Eating disorders are classified as addictive behaviors that are linked to underlying mental health conditions. Anorexia is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by unrelenting self-starvation and life-threatening weight loss. People that suffer from anorexia experience:
- A failure to maintain minimal body weight
- Fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
- Disturbances in perception of shape or weight
- Amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation
These symptoms show how crucial it is for people with anorexia to enter an anorexia treatment program. At Fort Behavioral Health in Fort Worth, Texas, we proudly have an eating disorder treatment program that includes a rehab program and mental health treatment. Our team understands that anorexia is a form of addiction, so we treat this behavior in a rehab program that can lead to a successful recovery. If you are battling anorexia and are considering an anorexia treatment program, an eating disorder treatment program or dual diagnosis treatment program can be the support that you need to reach your recovery goals.
How Does Anorexia Relate to Addiction?
Addictive behavior, such as anorexia, manifests itself in a preoccupation with food and eating, withdrawal symptoms, and a continuation of disturbed eating behavior despite adverse consequences, loss of control, and frequent relapse.
Eating disorders display similar characteristics of a drug or alcohol addiction. These addictive behaviors are self-destructive, harmful, and deadly. When people are struggling with anorexia, they lose control and can’t stop the behavior. Anorexia is related to some of the psychological effects of starvation, which appear to be similar to symptoms of addiction. Anorexia and addiction both develop as methods to cope with past stressful situations.
Teen girls are especially susceptible to developing anorexia due to our culture’s idolization of being thin. This misconception perpetuates through the adolescent community along with the peer pressure and popularity of using drugs and alcohol. Teen girls that are dealing with anorexia often have an addiction to drugs or alcohol, as well. These behaviors have a definite link to mental health.
How Does Anorexia Relate to Mental Health?
Extensive research has shown a strong link between anorexia and mental health. In fact, the Academy for Eating Disorders says that anorexia qualifies as a mental health disorder because:
- Anorexia causes emotional and cognitive problems that hinder the ability to complete everyday tasks.
- Restricting food intake is a telltale symptom of anorexia that has been shown to change brain structure, neurochemistry, and metabolism. These brain alterations can cause people with anorexia to struggle to develop healthier behaviors.
- Medical and scientific evidence supports the proposition that anorexia and bulimia can be inherited.
- Anorexia is a life-threatening condition that can lead to several health complications, which is a component of a mental health disorder.
Enroll in an Anorexia Treatment Program at Fort Behavioral Health
If you are suffering from an eating disorder, a residential treatment program at Fort Behavioral Health can help you regain control of your life and get you on the path to recovery. Our Fort Worth, Texas, facility is a judgment-free environment that provides mental health treatment as a component of our anorexia treatment program. Reach out to our team today for more information by calling 844.332.1807 or completing our online form.
The Fort Worth Recovery umbrella covers medically supervised detox and residential programs for men and women alike. Our programs are abstinence-based and combine a 12-step approach with a strong mental health component, integrating cutting-edge techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Somatic Experiencing, and Motivational Interviewing. For more information or to start your healing journey, please fill out a contact request form, and one of our recovery experts will connect with you shortly.
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