Anorexia and bulimia are among the eating disorders that most people recognize. If you or a loved one struggle with this type of condition, you need help. Look to the top residential eating disorder treatment centers for a program. Why should you do so, and what happens during treatment?
Who’s a Good Candidate for Treatment?
If you recognize the symptoms of anorexia or bulimia in your life, you’re a good candidate for treatment. Care protocols lead you along a path to your best eating disorder recovery. It isn’t a fast process. Rather, it progresses at your pace.
Most importantly, the top residential eating disorder treatment centers customize a care approach to your individual needs. Therapists understand that one size doesn’t fit all. Similarly, they realize that your progress requires frequent adjustments to treatment protocols. At a dedicated facility, doing so is easy.
What Goes on at the Top Residential Eating Disorder Treatment Centers?
Many facilities offer the residential care option as the primary treatment delivery method. You live at the center and immerse yourself in the environment. Doing so provides numerous advantages. For starters, you have consistent contact with therapists and medical professionals.
Secondly, you practice living a healthy lifestyle. This includes the selection of healthy food choices and weight-bearing exercises. If you’ve struggled with the condition for a while, a residential eating disorder recovery center in AL may be the ideal place for recovery. Besides that, a structured program can help you experience the personal growth that makes a difference.
Care protocols may include the following:
- Psychiatric assessment and care for mental health challenges you struggle with
- Cognitive behavioral therapy that encourages dysfunctional pattern recognition and change
- Dialectical behavior treatment for the development of emotional regulation in stressful situations
- Group therapy sessions, which include body awareness exercises and coping skills development
- Nutritional counseling that teaches you how to maintain a positive relationship with eating throughout the recovery
Look for an Aftercare Process
It’s a common misconception that you emerge fully healed from treatment. While it’s true that you’re no longer in crisis, recovery requires a lifestyle change. It calls for daily choices that focus on your mental and physical health needs. Therefore, provisions for aftercare are a vital offering from eating disorder recovery centers for women.
Some facilities have a care protocol that includes a step-down to partial hospitalization and then intensive outpatient program participation. Others conduct follow-up aftercare by phone. Each center has its own approach. Moreover, therapists will customize this part of recovery to your needs.
What Happens If You Don’t Seek Help?
Eating disorders can be deadly. Your body gradually shuts down. Malnutrition takes a toll on organs and bodily systems. Similarly, the mental health aspect of eating disorders worsens.
Some people may fall victim to self-harm. Others may attempt to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Outside of treatment, there’s no good alternative for care. Of course, this doesn’t have to define the trajectory of your life.
The top residential eating disorder treatment centers are a phone call away. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help today.