Life Works – the leading specialist in Bulimia treatment.

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by cycles of bingeing and purging. Bulimia sufferers eat far beyond the point of feeling full, followed by an episode of purging. The process of bingeing and purging is highly disruptive to the body and mind with long term physiological effects developing, including: chronic gastric reflux, ulcers, tooth decay, kidney damage, chest pain, infertility cardiac arrhythmia, and death. Bulimia is often accompanied by guilt and depression and other psychological disorders resulting in the disorder being extremely secretive, where the sufferer is very protective about their illness. Additionally, because they usually maintain an average body weight, bulimia can be difficult to detect in others. If bulimia affects you or someone you know it is imperative that treatment for bulimia with professional bulimia counselling be sought to address this difficult illness, helping break down the engrained behaviour and increase the possibility of long term recovery.

One of the most difficult aspects of the disease is that bulimics lose control over their eating patterns and are unable to return to a normal schedule. Although guilt and depression accompany bulimia, purging also releases a surge of endorphins in the brain, meaning those suffering with bulimia may actually look forward to purging as a relief or comfort. Ipecac syrup and laxatives are often abused to hasten the purging process. This prolonged behaviour can lead to a loss of control over gastrointestinal response, meaning that the impulse to purge becomes automatic. People often need the outside help of professional bulimia counselling to regain control over their lives and health. Sufferers of bulimia often live with the disease for years before seeking help. It is a lifelong struggle requiring the careful attention and understanding that a bulimia treatment centre provides.

Seeking treatment at a bulimia treatment centre is the ideal method to work through the psychological issues underlying the illness. A treatment centre provides supervised care, emotional support, and controlled access to food. The staff and doctors at a treatment centre understand the psychological complexities associated with bulimia which may be difficult for family and friends to comprehend.

Do I need a Bulimia treatment centre?

I think I have a problem with Bulimia - how can I tell? What are the Bulimia symptoms?

Seeking a bulimia treatment centre is the first big step towards recovery. The most important part of treating yourself to recovery is by admitting that you have a problem and dealing with it. While there are Bulimia symptoms, you may need to ask yourself several questions to see if this is the condition you are suffering from. Are you obsessed with food, embarrassed about eating sugary or fatty foods in front of other people or constantly counting calories? Do you binge on foods that you feel guilty about eating? Do you seek to rid yourself of the food you've eaten by exercising profusely, vomiting or taking laxatives? Are you suffering from a continuous cycle of binging and purging, unable to break the habit? It is important to seek bulimia counselling if you suffer from any of these characteristics. Bulimia counselling will help you recover.

I think I need treatment for Bulimia, how can Life Works help me?

Whenever you suffer from problems like this, you may feel as if it is an impossible, never-ending situation. The truth is that you are not the only person to suffer from an eating disorder, and you will not be the final person to be helped down a road of recovery from bulimia. Due to the nature of the illness, it is important to tackle the behaviour fuelling the disorder rather than just the symptoms. The complete holistic care carried out by the experienced professionals at Life Works offers just that, and the best opportunity for long term recovery. Coupled with this Life Works also offers secondary care, providing a bridge for you to develop skills and techniques to help you cope beyond your initial treatment. Bulimia is an illness, not a weakness. Do not be ashamed to ask for help.

How can I start treatment for Bulimia at Life Works?

You have made the first step by looking for help from a bulimia treatment centre, the second step is to speak to our highly experienced admissions counsellor. All enquiries are confidential and carried out with the utmost care and respect that you deserve. Our admissions counsellor will take you through the admissions process, carrying out the first assessment to ensure we are the most appropriate place for you to receive treatment for bulimia. We recognise that this is a difficult decision to come to and will gladly listen to all your concerns and fears. Remember, Bulimia counselling will help you maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle once again and that the earlier you begin to treat your condition, the better chance at a full and happy recovery you'll have. It starts with a call, 0800 081 0700