Binge Eating Disorder Hotline

In America, about 10 million men and 20 million women will experience an eating disorder during their lifetimes. These are illnesses that, despite many myths associated with our sociocultural environment, can develop in anyone, no matter what their gender, age, or background is. And here in the United States, binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder. This illness is characterized by:

• Repeated incidents in which someone will binge eat food. During such an eating binge they will feel a loss of control as they consume a large amount of food over a relatively short period of time.
• Afterwards, it is likely that the individual will experience emotions associated with shame, guilt, distress, as well as embarrassment.

Health Risks Associated With Binge Eating Disorder

The National Eating Disorders Association explains that the health risks that are associated with binge eating disorder are those that tend to be related to issues such as:

• Yo-yo dieting, or weight cycling
• Clinical obesity
• Weight stigma

In more severe cases of binge eating disorder, someone can develop resistance to insulin which may, in turn, lead to type 2 diabetes. They may also eat enough to cause their stomach to rupture; this is a potentially life-threatening issue that is considered a medical emergency. This highlights the importance of early intervention as well as looking out for any potential signs that someone is suffering from binge eating disorder.

Hotlines You Can Contact

One way you can access help for binge eating disorder is by reaching out to an eating disorder hotline. For example, the National Eating Disorders Association offers a few different ways you can get into contact with one, which include texting, calling, and instant messaging: 

• You can text with someone on Mondays through Thursdays, from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM Eastern Time.
• You can speak with someone on the phone on Mondays through Thursdays between 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM Eastern Time, or on Fridays between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM Eastern Time. 
• Finally, you can also chat with someone online between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM Eastern Time on Mondays through Thursdays, and on Fridays from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. 

You can always leave a message if you are unable to get into contact with someone when you initially reach out; they will get back to you as soon as possible.

Finding a Treatment Center

Binge eating disorder is a serious yet treatable illness. If you are located in the United States, Eating Disorder Hope offers a webpage that helps you find eating disorder treatment on a state-by-state basis using an interactive map. It is important to remember that no two recovery journeys from an eating disorder will look the same, as everyone’s situation will be different.

Additionally, if you or a loved one is in a state of crisis, you can text “NEDA” to 741-741 and reach a properly trained volunteer at the Crisis Text Line. We are also here to help you here at Eating Disorder Recovery Specialists. You can reach us via phone (866-525-2766), email, or by filling out our contact form.