy future? Are you ready for anorexia treatment to learn healthy eating habits? Red Oak Recovery is here to help. Contact us today at 866.457.7590 for more information.