Alcohol abuse can be an issue for many people amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic, due to job loss and the stay-at-home orders which are in place. You may never have experienced issues with alcohol abuse, but notice that your alcohol consumption has been increasing – perhaps you’re drinking every day, starting to drink earlier in the day, switching from beer to wine to hard liquor – all of which are signs of alcohol abuse. Or, you may be an alcoholic who has many years of sobriety, finding yourself “thinking about drinking” – and then acting on those thoughts, going into a relapse. In many ways, the impacts of the coronavirus are a “perfect storm” for alcohol abuse:

• you feel anxious about everything going on;
• you don’t want to experience those uncomfortable emotions;
• you rationalize that drinking can temporarily “numb” unpleasantries;
• you don’t have to report to work so you can drink as much as you want;
• you justify that drinking will be a “fun” way to cope;
• you don’t have to worry about a DUI because you’re staying at home;
• you might live alone and not have to be accountable to anyone;
• you can be enabled by drinking with others via video conference;
• you have alcohol delivered along with your food which makes it oh-so-easy;
• you figure that “no one will know” if you relapse…
• what are the reasons YOU may be drinking right now?

On a personal note – I want to share why I’m especially concerned about the coronavirus and alcohol abuse. During this challenging time, my brief “addiction” was watching TikTok videos. Watching these short video clips on a variety of topics took my mind away from the severity of the Coronavirus Pandemic, and temporarily gave me something to laugh about. However, I began to notice that many of these videos had alcohol as a theme: coronavirus drink recipes (using the beer Corona mixed with other ingredients), “Bored in the House” drinking games (featuring the song of that title by Curtis Roach, played in the background of the video), making fun of oneself while drinking (to excess, which is alcohol abuse). These subjects may be funny to some, but to me, it’s no laughing matter. That’s because I’m a Licensed Addiction Counselor, and in addition to the treatment of eating disorders, I also provide counseling for people who abuse alcohol (the clinical term is, Alcohol Use Disorder).

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, so this is another reason that I’m writing about the topic of coronavirus and alcohol abuse in this article. There are many reasons why people develop Alcohol Use Disorders, including past traumas, current stressors, and genetic factors. The stress associated with the current Coronavirus Pandemic can be extreme, as people are losing jobs, losing money, and losing their lives. The bullet point list in the first paragraph described many possible triggers for alcohol abuse. How do you know if you’ve “crossed the line” from being a social drinker to an alcohol abuser? My simple answer is, if you’re concerned about that, then you probably have. For a definitive answer, consult with a Licensed Addiction Counselor, or similar type of mental health professional. Amidst the coronavirus, many counseling offices are open (as long as social distancing can be maintained while meeting in person). Other options include telehealth (sessions conducted by phone or video conference).

Although coronavirus issues can lead to alcohol abuse, this time of social distancing and stay-at-home orders can also be an opportunity for recovery. Here are a few recovery tips:

• find friends who will commit to staying “Corona-free” for the rest of this month, and keep each other accountable – you can tell your friends you want to stay alcohol-free for “health reasons” if you’re not ready to share your concerns about alcohol abuse;
• create structure in your day, especially if you don’t have a job – try to wake at the same time, start the day with something positive (instead of checking the latest news), plan breaks for healthy meals, connect with your family and friends (even if it’s virtual);
• make a list of different activities that you can do as a means of coping – consider the 5R’s (from Dr. Dorie’ method of Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy, or EDIT™ which has applications for all types of addiction):
  • Responsibility – clean your counters (again), do laundry, walk the dog, just do it!
  • Recreation – play a game (NOT a drinking game), play with your dog, just for fun!
  • Relaxation – read a book, watch a movie, take a bath, listen to music, meditate, just be!
  • Reward – download some new music, make a small purchase online, just a little treat!
  • Recovery – write in a journal, make a gratitude list, read recovery blogs, just for you!
• join online support groups (many 12-Step Groups have online options, search for Alcoholics Anonymous) – if you struggle with alcohol abuse AND eating disorders, you are welcome to join the online group hosted by Dr. Dorie every Monday evening. CLICK FOR INFO

Alcohol abuse, eating disorders and other addictions happen in ISOLATION – recovery happens in CONNECTION. Let’s stay connected!

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FREE WEBINAR – MONDAY, MARCH 16
Click the link below to watch recording:
https://www.drdorie.com/coronavirus-webinar/

Coronavirus news is pretty much anywhere you look. What about the coronavirus and eating disorders? As COVID-19 spreads across the United States and around the world, how are people with eating disorders being impacted? Are there specific steps that those in recovery from eating disorders can take, not only to reduce the risk of the coronavirus but also to prevent their eating disorders from worsening as a means of coping with anxiety, fear, powerlessness, loneliness, and other intense emotions? Can counselors, psychologists, social workers, dietitians, recovery coaches and other health professionals – as well as friends and family members – offer unique assistance?

Impacts of the Coronavirus on People with Eating Disorders:

As those of us involved in the treatment of eating disorders know, one of the causes of eating disorders is “trying to be in control when things feel out of control.” According to numerous news updates, the spread of COVID-19 is far from “under control.” Here are a few things that I am noticing in my clients, as well as what my supervisees and mentees are reporting in their client populations. It is my hope that this information can give you insights into what interventions can be implemented:

• Anorexia Nervosa and Coronavirus: Extreme anxiety due to disruptions in eating disorder rituals and routines; avoidance of gyms and increased exercise outdoors, even in poor weather; worsening restriction through the justification that grocery shopping in crowds is unsafe; worsening isolation due to fears of coronavirus community spread; worsening of co-morbid issues such as Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Substance Use Disorder; much higher risk of severe symptoms of COVID-19 if the coronavirus is contracted, due to underlying health issues related to Anorexia Nervosa.
• Bulimia Nervosa and Coronavirus: Extreme anxiety due to disruptions in eating disorder rituals and routines; avoidance of gyms and increased exercise outdoors, even in poor weather; worsening restriction through the justification that grocery shopping in crowds is unsafe; hoarding of binge foods which can worsen binge/purge behaviors; worsening isolation due to fears of coronavirus community spread; worsening of co-morbid issues such as Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Substance Use Disorder; higher risk of severe symptoms of COVID-19 if the coronavirus is contracted, due to underlying health issues related to Bulimia Nervosa.
• Binge Eating Disorder and Coronavirus: Extreme anxiety due to disruptions in eating disorder rituals and routines; hoarding of binge foods which can worsen binge/purge behaviors; worsening isolation due to fears of coronavirus community spread; worsening of co-morbid issues such as Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Substance Use Disorder; risk of severe symptoms of COVID-19 if the coronavirus is contracted, due to underlying health issues related to Binge Eating Disorder.

Action Steps that People with Eating Disorders Can Take:

Of course, you’ll want to follow the guidelines to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, as offered by your local and state government, as well as the National Center for Disease Control and International World Health Organization. As a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist with more than 25 years of clinical experience, here are a few strategies that I can suggest for those with eating disorders to reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus while also practicing Self-Care as an essential aspect of eating disorder recovery:

• Name your emotions while realizing YOU are NOT your emotions: For example, “I feel afraid,” rather than personalizing the emotions, such as, “I AM terrified!” Separate the feeling (fear) from your Self. YOU are not fear, terror, etc. You may FEEL afraid, terrified, etc. – but like waves in the ocean, these feelings can come and go, when you avoid attaching to them and let them go. In addition, you can FEEL more than one emotion at once – try to name some supportive emotions you may also feel, such as, “I feel hopeful, creative, loving.” Acknowledge that some emotions FEEL more comfortable than others. Become aware of emotions which are based on the past or the future, rather than the here-and-now. These are some core practices of mindfulness-based therapies, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Realize that YOU are NOT your emotions. As Pema Chödrön is quoted as saying, “You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather.”
• Be aware of attaching “facts” versus “fiction” to your emotions: For example,  “I feel afraid because the coronavirus is killing millions of people (fiction), and eventually we’re all going to get it (fiction), and there is nothing I can do to avoid getting it (fiction), and everybody is going to die (fiction)…oh my gosh, I’m terrified!” You can see how “fiction” can spiral into catastrophic thinking, and extreme emotions. One of the basic principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is that events result in thoughts that trigger emotions. If we have “irrational thoughts” about events, this can cause unhelpful and intensely painful emotions. Pausing to notice thoughts, and focusing only on facts (without added fictional stories), is essential. “The coronavirus has killed thousands of people worldwide.” Fact. “I feel worried.” Emotion based on fact. “There are steps I can take to stay safe.” Fact. “I feel relieved.” Emotion based on fact. “My eating disorder won’t make the coronavirus go away.” Fact. “My eating disorder can worsen my risk of getting the coronavirus.” Fact. “I intend to stay focused on recovery and Self-Care.” Fact. “I feel empowered.” Emotion based on fact.
• Stay connected with your eating disorder recovery community: Many support groups are now being offered online, through chat rooms and video conferencing. Check with local and national eating disorder organizations for more information. I offer “virtual therapy sessions” through HIPAA-compliant platforms, so you don’t need to leave your home in order to have a session with me, here in my state of licensure in Colorado. Most therapists, dietitians, and even medical doctors are able to offer tele-health services in your state. Health and Life Coaches have been conducting sessions-by-phone for years, and there are no boundaries created by state lines (coaches can provide services anywhere in the world). Through my business, the EDIT™ Training Institute, people have become certified as Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy (EDIT)™ – Eating Disorder Treatment Clinicians and Recovery Coaches. Find an EDIT™ Certified Clinician or Coach Here

Action Steps to Help People with Eating Disorders:

Someone you love may be struggling with an eating disorder, and you may be noticing that their behaviors are becoming worse, possibly as a way of coping with the coronavirus outbreak. Or, you may be a mental health clinician or health coach who is aware that underlying health issues (such as eating disorders) can worsen the severity of the coronavirus. Here’s how you can help, even if you don’t have training to provide support, recovery coaching, or therapy to those with eating disorders:

• Friends & Family: Be a role model for someone in recovery. Demonstrate coronavirus precautions such as hand washing, while illustrating how to avoid obsessive/compulsive behaviors. Offer to grocery shop together, while showing how to appropriately use hand sanitizers and exhibit social distancing. In nice weather, go to a park and take a walk together, or practice gentle movement such as yoga, using online instructional sources. Offer to cook meals and eat together. Keep your own thoughts and emotions in check (refer to the points in the section above). Be compassionate if the person you love does use their eating disorder behaviors as a means of coping. As them if there is anything else that you can do to help. Download FREE EDIT™ Resources or become an EDIT™ Certified Peer Support Provider to learn additional skills
• Clinicians & Coaches: People with eating disorders and other mental health issues really need your help right now! Many of you may be working from home for a period of time. You can use HIPAA-compliant audio and video conferencing to have sessions with your clients while they remain in their own homes. Here are a few resources to consider: doxy.me, wecounsel.com, zoom.us. Since coaches are not bound by HIPAA regulations, you can use Skype, FaceTime, or a standard phone call. Be aware that clients with a previous history of eating disorders may have a recurrence as a means of coping. Or, clients with Substance Use Disorders may not be able to obtain alcohol or other drugs, and they can develop eating disorders as a replacement. Are you equipped to diagnose and treat, or coach clients with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder? The EDIT™ Training Institute offers FREE EDIT™ Resources and ONLINE EDIT™ Certification to become an Eating Disorder Recovery Coach or Treatment Clinician.

If a higher level of care is needed, Eating Disorder Treatment Centers report being equipped for the coronavirus.
We’re all in this together! Let’s be hopeful, inspired and creative. We can make a unique difference for others.

FREE WEBINAR – MONDAY, MARCH 16
Click the link below to watch recording:
https://www.drdorie.com/coronavirus-webinar/

*****

Article may be reprinted with the author bio below.

©2020 by Dr. Dorie McCubbrey. Dr. Dorie is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Licensed Addiction Counselor who is passionate about training professionals to effectively guide clients in recovery from eating disorders. She is the President of the EDIT™ Training Institute LLC, which provides training and certification in her method of Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy (EDIT)™.  She also provides sessions for clients who struggle with these issues, either in person or by phone. Learn more at: https://www.drdorie.com

*****

Want more that this “taste” of EDIT™? Dr. Dorie is passionate about her method of Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy (EDIT)™ to help people overcome eating disorders and addictions.  She provides customized programs for people in recovery from eating disorders and who struggle with weight issues, and  EDIT™ eating disorder training and certification for coaches and clinicians worldwide. CALL 303-494-1975 – EMAIL DR. DORIE – GET CERTIFIED

The post Coronavirus and Eating Disorders appeared first on INTUITIVE THERAPY™ | Healthy Weight Loss | Eating Disorder Recovery Coach.

I just re-planted some cucumber seeds in my garden, to replace a small plant that didn’t do so well. I live in the mountains outside of Denver, Colorado – and it’s been a very cold Spring-into-Summer here.

As an avid gardener, I’m a bit baffled when my plants don’t thrive here – but as the saying goes, “it’s always something.” Living at high altitude, where certain plant species don’t grow well. An overly cold start to the season, including snow and hail. Deer and elk breaking the garden fence and eating my seedlings! But despite the challenges, I persevere.

For me, there is nothing more rewarding than picking that first cherry tomato, biting into its warmth from the sun, and savoring every succulent taste! All of that plant food and water, fencing to protect my plants while still allowing me access to provide care, and research about how to best support my garden’s growth in this mountain climate – all of it is so worth it, when the harvest comes in.

I hope you can see my metaphor by now – how growing a garden is much like growing a business – specifically, an eating disorder recovery coaching, clinician counseling, or nutrition and dietitian business. And, how we need to provide that nourishment, safe environment, and best practices to support our clients.

In the 25+ years that I’ve owned a business for the treatment of eating disorders and related issues, I’ve encountered many obstacles along the way. I’ve learned a lot of things the hard way. But somehow, I continue to find my way.

Here are three eating disorder business growth tips for you, using a garden metaphor:

1. Seek to Give vs Get – of course we all have bills to pay, and we “need to get money.” But if that is your focus, it’s like screaming at a tiny seedling, “GIVE ME A TOMATO, NOW!” Get out of your own fear, scarcity, failure – and shift into hope, abundance and success. Ask the very important question, “What is the best way that I can be of service to others?” and await the answer.
2. Open Up to Your True Gifts – the answer may surprise you. I moved to the mountains outside of Denver, Colorado last year, and I thought that this was so that I could focus 100% on training clinicians in my method of Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy (EDIT)™ – and, so that I could finally finish my next book, which I started many years ago. It’s like the raspberries that I want to grow here – I need to create a very secure type of fence, so that the bears will not break in to devour my delicious crop! That’s going to require a lot of time. As much as I love raspberries (and the idea of “living the author’s life”), I am being called in a different direction right now. I’m driving 45-minutes back into Denver, three times a week, to meet with eating disorder and substance use disorder clients (“Are you kidding me? I just moved from Denver, where I could WALK to my old office!”). There is an incredible need for my services as a Licensed Addiction Counselor and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (I’m sure you all know about the “opioid epidemic,” and I specialize in working with clients who struggle with eating disorders and substance use disorders). YES – the raspberries (and my next book) can wait until another season.
3. Partner with Others – it doesn’t have to be so hard! My neighbor is training to become a Master Gardener. My other neighbor across the street has an elaborate garden system, with drip irrigation, fencing all around and hail screens above, plus screens below the garden boxes (so the pocket gophers don’t pull her crops into their borrows and consume them)! Although I know a lot about gardening, mountain gardening is new to me. These women are experts at what they do – why wouldn’t I ask questions and seek advice from them? Likewise, there are many resources and people who are available to help you grow your business. My colleague offered me her office space Denver, on Thursday mornings, when she wasn’t using it. I had always envisioned my business being in a Victorian Home – and what do you know, that’s exactly what this is! And, I don’t need to pay for the mortgage, nor the upkeep of the house, nor furnish any of the rooms. Ah, it doesn’t have to be so hard! From Thursday mornings, I expanded my business to other days of the week. I planted that “Victorian House” seed a LONG time ago – sometimes those seeds take a while to sprout, and what pops up out of the ground isn’t exactly what is expected (“What? I though I planted a cucumber! What do you mean I’m getting a sunflower?”). Oh, how beautiful! Sometimes our ideas take a long time to manifest. Sometimes our results take a long time to see. Sometimes what we thought would be, isn’t – its actually something even better. Seek the help that you need, and be open to the unexpected signs along the way. Depending on your own area of focus, you can add an eating disorder recovery coach, eating disorder clinician, eating disorder dietician, and eating disorder medical doctor to the “recovery garden” that you provide for your clients. Keep in mind that you can consult with professionals who may not live in your area (like me)!

I hope you will successfully “grow your garden” – plant your seeds with positive ideas about the work you LOVE to do, stay open to how you can best be of service in your community (notice the new seeds you can plant or the sprouts which just show up), and seek guidance from others with expertise to help grow your garden/business. You will reap a significant harvest (dare I say, money?) – but ONLY because you are seeking to GIVE your true gifts to others. That first “cherry tomato” – your first client who thrives, in freedom from ED, and the next, and the next –  YES! It’s all worth it! My best advice is – despite the challenges, persevere!

*****

Article may be reprinted with the author bio below.

©2019 by Dr. Dorie McCubbrey. Dr. Dorie is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Licensed Addiction Counselor who is passionate about training professionals to effectively guide clients in recovery from eating disorders, through her Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy (EDIT)™ Certified program. She also provides sessions for clients who struggle with these issues, either in person or by phone. Learn more at: https://www.drdorie.com

*****

Want more that this “taste” of EDIT™? Dr. Dorie is passionate about her method of Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy (EDIT)™ to help people overcome eating disorders and addictions.  She provides customized programs for people in recovery from eating disorders and who struggle with weight issues, and  EDIT™ eating disorder training and certification for coaches and clinicians worldwide. CALL 303-494-1975 – EMAIL DR. DORIE – GET CERTIFIED

The post Eating Disorder Business Growth Tips appeared first on INTUITIVE THERAPY™ | Healthy Weight Loss | Eating Disorder Recovery Coach.

Why Spirituality in Eating Disorder and Addiction Recovery is Essential and How to Unmask the Myths

The post Spirituality in Recovery from Addiction and Eating Disorders appeared first on INTUITIVE THERAPY™ | Healthy Weight Loss | Eating Disorder Recovery Coach.

“Drunkorexia” is not a clinical term – it was coined by the media to describe the combination of heavy drinking along with restrictive eating. A study conducted by the University of Houston in 2016 revealed that 80% of students surveyed demonstrated binge drinking in combination with eating disorder behaviors, such as fasting and/or excessive exercise before drinking, or self-induced vomiting during or after drinking. Reported effects were “getting drunker quicker,” or “drinking without weight gain.” The former may be indicative of an Alcohol Use Disorder, while the latter may point to an Eating Disorder such as Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa.

Although other articles about drunkorexia may make light of these issues, or even promote them as a means of “dieting by drinking,” this is in fact a deadly diet. Having either an eating disorder or substance use disorder can be fatal, but a dual diagnosis can increase risk of sudden death due to alcohol poisoning, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance from purging, or other medical complications.

In drunkorexia, it’s as if eating disorders and alcohol use disorders are “feeding on each other” – where the eating disorder may be driving someone to drink as a means to numb appetite, or the alcohol use disorder may trigger fasting or purging to increase the effects of alcohol when tolerance is high. This makes treatment and recovery more complicated – it’s common for individuals to “addiction-switch,” trading the eating disorder for the alcohol use disorder, or vice-versa. Integrated treatment approaches are the key to recovery, where the root cause of both the eating disorders and alcohol use disorders can be addressed.

If you or someone you love is struggling with these issues, here are some recovery tips:

1. Be honest with yourself  – write down the type and quantity of alcohol you consume, how many days each week you drink, and also note the disordered eating behaviors you use (meal-skipping, purging, etc), and why you use these behaviors (to prevent weight gain, to intensify the effects of alcohol, or both).

2. Tell someone  –open up to a trusted friend that you think you may hav a problem. Saying this out loud is the first step to recovery, and making a change in your eating and drinking behaviors.

3. Reach out for peer support – attend eating disorder support groups (the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders sponsors groups around the world), and sobriety support groups (try Alcoholics Anonymous, Women for Sobriety or Life Ring).

4. Consult with a professional – an eating disorder specialist, addiction counselor, or physician can provide an assessment and diagnosis, and can offer treatment strategies for you. While peer support can be helpful to know you “aren’t alone in the struggle,” mental health and medical treatment are the keys to long-term recovery. Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching and Addiction Recovery Coaching can also be helpful to learn recovery skills to practice in your everyday life.

5. Reflect about your values – you might think that you value being an ideal weight or having a fit body, so you justify your drunkorexia behaviors to maintain your low body weight. But what about your value of your health? Or, you might think that you value having friends and fitting in with the crowd, so you justify your drunkorexia behaviors to drink excessively just like everyone else in your peer group. But what about your value of connection with others? What do you really want – to look good – or, to be loving towards yourself and others, and truly loved by others? Food for thought!

Article may be reprinted with the author bio below.

©2018 by Dr. Dorie McCubbrey. Dr. Dorie is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Licensed Addiction Counselor who is passionate about training professionals to effectively guide clients in recovery from eating disorders, through her Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy (EDIT)™ Certified program. She also meets with clients at her treatment center, Positive Pathways PLLC, located in Evergreen Colorado. Learn more at: https://www.drdorie.com

*****

Interested in a FREE consultation with Dr. Dorie? Dr. Dorie is passionate about her method of Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy (EDIT)™ to help people overcome eating disorders and addictions.  She provides customized counseling for eating disorders and alcohol / drug addiction at her Positive Pathways treatment center in Evergreen, Colorado – and EDIT™ eating disorder training and certification for coaches and clinicians worldwide. CALL 303-494-1975 – EMAIL DR. DORIE – GET CERTIFIED

Take this Quiz to Find Out if You Are Dealing with Drunkorexia:

(click on image to download and print a pdf file)

Use these Tips to Avoid Drunkorexia Issues:

(click on image to download and print a pdf file)

Try this EDIT™ Worksheet for Interventions with Drunkorexia:

(click on image to download and print a pdf file)

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