As reported on foxnews.com, Lady Gaga, real name Stefani Germanotta, said: "It's easier for me to talk about it now because I don't do it anymore. I used to throw up all the time in high school.
"Bulimia made my voice bad so I had to stop. The acid on your vocal cords - it's very bad. But for those of you who don't sing, you maybe don't have that excuse until it's too late. It's very dangerous."
The singer told how she began making herself sick growing up in an Italian-American household, eating pasta.
She said: "I wanted to be a skinny little ballerina but I was a voluptuous little Italian girl whose dad had meatballs on the table every night.
"I used to come home and say, 'Dad, why do you always give us this food? I need to be thin'. And he'd say, 'Eat your spaghetti'."
The Born This Way singer blasted the media for portraying unrealistic body images, revealing pictures of her are always altered to look thinner.
Gaga said: "Every video I'm in, every magazine cover, they stretch you, they make you perfect. It's not real life."
"I'm gonna say this about girls. The dieting wars have got to stop. Everyone just knock it off! Because at the end of the day, it's affecting kids your age. And it's making girls sick."
Read full article here.
Teenage eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia are deadly diseases. It is crucial for parents to take action if they suspect their child is developing or has developed an eating disorder. For information on treating an eating disorder contact Fairwinds Treatment Center by clicking here or calling 800.226.0301.
A recent SAMHSA survey found a higher rate of substance use disorders among those who reported a mental illness in 2010. The study found that among all adults, 20 percent experienced mental illness last year.
As many as 1 in 5 adults experienced a mental illness last year, reports the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in its National Survey on Drug Use and Health released in January. This group, according to the survey, was three times more likely to meet the criteria for substance abuse or dependence than were adults 18 years or older who reported no mental health symptoms in 2010. About 20 percent of adults with mental health disorders had co-occurring substance use disorders, whereas only 6 percent of adults without mental illness met the criteria for substance abuse or dependence.
Only 39 percent of those reporting symptoms received mental health services, the survey indicated. "The data underscores the importance of substance abuse treatment as well," said SAMHSA administrator Pamela S. Hyde.
Full report here.
A dually licensed treatment facility, Fairwinds Treatment Center helps those with co-occuring disorders involving substance abuse and mental illness. To find out more, contact Fairwinds Treatment Center here or call 800.226.0301.
Trying to quit drinking is a difficult task, especially if most of your friends and family drink around you on a regular basis. There seems to always be a temptation to have a drink or two yourself – thinking “why does it matter” or “If they can, why can’t I?” But if you are reading this post, you have reasons you have decided to quit drinking and know that just having “one or two” will lead to more.
It can feel very isolated being the only one not drinking. Before, you were used to being part of the party, but suddenly everyone seems to be having a great time, while you feel left out.
This feeling is normally accompanied by concerned friends or relatives, pressuring you to just give up.
This will probably sound familiar:
• “What’s wrong with you?”
• “Come on, you can have just one…”
• “You’re a lot more fun when you are drinking…”
These comments make it even harder to refrain, and your fun evening can just turn into a stressful event. Of course this all depends on the company you’re with. If you’re just with your family or your partner in a restaurant then obviously the pressure won’t be so awkward, going to but pubs, bars and clubs where most people are drinking and will take some getting used to. It’s best to simply avoid these places for a while (or all together) once you’ve made the decision to quit drinking.
In situations where the temptation cannot be avoided, it helps to get a friend on your side. This would be someone who doesn’t drink, has also decided to stop drinking is prepared to be sober for the evening to keep you company. This way you won’t feel quite so alone and you’ll have somebody else who’s on your level and provide support for you if/when you feel like giving into your cravings for a drink. This won’t be necessary forever and it will get easier the longer you are sober.
Fairwinds Treatment Center is a dually licensed psychiatric treatment facility helping those recover from alcoholism and live sober, healthy lives. If you or a loved one is struggling with a drinking problem, Fairwinds Treatment Center is here to help. For more information, contact Fairwinds Treatment Center today.
Actor Christina Ricci is opening up about her past battle with anorexia and says her work as a young actress added to the pressures of trying to fit a Hollywood standard or risk being criticized.
The star told The Talk on Friday that she was one of the fortunate ones to receive help early on for her anorexia. "Well, I was lucky. I only really suffered from it for about a year and a half." She added that many people suffer from the disease for many years or perhaps all of their lives. "But I was put into therapy very quickly, so I was able to overcome it."
"I think it's just really awkward to go through puberty, and go through growing up and becoming a woman, when everybody is always kind of looking at you," Ricci said. "And especially -- you're doing fittings for a movie, and people are judging how this looks on you and how that looks on you. And you just get very uncomfortable and you never want anyone to be able to criticize you."
When asked what advice she would give teen girls currently suffering from anorexia, she said, "I would say that if you feel like you are starting to obsess too much about the way you look, then definitely get some kind of therapy or help very quickly. Because that can just grow into an obsession that you can't control."
Read full article here
If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, you are not alone. Millions of people across the country fight these deadly diseases everyday, they key is knowing when to say "enough is enough" and seek help. Fairwinds Treatment Center is here for you when that time comes. Contact us today.
The 2012 National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is quickly approaching so it's time to make plans for this year's 25th anniversary of the annual event.
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2012 will take place February 26th through March 3rd.
This year's theme: "Everybody Knows Somebody"
This year's NEDAwareness Week theme is "Everybody Knows Somebody" because awareness of eating disorders is certainly spreading. Last year, NEDAwareness Week registrants spanned all 50 states and 29 other countries. We hope to have another record-breaking year in 2012, and have everyone commit to doing just one thing!
Mission
The aim of NEDAwareness Week is to ultimately prevent eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatment. Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening illnesses - not choices - and it's important to recognize the pressures, attitudes and behaviors that shape the disorder.
What is NEDAwareness Week?
NEDAwareness Week is a collective effort of primary volunteers, including eating disorder professionals, health care providers, students, educators, social workers, and individuals committed to raising awareness of the dangers surrounding eating disorders and the need for early intervention and treatment.
How NEDAwareness Week Works
This year, NEDA is once again asking everyone to do just one thing to help raise awareness and provide accurate information about eating disorders. NEDAwareness Week participants can choose from a huge range of ways to contribute: Distribute info pamphlets and put up posters, write one letter for Media Watchdogs, register as a Volunteer Speaker or host a Volunteer Speaker, post information on Facebook or arrange interactice and educational activities such as a meditation and yoga event, panel discussions, fashion shows, body fairs, movie screenings, art exhibits and more. As an official NEDAwareness Week participant you can be involved in ay way that works with your schedule, resources, community, and interests.These events and activities are vital to attracting public media attention - on local, national and international levels.
More information about National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is available on their official website here. As always NEDA has put together plenty of resources to help build awareness of eating disorders, treatment and recovery.
If you or someone you know are dealing with an eating disorder, the earlier it is caught the better. Contact Fairwinds Treatment Center today.
Addiction to Drugs and Alcohol Affects All of Us.
Here is another video from The Partnership at Drugfree.org - this one is a family sharing their experiences as their son battled and recovered from drug addiction. The main message being, you are not alone and it's never too late to seek help. Recovery and sobriety is attainable and can be an amazing experience.
More than a quarter of the United States population is directly impacted by drug addiction. Together we can transform stigma and isolation into hope and change.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance abuse, seek help.
Fairwinds Treatment Center is a dually licensed treatment facility specializing in helping those with addictions to recover so they may live long, healthy lives. Our admissions counselors are here to discuss your situation and guide you into recovery. For more information contact Fairwinds Treatment Center here or call 727-449-0300.
The Partnership at Drugfree.org launched the YouAreNotAlone channel on YouTube the 11 million teens and young adults who are struggling with drug or alcohol problems, and to the families who struggle alongside them. Most of them aren't getting the help they need. And the isolation and fear surrounding addiction makes it even harder.
By bringing together stories and voices from the 85 million Americans who have been directly impacted by addiction, You Are Not Alone aims to reduce the barriers that stand in the way of families getting their kids the effective treatment and recovery support they deserve.
Art Alexakis, lead singer and guitarist of Everclear, talks about his struggle with addiction. After a suicide attempt, Art realized it was time to change. The now father of two, 22 years in recovery, is proof that it gets better.
We will continue to post videos and information from The Partnership and other online resources dedicated to preventing and combating substance abuse and drug addiction.
Fairwinds Treatment Center is here to help those in trouble with addictions and underlying mental health issues. If you or someone you know needs help, contact Fairwinds here or just call 727-449-0030. Our counselors are here to guide you through every step of recovery.
The Get R.E.A.L program is reaching out to schools and organizations nationwide to provide needed exposure to eating disorders and related afflictions.
Get R.E.A.L., Realistic Expectations and Attitudes for Life, is an innovative video outreach and prevention program that was distributed to over 7,000 schools, hospitals and legislative offices in the state of Florida in September 2010. Volume II is being distributed to every college and university in the U.S. in September 2011. The program is focused on enhancing self-esteem, promoting positive body image, and preventing eating disorders. By getting back to the basics of taking care of oneself, interpreting media messages appropriately and embracing overall wellness, H.O.P.E. is striving to provide all age groups, from children through adults, with the tools necessary to ensure a healthy lifestyle. The goal is to eliminate dangerously unattainable and unrealistic standards and encourage everyone to "get real."
In addition, H.O.P.E. has partnered with The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness to compile a comprehensive guide for eating disorders treatment providers throughout the state of Florida. Practitioners from all areas of Florida that treat eating disorders will be a part of this professional guide that will be given to schools throughout the state in conjunction with the Get R.E.A.L. Program.
Program sponsorships are available! Please contact Allison at 321-231-0791.
Located in Clearwater Florida, Fairwinds Treatment Center is a dually licensed psychiatric treatment facility that specializes in helping those affected by eating disorders recover and live long healthy lives. Should you or someone you know be struggling with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, take a moment to contact our admissions team to discuss an assessment. These disorders are dangerous and nearly impossible to cure alone. Contact Fairwinds Treatment Center today.
College students are home from school on winter break, and we hope you’re having a great time celebrating the holidays with your family. While your child is home, we have some distinctive warning signs that you might want to assess to keep your child healthy. These are warning signs that your child could be developing an eating disorder or may already be silently battling one.
These are the top 5 warning signs to look for while your child is home for winter break:
1. Noticeable Weight Loss or gain since your student started college
2. Helping prepare holiday meals but not eating them
3. Excessive exercise, even in adverse weather conditions
4. Withdrawal from family and friends and avoidance of gatherings
5. Discussing college in an obvious anxious manner or avoiding conversations about school altogether.
If you notice any of these symptoms take time to speak with your child. These warning signs could be showing you an eating disorder has developed further than you realize. It is best to address the issue as early as possible. If you have any questions, Fairwinds Treatment Center is here to assist you. Simply contact Fairwinds here. Have a happy and healthy holiday season.
This article from the Kansas City Star details the struggles of a Mother dealing with an adolescent daughter’s addiction to illegal drugs and prescription medication, how she came to terms with her disease and the process of her daughter’s recovery.
At 16 years old, Sarah Barden was using OxyContin, cocaine, Ecstasy, heroin, marijuana and still going to Walled Lake Central High School. She lied, stole, cheated and tried to manipulate everybody, but mostly her parents.
"My daughter convinced me that she didn't have a problem," said Jeannie Barden, Sarah's mother. "By the time I thought something was going on, I was already late. When I thought she was drinking and smoking pot, she was already doing cocaine and popping pills."
Dealing with her daughter's addiction was like "going through hell," Barden said. But with help, Sarah is now in recovery and has been clean for three years.
This article offers helpful advice for parents of teens who have suspicions their son or daughters may be using drugs, drinking or both.
The article lists the following signs that could be “red flags” an adolescent is becoming or has become involved with drugs and alcohol:
- Physical changes
- Difficulty sitting still
- Excessive sweating
- Inability to sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Drowsiness and slurred speech
- Chronic cough or worsening of asthmatic conditions, such as wheezing, chest tightness and trouble breathing
- Runny nose, chronic nasal/sinus problems
- Behavior changes, including overall attitude or personality change with no other identifiable cause
- Change in personal grooming habits
- Excessive need for privacy
- Change in friends, hobbies or activities
- Difficulty in paying attention or forgetfulness
- Drop in school grades or work performance
- Chronic dishonesty
Read entire article here
The earlier the better when treating and addiction. If you are concerned your son or daughter is using drugs, drinking or abusing any other substance, contact Fairwinds Treatment Center here. Our counselors are here to help you assess the situation and get the help you need.