Bulimia: A Guide to Recovery » (REVISED)

This intimate self-help guidebook offers a complete understanding of bulimia and a plan for recovery. It includes a two-week program to stop bingeing, ideas for things to do instead of bingeing, a guide for support groups, specific advice for loved ones, and "Eat Without Fear," Lindsey Hall's story of her self-cure, which has inspired thousands of other bulimics. This 25th anniversary edition updates all information from previous editions, with additional material on assessment, new diagnostic categories, men and bulimia, evidence-based treatment, family-assisted recovery, the influence of media (including the Internet), the essentials of "long-term recovery," and much more. Drawing on its established track record of success, Bulimia: A Guide to Recovery includes input from 400 recovered bulimics and is packed with valuable tips for therapists, educators, bulimics, and their loved ones.

William Davis

This is an excellent book. It offers accurate information, wise counsel and genuine hope for everyone who suffers with bulimia...also valuable reading for the mental health professional.

Introduction xi
PART I. Understanding Bulimia

Chapter 1. Questions Most Often Asked about Bulimia
  What is bulimia? 20
  Why do people become bulimic? 21
  Why are bulimics mainly women? 25
  What special issues are faced by men with bulimia? 33
  How is bulimia related to sexual trauma? 35
  How does bulimia affect my relationships? 39
  Is it the same as anorexia nervosa? 43
  What is a typical binge? 45
  What are the medical dangers? 46
  What thoughts and feelings are associated with it? 49 What other
behaviors do bulimics share? 52
  What does it feel like to binge-vomit? 53
  How do I know if I have bulimia? 55
  How long does it take to get better? 56
  Can medication help in recovery? 59
  How do I learn to eat correctly? 61
  If I quit purging, will I gain weight? 64
  How should I choose a therapist? 67
  What can I do to help someone who has bulimia? 70
  What can be done to prevent eating disorders? 71
Chapter 2. Eat Without Fear: A True Story of the Binge-Purge Syndrome
  Introduction 75
  Beginning 77
  Living with a Habit 84
  Marriage with a Secret Life 86
  Shift in Focus 89
  Turning Point 93
  Ending the Behavior 95
  Lasting Recovery 83

PART II. Overcoming Bulimia

Chapter 3. How to Start
  The Decision to Stop 107
  Setting Reasonable Goals 110
  Encouragement: Why Get Better? 113

Chapter 4. Get Support! 117
  Family Support 119
  Professional Therapy 123
  Eating Disorders Treatment Centers 126
  Other Support 127
  Medical and Dental Examinations 130

Chapter 5. What Has Worked for Many 133
  Looking Beyond the Symptoms 134
  Journal Writing 136
  Practicing Self Esteem 140
  Expressing Yourself 143
  Relaxation 145
  Working on Body Image 148
  Healthy Physical Exercise 153
  Experiencing Hungers and Feelings 156
  Cultivating Relationships 158
  Spiritual Pursuits 162
  Changing Your Mind 166
  Challenging Cultural Influences 170

Chapter 6. Healthy Eating and Healthy Weight 175
  Dieting and Set Point 176
  Getting Past Food Fears 178
  Meal Planning 181
  Special Situations 183

Chapter 7. Things to Do Instead of Bingeing 187
  Immediate 188
  Short-term 190
  Long-term 193

Chapter 8. Advice for Loved Ones 195

Chapter 9. A Three-Week Program to Stop Bingeing 203

Chapter 10. A Guide for Support Groups 261
  Forming the Group 261
  Rules of the Group 262
  Agendas for Six Meetings 263

Resources 273

Bibliography 277

Index 281