Anorexics And Bulimics Anonymous

A faith based 12 Step program... Directed toward those trapped in the labyrinth of eating disorders, their families, and their therapists, the text lays out in detail the steps taken, the tools used, the love that grew and the healing received. Illustrated with true-life experience and complete with a compilation of personal stories by individual members.

Eating Disorders Anonymous: The Story of How We Recovered from Our Eating Disorders presents the accumulated experience, strength, and hope of many who have followed a Twelve-Step approach to recover from their eating disorders. Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA), founded by sober members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), have produced a work that emulates the “Big Book” in style and substance. EDA respects the pioneering work of AA while expanding its Twelve-Step message of hope to include those who are religious or seek a spiritual solution, and for those who are not and may be more comfortable substituting “higher purpose” for the traditional “Higher Power.” Further, the EDA approach embraces the development and maintenance of balance and perspective, rather than abstinence, as the goal of recovery. Initial chapters provide clear directions on how to establish a foothold in recovery by offering one of the founder’s story of hope, and collective voices tell why EDA is suitable for readers with any type of problem eating, including: anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating, emotional eating, and orthorexia. The text then explains how to use the Twelve Steps to develop a durable and resilient way of thinking and acting that is free of eating disordered thoughts and behaviors, including how to pay it forward so that others might have hope of recovery. In the second half of the text, individual contributors share their experiences, describing what it was like to have an eating disorder, what happened that enabled them to make a start in recovery, and what it is like to be in recovery. Like the “Big Book,” these stories are in three sections: Pioneers of EDA, They Stopped in Time, and They Lost Nearly All. Readers using the Twelve Steps to recover from other issues will find the process consistent and reinforcing of their experiences, yet the EDA approach offers novel ideas and specific guidance for those struggling with food, weight and body image issues. Letters of support from three, highly-regarded medical professionals and two, well-known recovery advocates offer reassurance that EDA’s approach is consistent with that supported by medical research and standards in the field of eating disorders treatment. Intended as standard reading for members who participate in EDA groups throughout the world, this book is accessible and appropriate for anyone who wants to recover from an eating disorder or from issues related to food, weight, and body image.

Eating disorders, addictions, and substance use disorders are each challenging in their own right, but they also commonly co-occur, causing major challenges for clinicians. This book presents cutting-edge research on the overlap of these complex disorders and reviews integrative assessment strategies and treatment approaches, including enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, abstinence approaches, motivational enhancement, mindfulness meditation, and pharmacotherapy. The issue of whether eating-disordered behaviors such as dieting, binge eating, and excessive exercise are merely other forms of addictive behavior is examined. The authors argue both for and against the concept of food addiction in research, clinical treatment, and public policy. The book will be of interest to psychiatrists, addiction medicine physicians, mental health/substance abuse clinicians, dieticians, researchers, and those affected by the disorders.

This encyclopedia offers a variety of resources for readers interested in learning more about eating disorders, including hundreds of reference entries, interviews, scholarly debates, and case studies. While many people may reflexively imagine an anorexic or bulimia teenage girl upon being asked to think about eating disorders, eating disorders are a form of mental illness that can take many forms and affect individuals of all genders, ages, and ethnic backgrounds. In fact, an estimated eight million people in the United States struggle with an eating disorder, making eating disorders one of the most prevalent forms of mental illness in America. This two-volume encyclopedia comprehensively examines eating disorders as the forms they can take; their causes and potential complications; and how they can best be treated and prevented. It also examines the influence had by cultural factors such as the fashion industry, television and movies, and social media. More than just a simple A-to-Z reference, Eating Disorders: Understanding Causes, Controversies, and Treatment also includes valuable features such as Q&A interviews with those affected by and working to combat eating disorders, case studies, scholarly essays that voice opinions in key debates, and a directory of resources for individuals seeking help.

It has been estimated that as many as 15 million people suffer or will suffer from anorexia and bulimia at some point in their lives. Additional statistics suggest that 25 million more suffer from binge eating and other related behaviors. The overwhelming majority of individuals who suffer from eating disorders are girls and young women between the ages of 12 and 25, but young males are not immune to these addictions—and the statistics grow more alarming every year. Eating disorders affect not only those who suffer from them, but family members and friends who feel powerless to help. In Eating Disorders: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Jessica R. Greene offers hope for the young women and men who have engaged in these self-destructive urges. In this book, Greene examines the causes and varieties of teen eating disorders and offers advice on how to overcome them. The author looks at how eating disorders are defined, how common they are, and how they are tied into behavioral addictions. In addition to explaining how and why certain people suffer from these compulsions, this book looks at: Social and Cultural Pressures High Risk Groups Myths and Stereotypes Health Repercussions Methods of Prevention Intervention Strategies Treatment Options Recovery Intended to serve as a comprehensive guide, this book also includes a list of resources for teens and their parents. Drawing on input from experts in the field, as well as real-life stories, Eating Disorders: The Ultimate Teen Guide will help young adults who are struggling with this devastating affliction.

This second edition updates the 1983 work ("a gem"--Booklist) with a wealth of new information. The author, a therapist and recovered anorexic, draws upon her own experience and extensive research to produce a comprehensive account of the symptoms, causes and treatments of anorexia nervosa. She illuminates the anorexic's paradox--self-annihilation in service of self-preservation--and the central task of recovery: development of a Self. The author addresses the origins and attributes of anorexia and accompanying disorders, the use and misuse of the Internet, and the concept of recovery. She addresses different therapies in detail, as well as therapies for families and interventions. A directory of organizations, a list of resources for information and referral, a bibliography and index are included.

This intimate self-help guidebook offers a complete understanding of bulimia and a plan for recovery. It includes a two-week program to stop bingeing, ideas for things to do instead of bingeing, a guide for support groups, specific advice for loved ones, and "Eat Without Fear," Lindsey Hall's story of her self-cure, which has inspired thousands of other bulimics. This 25th anniversary edition updates all information from previous editions, with additional material on assessment, new diagnostic categories, men and bulimia, evidence-based treatment, family-assisted recovery, the influence of media (including the Internet), the essentials of "long-term recovery," and much more. Drawing on its established track record of success, Bulimia: A Guide to Recovery includes input from 400 recovered bulimics and is packed with valuable tips for therapists, educators, bulimics, and their loved ones.