For many of those affected by eating disorders, daily life and memories are painted with symptoms and battles that others don’t see. People with eating disorders often go overlooked: they might go undiagnosed for many years, which is a fault of the system, as early intervention may prevent worsened patterns that can be very hard to break. The good news is that recovery is possible. Acknowledging Eating Disorders Awareness and Screening Week is one big way to help. As a premium addiction and dual diagnosis treatment center, Align Recovery provides person-centered care for individuals facing substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions, like eating disorders.
Acknowledging Eating Disorders Awareness and Screening Week
Why is acknowledging Eating Disorders Awareness and Screening Week so vital? A whopping 9 percent of people in the United States will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Like addiction, it can happen to anyone. While some risk factors increase the likelihood, people of all backgrounds and life experiences can develop an eating disorder. Generally, the goal of Eating Disorders Awareness and Screening Week is to:
- Break stigma and stereotypes about eating disorders.
- Increase awareness and accurate information.
- Encourage screenings and treatment.
- Facilitate early intervention.
- Promote inclusivity.
Eating Disorders Awareness and Screening Week 2026 runs from Monday, February 23rd, to Sunday, March 1st. This year’s theme is “Every BODY Belongs,” aiming to create meaningful change and ensure that everyone with an eating disorder feels seen.
Treatment at Align Recovery Centers
How can treatment at Align Recovery Centers help you or your loved one? We offer a variety of programs, allowing individuals to opt into the one(s) that speak to them most.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Eating disorders and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand. Up to 35 percent of people who are dependent on alcohol or other drugs also live with eating disorders. When addiction and other mental health conditions, like eating disorders, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, co-occur, dual-diagnosis treatment matters. Align provides specialized care for people facing addiction and co-occurring conditions to facilitate whole-person healing.
Luxury Detox in California
Many people who are first getting off substances experience withdrawal symptoms. Align provides luxury detox in California. We use advanced monitoring technology so clients can sleep through the night without being woken for vitals. If needed, most clients are in detox for a few days to a couple of weeks.
Inpatient
Our residential inpatient program for addiction and co-occurring disorders is highly structured. Lasting for 30 days, clients in this program can expect to participate in 5-7 groups per day, once-weekly individual therapy, and other activities, such as family therapy (which is strongly recommended when possible–immediate and extended family members are welcome) and 3-5 outings per week. We combine evidence-based treatments, holistic therapies, and lifestyle to aid in lasting positive outcomes.
PHP and IOP
Align now offers a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (IOP). PHP and IOP clients live off-site, whether at home or in sober housing nearby, while attending therapy at our center throughout the week. These programs can ease your transition out of higher-level care or serve as an alternative to it, depending on your needs.
Virtual Care
Using the same effective approach as our in-person recovery programs, Align is proud to offer virtual care. Options include but aren’t limited to virtual therapy sessions, a fully virtual IOP, a weekly family dynamics meeting held via Zoom, and aftercare.
Aftercare for Life
One of the things that sets Align apart? We provide free aftercare for life. Once treatment is complete, you’ll have access to our alumni app, Zoom alumni meetings, check-ins with staff members, and group sharing.
Call Align Recovery Centers for Personalized and Integrated Care in Northern California
Align is a top-rated behavioral health center in Northern California. Our effective programs, which combine evidence-based therapies with holistic treatments and lifestyle for whole-person healing, are covered by most insurances. Call Align Recovery Centers for personalized and integrated care in Northern California today at 1-707-659-0383
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an eating disorder screening?
Most of the time, an eating disorder screening is a questionnaire. The questionnaire will ask about your current symptoms and thought processes. The questionnaire may be written (whether online or on a piece of paper), or it might be verbal (e.g., a provider might ask you questions out loud over the phone or in person; this is common for those first entering or considering treatment).
The goal of a screening is to help detect eating disorders through these questions. While it may not provide a formal diagnosis, getting screened is often one of the first steps a person takes toward diagnosis.
What are common myths about eating disorders?
There are many myths about eating disorders. For example:
- Myth 1: “Eating disorders are about vanity.” Eating disorders are complex conditions. Risk factors include, but aren’t limited to, bullying or teasing, weight stigma, family history, substance use disorders, other mental health conditions, internalization of body ideals, dieting, low social support, and personality traits, such as perfectionism or impulsivity.
- Myth 2: “Everyone with an eating disorder is in the underweight BMI category.” The reality is that people with eating disorders can be of all sizes and shapes. Under 6 percent of people with eating disorders are medically diagnosed as “underweight.”
- Myth 3: “Eating disorders only affect women.” Eating disorders can impact individuals of any gender identity. One third of all people with eating disorders are boys or men.
Myths about eating disorders can hinder detection and treatment, which is part of why campaigns like Eating Disorders Awareness Week are so crucial.
What can I do to get involved in Eating Disorders Awareness and Screening Week?
There are many ways to get involved in Eating Disorders Awareness and Screening Week. Here are some things you can do:
- Learn about eating disorders.
- Spread awareness.
- Share your story.
- Raise funds.
All efforts matter.
How many dieters progress to eating disorders?
Statistics suggest that 35 percent of “normal” dieters will progress to unhealthy dieting. Of those, 20-25 percent develop eating disorders.
How does early intervention help people with eating disorders?
Early intervention can help prevent the consequences of prolonged eating disorder behaviors, which can seriously impact your quality of life, physical well-being, and mental health.
What are the repercussions of untreated eating disorders?
Eating disorders can lead to a wide range of serious repercussions, especially if left untreated. These include, but are not limited to:
- Strained interpersonal relationships, social withdrawal, and social isolation.
- New or worsened mental health symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety).
- Heart problems (e.g., heart attack, changes to blood pressure).
- Problems at work or school (e.g., decreased performance).
- Gastrointestinal problems (e.g., acid reflux).
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
- Dental and bone problems.
- Organ failure.
- Brain damage.
Some health problems associated with eating disorders can depend on the specific eating disorder behaviors a person engages in. However, all of them are serious.
Resources
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/statistics/
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/nedaw-collaborators/
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/substance-use-and-eating-disorders/
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/risk-factors/
https://anad.org/eating-disorder-statistic/
https://www.apa.org/topics/eating-disorders/boys-men
https://childmind.org/article/eating-disorders-and-college/
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders