Compulsive Overeating

Compulsive overeating is an eating disorder in which the person suffers from a lack of control over food and eating. Compulsive overeating, sometimes referred to as binge-eating, occurs when a person overeats, or consumes a daily calorie intake that can be three times the normal intake for a person of similar size and weight.

Binge-eating is an illness that comes with severe feelings of remorse, sadness, disappointment and shame over the disordered eating behavior. Many times, clients may turn to drugs or alcohol in order to alleviate or "numb" these emotions.

At SubstanceAbuse.com, we specialize in finding clients a compulsive overeating treatment that also incorporates treatment for any co-existing substance abuse problems. Call us today, at 1-800-763-1562, and learn how an eating disorder treatment can help.

Treating Compulsive Overeating

Because clients suffering from compulsive overeating are consuming so many calories, they often are overweight or obese. Many treatments for compulsive overeating will include psychological therapies, sometimes medications to help alleviate the urge to overeat or binge. Some eating disorder clinics that offer compulsive overeating therapy also will incorporate exercise programs and recreational activities to help clients move toward a healthier weight. By helping compulsive overeating clients lose weight, they improve self-esteem, reduce health risks and in turn, reduce the urge to binge.

Compulsive Overeaters

As many as 4 millions adults may be suffering from compulsive overeating in the United States today. Compulsive overeaters have a lack of control over eating, which can result in eating too much at each meal, eating all day long, or "grazing," or experiencing episodes of binge eating.

Clients suffering from this eating disorder have risks associated with being overweight and obese, in fact, 15 percent of compulsive overeaters are considered mildly obese. Health risks for those with binge-eating can include:

• diabetes
• hypertension
• high cholesterol
• heart disease
• stroke
• gallbladder disease
• osteoarthritis
• sleep apnea
• cancer

Overeating and Substance Abuse

Those with compulsive overeating often suffer from a co-occurring substance abuse problem. Psychologists debate whether the client suffering from compulsive overeating uses alcohol or drugs to self medicate, or if the eating disorder arises as a result of substance abuse.

Low self-esteem is a common factor in all eating disorders, and especially in compulsive overeating. Clients experience overwhelming feelings of shame and guilt about their compulsive overeating, and their unhealthy weight also produces low-self esteem. Many times, it seems that use of drugs or alcohol is a way to self medicate and cover up those heightened emotions.

At SubstanceAbuse.com, we understand the complications surrounding compulsive overeating, and are here to help. Call 1-800-763-1562, toll-free, and get answers to your questions about substance abuse and compulsive overeating.