Entering treatment for an eating disorder is an important decision. At first, it might feel overwhelming, but it’s really an opportunity to take control and change your own life. You deserve to be happy, to achieve success, and to build healthy relationships. It’s time to discover the you within you –– the you that’s been there all along!
Believe it or not, you’ve always had the power within yourself to take control of your eating disorder. You are not powerless! Your true self wants to be nourished and cared for so that you can live your most authentic life. It all begins with that first brave step –– the choice to begin an effective treatment program.
Did you know that 28.8 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder within their lifetime? Not only that, but more than 70% will never get the care and treatment they need. That’s why it’s critical to have treatment centers that focus on identifying and healing the symptoms so many adults and adolescents experience.
It takes strength to stay in treatment and see it through until the end, and the rewards are well worth the effort.
What are the benefits of completing treatment?
At Center for Discovery, our patients completed self-assessments upon arrival and at the time of discharge. The cumulative results confirmed that longer treatment durations resulted in improvements from start to finish. Our residential treatment center showed the largest symptom reductions when patients followed medical advice and completed their treatment.
When patients stay through to the end of their treatment with us, the results are very encouraging.
- 97% say they leave with the coping skills to get better
- 94% can identify triggers
- 92% understand when to ask for help
There is so much to be gained from treatment, and the benefits of staying far outweigh the costs of quitting! Here are the top benefits of sticking with your treatment plan.
Building community builds strength in recovery.
Loneliness is common when struggling with disordered eating. Self-isolation makes it worse. During treatment though, you become part of a supportive community. Whether you’re socializing or taking group classes, being around other people is comforting. When you’re with us, you’re never alone on your self-improvement journey.
Individual therapy is highly effective in recovery.
From the moment you walk through our doors, you will be welcomed by our empathetic care team. Many of us have been where you are and understand how you feel when you arrive. We are here to help, not judge. We’ll guide you through one-on-one therapy sessions that incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and exposure and response prevention. Our evidence-based treatment modalities are highly effective in cultivating an atmosphere for you to grow and develop.
Group therapy builds connection in recovery.
You’ll be able participate in group sessions with like-minded folks and feel less alone when connecting through the stories of others. Get ready to make lasting connections and receive support from peers going through similar experiences. Some may even become your friends for life.
Family involvement improves the recovery experience.
We include family members in therapy and visitation events when appropriate. Welcoming supportive loved ones into the healing process improves patient retention. Additionally, our virtual friends and family support groups offer an opportunity for families who don’t understand what their loved one is going through to learn how to best support them rather than push them away.
Learning coping skills combats relapse.
Knowing how to respond to external stimuli is essential for managing stress, anxiety, sadness and triggers before they become too big to handle alone. That’s why one of the main skills you’ll learn during treatment is how to cope with life’s challenges. We work with you to identify triggers specific to your life and start using healthy coping skills like self-care and affirmations that really work. Learning how to use coping skills that center your mind and body will help you deal with daily stressors. We work with you individually to understand which coping mechanisms are most helpful for you personally. Activities we encourage are creative endeavors like art and music, equine therapy, meditation, mindfulness, journaling, and being in nature.
The CFD Approach
Intuitive Eating and HAES®
Our Health at Every Size (HAES)® initiative helps patients embrace their bodies. You’ll learn how to understand your eating habits and reframe your body image in a more positive light. You’ll also incorporate Intuitive Eating practices that teach you to listen to your body during mealtimes. Your body will send you cues that let you know when it’s hungry and full.
Extensive Programming
We offer teen, adult, gender affirmative and LGBTQ+ inclusive programming. Using a tailored approach, we’ll empower you with the tools needed to create the fulfilling life you deserve. Our unique CARE-CFD model helps you incorporate nourishment, flexibility, collaboration with experts, and satisfaction into your daily meals. Plus, our virtual sessions and intensive outpatient care are flexible options you’ll find helpful if your schedule is packed.
Treating Co-Occurring Disorders
We sensitively treat co-occurring disorders. Eating disorders often go hand-in-hand with mental health conditions. Body dysmorphia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, anxiety, and depression can greatly affect the progression of eating disorders. It is important to address the symptoms of co-occurring disorders, because they can intensify if treatment is abruptly stopped.
Alumni Benefits
Upon completing treatment, you’ll have unlimited free access to a variety of free alumni benefits. Our Discovery app offers wellness challenges, progress tracking and journaling capabilities, blogs, and podcasts to help you stay motivated when you return to your daily life. Plus, our alumni support groups are a wonderful way to stay connected with your peers and care team.
Discovery 365™
You’ll also have unlimited free access for one year to a unique app only offered by us. Discovery365™ is a 16-point interactive assessment and check-in program. With this revolutionary virtual safety net, we use breakthrough, proprietary technology to intervene when you need additional support during the most crucial time in recovery.
What are the risks of leaving treatment early?
Whether you’re suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive or other specified types of disordered eating, if you leave against medical advice you risk any progress you have already made in treatment.
It is vital to stay through treatment to reduce the chances of readmission. In fact, our Harvard-reviewed self-assessment scores indicated that each time a patient returned to treatment, they improved less. This suggests that repeat treatment episodes weaken the impact of the initial treatment plan.
If you leave treatment before learning how to implement healthy coping mechanisms into your daily life, you will be more easily triggered by life circumstances. You are likely to experience more anxiety, mood swings and depression and resort to former disordered eating habits in an attempt to cope.
You’ll also miss out on the anchoring presence of a strong support system with people who truly understand and relate to what you’re going through. Leaving the cocoon of community too soon is risky. It is absolutely worth it to continue individual, group and family therapy with your experienced care team.
Whatever your personalized recovery plan includes, you can expect to build a strong foundation for a healthy mind, body, and spirit to guide you as you return to your daily life.
How can I take care of myself now?
Invest in yourself now for the rest of your life. Make 2025 the year you uncover your true self. You have the strength within yourself to change your life, and you are not alone on your journey to improve your well-being.
For over 25 years, Center for Discovery has been helping thousands of patients overcome their eating disorders and rebuild confidence in themselves. Reach out to our knowledgeable admissions counselors today so we can begin your lasting recovery together in an encouraging environment.
Contact us today!
Resources and related reading:
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/statistics
https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/what-eating-disorder-recovery-means-to-me/
https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/aftercare-recovery-and-you/