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| Treating compulsive overeating disorder Compulsive overeating disorder is an emotional disorder which, like all addictions, can be fatal if not arrested and treated. Overeating disorder treatment is a priority, especially considering the associated physical health dangers. Compulsive overeating disorder is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Eating disorders, like all addictions, are a disease that is progressive and incurable. In order to attain successful long-term results, compulsive overeating disorder needs to be treated in a proper addiction treatment centre that supports a 12 step daily programme of recovery and a holistic treatment regime. Compulsive Overeating A compulsive overeater is a person who is addicted to eating. They have no control over their bingeing and do not follow this with compensatory behaviour. The act of eating is intoxicating to them, just like a drug. As a result, they gain large amounts of weight and can become morbidly obese. Their shame about their body increases feelings of self-loathing, which they attempt to mask with further bingeing. This then leads to further weight gain, more shame, and the destructive cycle continues. Food addicts sometimes need education about healthy eating plans and balanced nutrition, but ultimately empowering addicts to control their eating behaviour will need treatment. Eating disorders are life-threatening diseases that require professional overeating treatment by qualified counsellors. These progressive disorders can spiral out of control and have fatal consequences unless treatment is sought. Treatment for eating disorders The difficulty with treating overeating disorders is that, unlike the treatment of other addictions, the addict cannot abstain from food. This is why treatment of compulsive overeating disorder in its most severe form will usually require inpatient treatment at a treatment centre where appropriate support, guidance and counselling can be provided. These behaviours take time to heal and intense therapy will be required. The use of a 12 Step programme and a daily programme of recovery is necessary to make sure that the sufferer will not slip back into their old behaviours again once they have left treatment. A holistic treatment regime aims to heal the body, mind and spirit. Healthy lifestyles, eating plans and wellness activities promote healthy living and recovery from the physical effects of eating disorders. On admission to a treatment centres, clients are individually assessed and treated accordingly. Registered dieticians draw up individualised meal plans consisting of wholesome, vitamin-rich foods. Wellness programmes are tailored to each patient’s particular health condition and diagnosed eating disorder. 12 step programme The Minnesota Model combines the Twelve Steps, originally of Alcoholics Anonymous, with individual counselling and group therapy. When this programme is applied over an extended period of time, and accompanied by a healthy lifestyle and proper eating habits, the ability to maintain a healthy diet increases. The 12 steps provide a healthy code of behaviour for patients to follow in their pursuit of recovery. These steps are essential in everyday life once patients leave the treatment facility. Residential care at a professional overeating treatment centre combined with a holistic all-encompassing approach to recovery and a 12 step programme is recognised as one of the most successful treatment methods for compulsive overeating disorder. About the author: Oasis Counselling Centre offers professional eating disorder treatment in Plettenberg Bay for compulsive overeating disorder. Oasis incorporates a 12 step recovery programme and offers a holistic treatment regime. |
