Eating disorders in women take different forms. Some women will greatly restrict their calories to lose weight. Others will consume large amounts of food and then purge themselves to avoid weight gain. Anytime someone has an unhealthy relationship with food; there are underlying factors that exist that feed into that. Uncovering those issues can be a step toward a healthier life at every level.
Contributing Factors to Eating Disorders in Women
No one is perfect, but the message that many women get is that they’re supposed to be. They believe they must look perfect, act perfect, and be perfect daughters, mothers, and friends.
This can create an enormous amount of pressure in a woman’s life. As a result, some women try to be the most perfect version of themselves, but they do it in an unhealthy way. They use various methods to achieve the weight they believe will solve all of their problems. When these methods are severe and unhealthy, women may need eating disorder treatment to become well again.
Eating disorders in women may stem from issues, such as:
- The need to control something: If she has virtually no control over anything else, she can at least control what she eats.
- Societal pressure: Some women are more vulnerable to this than others, but women who are heavily influenced by the images they see in the media can feel this pressure more.
- A way to cope with past trauma: Many women with a history of sexual trauma don’t know how to cope. Instead, they may turn to disordered eating or substance abuse.
- Low self-esteem: When women don’t feel good about themselves, they may believe that being at a “perfect” weight will make them happy.
Addiction and Eating Disorders in Women
When coupled with drug and alcohol addiction, treatment for eating disorders in women becomes especially complex. Some women take part in the phenomenon known as “drunkorexia.” They drink heavily to boost their confidence. At the same time, they skip meals, which increases the effects of alcohol.
Other women may abuse stimulants that are known for their appetite-suppressing qualities. This may be licit drugs like diet pills, or it may be illicit substances like cocaine. The more they do this, the greater their chances of developing a dependency and addiction.
Although eating disorders in men aren’t as common as eating disorders in women, a growing number of men are also succumbing to pressures to look a certain way. When a mental health issue—including eating disorders—exists alongside addiction, dual diagnosis treatment is key for lasting recovery.
Fortunately, Steps to Recovery provides a full spectrum of care for men and women who want to be healthy and happy.
Compassionate Addiction Treatment in a Collaborative Setting
Our addiction treatment center in Levittown, Pennsylvania can help you or a loved one overcome substance dependency. We believe that each client has unique needs, and meeting those needs is our top priority. Our caring team gets to know each individual in order to create the most appropriate, customized treatment plan.
The Pennsylvania addiction recovery services we provide include:
- Women’s drug rehab program
- Men’s drug rehab program
- Sober living program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Psychotherapy
- Family therapy
If drug and alcohol addiction has taken nearly everything from you, it’s time you take it all back. The team at Steps to Recovery will be your advocate in overcoming substance abuse and reclaiming control of your life. Call us today at 267.719.8528 to learn more about eating disorders in women.