Eating disorders are conditions defined by abnormal eating that may involve either insufficient or excessive food intake to the detriment of an individual’s physical and mental health. These abnormalities include anorexia nervosa – characterized by extreme food restriction to the point of self-starvation and excessive weight loss; bulimia nervosa – a disorder characterized by binge eating and purging, including self-induce vomiting, over-exercising, and the usage of diuretics, enemas, and laxatives. There is also binge eating disorder, or simply put, a sickening and often fatal addiction to food.
Recent studies in Israel have found evidence of a correlation between patients with bulimia and anorexia nervosa and substance addiction. Moreover, anxiety and personality disorders are common occurrences with patients of eating disorders, which are symptomatic of an addictive disease. The compulsive relationship with food, distorted self-image and self-hatred associated with anorexia, bulimia and overeating characterize the discomfort that drives other addictive behaviors.
At Villa Matrix we provide a nurturing, contained and friendly environment in which sufferers can learn to live free from food-obsession. We put strong emphasis on providing healthy nutritious fresh food for our patients. Therapy is at the centre of our program. We find this works on multiple levels, increasing self-awareness, promoting the ability to communicate and interact successfully with others, heals shame and increases self-esteem.
The primary goal of the treatment program at Villa Matrix is to provide patients with the tools to live in a healthy relationship with food and prepares each participant for a healthy life in the outside world.
