There is only one thing more scary than needing and deciding to seek treatment for an eating disorder…..paying for it.  The costs are not warm, fuzzy, nor soft, but they are real. 

Insurance can be a great help in defraying the costs to a family or individual seeking care. The treatment facilities should be able to help you navigate through the maze of coverage to help you understand if insurance will participate and how much they will participate in the costs of the needed treatment. 

It is important to understand your net costs, the costs that come out of your pocket, and when those costs are collected.  Many times, a net cost comparison will allow you a greater opportunity to choose the treatment facility that more closely aligns with your treatment needs and desires.

Another important point to remember is that most pursuits of treatment involve a multi-prong attack, utilizing various forms of financing.  In an economy where retirement accounts are down and home values reduced, many think that treatment is no longer an option.  There are many other strategies that can be implemented.  A great admission team will highlight which options might be available in your specific case. 
Lastly, become very comfortable with being uncomfortable.  Every person pursuing care goes through these same emotions and reservations.  Ask lots of questions and do not be afraid to share your needs.  Great care and freedom are possible!

Eating Disorders have a detrimental effect on oral health. Information from the dental association as well as the National Eating Disorders Association explains the problems that arrise in the mouth as a result of anorexia and more so in bulimia patients. Bad breath, sensitive teeth, mouth sores, dry mouth, cracked lips, bleeding gums, eroded tooth enamel and teeth that are worn and appear almost translucent are a some of the signs that dentists use to determine whether a patient suffers from an eating disorder.

The National Eating Disorders Asssociation offers good information on this. Click here to view and print it.

Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008 struggled with anorexia and has taken on eating disorders as a special cause. Her journey is inspiring and so is her desire to help others find freedom through a foundation she started. There is an article on the Savanna Morning News website that covers her story.

Here is an excerpt: "Her mother, Iora Haglund, never thought she'd see her daughter go to college, let alone be crowned Miss America. Just five years ago, Kirsten Haglund was so deep in the throes of anorexia, her family had shelved dreams of a normal future. But Haglund managed to overcome it, and is now trying to help others with eating disorders through a nonprofit, the Kirsten Haglund Foundation."

Click here to read the article.

There are numerous health complications associated with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. It is important to understand the risks and seek treatment early. The National Eating Disorders Association website as well as other educational sites offers information on this topic. Here is an excerpt from one of the informational pages on their site:

"Eating disorders are real, complex, and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships. Eating disorders are not just a “fad” or a “phase.” They are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person’s emotional and physical health. People struggling with an eating disorder need to seek professional help. The earlier a person with an eating disorder seeks treatment, the greater the likelihood of physical and emotional recovery."

Click here to go to NEDA's site and review the full page of information.