About Addiction
Bulimia: The binge-and-purge cycle can be broken.
What bulimia looks like, where to find support, and the treatment approaches that help people recover.
Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting. Signs include frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, swollen cheeks or jaw area, and calluses on knuckles from induced vomiting.
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and Overeaters Anonymous (OA) offer support for those with bulimia. Many cities also have local eating disorder support groups.
Treatment typically involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, nutritional counseling, and sometimes medication. Family-based treatment can be effective for younger individuals. Ongoing therapy and support group participation are often crucial for maintaining recovery.