Eating disorder behaviors are prevalent in adolescence and can have harmful consequences. Adolescence is a critical period of development and a window of vulnerability during which disordered eating behaviors can develop. The media is constantly bombarding teens with images of what they should look like. Social media, television, and movies all portray unrealistic images of young men. For some teens, these images, paired with poor self-confidence, distorted body image and excessive exercise habits can lead to an eating order. Foothills at Red Oak Recovery can assist your loved one with our adolescent mental health treatment programs in understanding the underlying issues (depression, anxiety, insecurity, lack of control, powerlessness) and provide the help they need to develop a healthy relationship with food and themselves. We are proud to provide the adolescent eating disorder treatment center your loved one needs.
What Is an Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder refers to a wide range of unhealthy eating habits exhibited by individuals, which can have detrimental effects on their physical and mental well-being. These patterns may encompass some, but not all, of the symptoms associated with eating disorders, highlighting the complexity of the issue.
Examples of eating disorder behaviors include:
- Skipping meals or fasting, using diet pills as a means of control
- Engaging in excessive exercise to compensate for food intake
- Eliminating or restricting certain food groups in pursuit of an ideal body image
- Experiencing episodes of binge eating followed by feelings of guilt and shame
- Misuse of substances like creatine or steroids in an attempt to manipulate body composition
If you start to observe changes in your teen’s mood, activity level, and sleep patterns, these could potentially indicate that they are struggling with an eating disorder. It is important to approach this issue with sensitivity and understanding, as disordered eating can have severe consequences on both physical and mental health.
In such cases, seeking support from a specialized adolescent eating disorder treatment center can provide the necessary guidance and assistance in navigating this challenging journey toward recovery. Remember, early intervention and professional help are crucial in addressing an eating disorder and promoting overall well-being.
The Importance of an Adolescent Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Eating correctly is essential for teens who are still growing and developing. Without the proper nutrients from a well-balanced diet, teens could be at risk for health problems as they age. A teen eating disorder treatment center helps address these disordered eating behaviors and patterns to help teens become healthier individuals both physically and mentally.
As teens go through eating disorder treatment, they will learn how to have a healthy relationship with food. Treatment will also teach teens how to view themselves positively and accept their bodies. A healthier body image will help teens move away from their eating disorder patterns.
Help through Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
When it comes to redefining the clinical experience, Foothills at Red Oak Recovery is a leader for teenagers and adolescents. Through our teen therapy services and adolescent treatment programs, our team is able to help those between the ages of 14 to 17 get back on track with life.
Our treatments and teen therapy services include the following:
- Trauma treatment
- Substance abuse treatment
- Process addiction treatment
- Individual and group therapies
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Family therapy
- Continued education
- Psychological testing
To learn more about our program can help your child address and eating disorder, reach out to speak with a team member today. Call us now at 866.300.5275 or use our online contact form to get started with an adolescent eating treatment program.