New River Wellness Center treats Addiction and eating-disorders as co-occurring illnesses in both men and women. We do this because we strive to help our clients reach a full state of recovery.

What is an eating disorder?

Most of us are in denial about what is wrong. When we are in denial, we are also in fear. We do everything we can to cover up our actions. Alcoholism and drug addiction work similar to eating disorders: they are used as a coping mechanism.

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by abnormally low body weight and drastic attempts to manipulate the body’s shape and size.

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by binge eating and may or may not be followed by purging.

These behaviors are a symptom of a psychological or emotional concern. When a person recovers from an eating disorder they are at risk for developing alcoholism or drug addiction as a new way of coping with psychological turmoil. Most of our clients have used drugs and alcohol to support their eating disorder. The effects of substance abuse and a lack of nutrition and health are dangerous.

The National Eating Disorder Association states that 50% of individuals with eating disorders abused alcohol or illicit drugs. Up to 35% of individuals who abused or were dependent on alcohol or other drugs have also had eating disorders. *

It is important to understand that eating disorder and drug addiction does not diminish who you are as a person. Every life matters in this world. We approach recovery from all angles to uncover the suffering that is leading to addiction and self-harm. We uncover and discuss the biological structure of each individual and the psychology behind the self-harm and drug abuse. We address social constructs, and standards that inhibit the behavior. Finally, we introduce a spiritual approach to break free from all the causes of the addiction.

The body is a superpower. It has the ability to heal itself, work, rest, and survive. You are stronger than you think you are. The mind has the power to help the body heal. When we are stuck in a cycle of unhealthy behaviors, we prevent healing.

The goal of recovery is not to learn how to control our eating disorders or drug use. It is not to finally lose the weight or satisfy our cravings. The goal is to address the root-cause of our addiction to drugs and eating disorder. We ask what emotional need is satisfied with these behaviors? In doing so, we begin a journey. We learn to:

Listen to our body

Honor the true needs of our body

Learn to understand our feelings

Practice healthy coping tools

Accept ourselves

Love ourselves.

At New River Wellness Center, we strive to address the true causes of the condition. We hope to introduce our guests to a new way of life, one that is free from suffering and addiction. You are not alone.

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