Does residential treatment really work?

I am going in for residential treatment because I have been bulimic for 6 years and am so exhausted by this illness that I want to seek help. I have tried outpatient counseling before but it obviously didn't work. How do I know that its worth the expense to my family to have myself locked away for 30 or more days when there is no guarantee that I'll get better? What type of treatments are usuallly effective for bulimia? Isn't it hard to treat with some having this disorder for decades?

[Zoelula]

Yes, I'd be lying if I didn't say that eating disorders are hard to treat and that it's hard to maintain recovery. Nevertheless it is possible and I am a good example because after 30 years of suffering I now am in full recovery for 15 years. But I did it all on my own and with what I know today I believe that I wouldn't have had to suffer so long if I had gotten some intensive help. Residential treatment is an excellent way to break the cycle, get some intensive support and monitoring and learn skills that will help you continue to maintain your recovery on an ongoing basis. You will most likely receive a medical evaluation, nutritional counseling and individual and group therapy which is called cognitive behavioral and looks at the flaws in your thinking patterns and how they influence your behavior. You will learn about all aspects of your illness and what your triggers and warning signs are for relapse. Some facilities will involve your family members so that they learn how best to support you after your release.

My suggestion is to be totally open to all you receive and to soak it up like a sponge because the expense will be well worth it in what you "take away with you" from that 30 days to last you a lifetime. Six years may feel like forever in terms of the pain you have gone through, but it is a relatively short time to have an eating disorder and this will make your recovery chances much better. You don't have to suffer with this disorder for decades, but can get well and live your life. I'm not saying it will be like you never had this problem, you will always have to maintain your awareness of warning signs to stay in recovery, but you can do it! Two years ago I was diagnosed with diabetes which means I have to focus intensely on and limit what I eat, but because I have all this recovery time I can do it!  When you are discharged you will be encouraged to have a plan for how you will maintain your recovery with support in the form of therapy and possibly OA meetings. Don't neglect these things because they will be your lifeline. Consider this chance a great opportunity to get and stay well. Let us know how it goes.
Zoe

[shlee1016]

If you want it, then residential treatment can help you. It will be extremely difficult, but worth it to get your life back. Your mindset toward recovery and your motivation to get better will play a huge role in how it works for you. It will break your cycle, and help you learn coping skills, and to help you get the real you back...among other things of course such as therapy, nutrition counseling, groups, etc. etc. Did that help at all? Let me know if you want to talk more.

[fhayejones]

I believe that Residential Treatment centers DO help tremendously. ESPECIALLY those who have a level system or php and iop programs to help you to transition back to your life.. if i were you i would definitely go to treatment and embrace everything they have to offer, its going to be hard but its really the best way to get the life you want and have the future you deserve!!! if you take this time now to work on yourself you can get well, the longer you wait the harder it will be. if you have questions or concerns you can pm me anytime.