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Articles by Marty Lerner

Browse published articles attributed to Marty Lerner, with full-archive search.

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By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

COMPLIANCE VERSUS ACCEPTANCE AND SURRENDER

A frequently overlooked phenomenon within the recovering community, aka 12-step oriented fellowships, is a true understanding of the difference between compliance and acceptance with respect to one’s addiction[s]. As most professionals and addicts themselves have come to understand, addiction is a disease with a common set of symptoms and characteristics that cut across all flavors of dependency – whether we’re speaking of alcohol, drugs, eating disorders [including compulsive overeating, food addiction, bulimia, et al], compulsive gambling, or codependency.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

7,756 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

DIALECTICAL ABSTINENCE – HARM REDUCTION FOR EATING DISORDERS

A colleague and good friend of mine, Molly Carmel, LCSW who directs an eating disorder clinic in NYC [The Beacon Program] introduced me to the concept of “dialectical abstinence.” Although I don't know of any source the concept appears, I will credit Molly with adding this to my understanding of living with acceptance of imperfection with recovery. Illustrating DA on a white board one afte oon, it become apparent teaching this concept of recovery can be a game changer. So…I’ll pass it along to those of you who may be reading this article. Here goes.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

4,961 views4.7/5 (3)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

The 4 A's of Healthy Relationships

One of the more challenging aspects of recovery from an eating disorder is learning to “navigate” through our relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. One certainty that exists for people regarding their ongoing relationships prior to entering recovery is that no relationship will “stay the same” once they begin and maintain their recovery from an eating disorder. It’s not unusual for people who care about us to want our eating disorder to end but are not necessarily prepared for the other changes that usual follow.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

4,656 views5/5 (2)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

12 Step Programs for Eating Disorders and SMART Recovery

SMART* Recovery and 12-Step Programs In the world of addiction treatment there are several choices one has in the way of utilizing and attending a community based support group. Should one look more closely at what is offered to those with an eating disorder the choices are somewhat more limited but non-the-less do exist. This article takes a look at two diverse, yet complimentary approaches, 12 Step oriented programs and the SMART Recovery program.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

4,622 views3.5/5 (4)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Overeaters Anonymous, A Professional’s Perspective

For well over the past two decades, I have had the privilege of being professionally involved with people who suffer from many types of eating disorders - compulsive overeating, bulimia, binge eating disorders, as well as some forms of anorexia. Very often I’m asked whether joining OA and ...

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

3,080 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Eating Disorders, Addictions, and Alte atives to Traditional Therapies

Rather than a specific therapy, there is a philosophy that appears to hold the key to binding all this treatment and recovery stuff together, Interestingly enough, an anthropologist named David Reynolds introduced me to this “philosophy” several years ago. Dr. Reynolds, who last I heard lives in Hawaii and holds a faculty position at UCLA’s medical school, wrote a book in 1984 called Constructive Living. The good professor chronicled specific “treatment” approaches taught in Japan referred to as “Morita Therapy”.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

2,250 views5/5 (2)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Basics of Eating Disorder Recovery

There are a few “implied” assumptions I have regarding the basic building blocks to recovering from any addiction – of which I consider most eating disorders to be. Let me be candid and put out there one of the most important assumptions I have – recovering from an eating disorder begins with a total commitment to remain consistent with a recovery program* no matter what we are feeling or what “tricks” our minds play with us.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

2,235 views5/5 (2)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Insurance Coverage for Eating Disorders

A practical article connected into the broader SelfGrowth topic graph.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

2,761 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Open Letter to Overeaters Anonymous

In August of 2010 Overeaters Anonymous celebrated its Golden Anniversary at its world convention in Los Angeles. As someone who has treated compulsive overeaters for more than three decades, I was privileged to be an invited guest to join in the celebration. As a point of reference my professional relationship with OA dates back to my earlier years in practice as I began to refer many of my patients to the local OA groups in my area. Doing so left me indebted to the courageous members of this fellowship who taught me so much more about this disease tha I could have ever imagined.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

2,743 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Eating Disorders and Chemical Dependency

Those of us who have been in and around the “recovery community” are all too aware of the prevalence of eating disorders among the chemically dependent. The purpose of this article is to heighten awareness of both the nature and prevalence of eating disorders particular to the community of ...

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

2,704 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

What defines an Eating Disorder as an Addiction?

Although there has been some controversy as to whether anyone can be "addicted to food" (AKA food addict) or manifest the symptoms of addiction with respect to the other eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders - the following is a list of the criteria appearing in the DSM IV (Diagnostic Manual) of the American Psychiatric Association for any and all addictions (dependencies): - TOLERANCE - WITHDRAWAL - MORE FOR LONGER PERIOD THAN INTENDED - UNSUCCESSFUL EFFORT TO CUT BACK OR CONTROL - SIGNIFICANT TIME TO OBTAIN OR RECOVER FROM EFFECTS

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

2,023 views5/5 (2)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

HEDONIC EATING AND EATING DISORDERS

“Hedonic Eating” literally translates to “pleasure eating.” It refers to eating in the absence of biological need or hunger. From my standpoint it describes a pattern of disordered eating that contributes to the current rise with eating disorders and obesity. With few exceptions it involves cravings for highly palatable foods – usually sugar laden, unhealthy fats, refined flour aka most highly processed foods. You know, the usual fare at most fast food chains and shelves of our supermarkets.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

1,991 views5/5 (2)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

The Secret to Recovery

Here’s a brief story from a few years ago. Ok, a couple of decades ago. Anyway, I was a student [intern] at a fairly renowned psychiatric hospital and the chief of the psychiatry division, a rather charismatic and bright fellow, was taking us on rounds. All of the sudden, out of nowhere comes this raging patient who parks his face right in front of the chief’s. He starts shouting, “how come you won’t tell me the secret? How come you told John and he’s better now and getting out? How come you won’t let me know the secret? What’s the secret to getting better? What’s the secret, tell me.”

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

2,569 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Similarities among the Eating Disorders

What follows is a list of common traits and characteristics among all forms of eating disorders - anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and related addictive relationships with food and weight. As alcoholism and drug dependency share more common ground than differences, so too do the different "flavors" of eating disorders. Consider the following...

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

2,447 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

EATING DISORDERS - STILL A MYSTERY

Let’s begin this article with an important “disclaimer” – namely no one has a definitive answer as to what causes an eating disorder and, more importantly, one definitive approach to treatment that offers a cure or is “superior” to another. Although I tend to subscribe to the belief a blend of genetic, emotional, and biological elements account for an eating disorder, I suggest we acknowledge the need to approach treatment with each of these factors in mind.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

1,913 views4.3/5 (3)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Restricting types of Eating Disorders and Brain Chemistry

The most recent evidence of the brain chemistry and mechanisms playing a role in the negative experiences associated with eating among those suffering with the restricting forms of eating disorders has explored the role of the neurotransmitter dopamine. There are two divergent groups of brain imaging folks who believe dopamine [the "feel good" neurotransmitter] plays a role in disrupting the experience of hunger and appetite with those who restrict. Basically there are two theories on the table today.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

2,292 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Is Binge Eating really a serious Eating Disorder?

There is a prevailing assumption within the public arena as well as within the population of those suffering with an eating disorder, that Binge Eating Disorder, aka Food Addiction, is less "serious" than the other eating disorders - namely anorexia and bulimia. In addition, as if to make matters worse, BED as well as the other related eating disorders are viewed [even by patients] as a breakdown in self discipline or a failure of willpower. The more recent research would suggest these perceptions are dangerously mistaken.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

2,040 views4.5/5 (2)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Body Image, Body Dysmorphia and Eating Disorders

A practical article connected into the broader SelfGrowth topic graph.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

2,164 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Treating Eating Disorders: The First Assumption

Let’s be clear from the get go, when it comes to getting help for an eating disorder there are a couple of assumptions to consider. Let’s look at a one of these and consider if this might “ring true” for you.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

2,150 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Dental Problems with Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorders

Although eating disorders are often accompanied by a variety of physical and emotional complications, perhaps the most painful are those leading to severe dental problems. To be sure, there is some overlap with respect to the specific impact each type of eating disorder has on our teeth and mouth. The list of dental complications for each eating disorder is listed below: • Loss of tissue and erosive lesions on the surface of teeth due to the corrosive effects of acid [Bulimia]r

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

2,143 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Eating Disorders Treatment with Co-Occurring Diagnoses

Despite some disparity estimating the number of people who seek treatment for an eating disorder, there is an ever increasing body of evidence to suggest an eating disorder diagnosis rarely is unaccompanied by at least one other bona fide illness. Those most often identified as “primary suspects” include one or more of the following: recurrent or single episodes of depression, anxiety disorders, bi-polar disorder, attention deficit disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, current or past histories of alcohol and/or drug dependencies, and obsessive compulsive disorders.r

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

2,103 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Eating Disorders: Intuitive Eating or Structured Food Plans?

Internal vrs. Exte al Cues of Hunger

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

1,943 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

"I'll Quit Tomorrow" - Dealing with Co-Existing "Addictions"

Cross addiction or multiple addictions are a fact of life inherent within the eating disordered community. Many of us come to the rooms of a 12-step program, treatment facility, or related support group intending to tackle our "primary problem" such as alcoholism, drug dependency, or an eating disorder. However, many of us realize we have other addictions to manage beside the one we think is a "biggest problem.".Putting off the need to tackle the remaining addiction(s) has brought many a recovering person back to his or her primary addiction.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

2,171 views4/5 (2)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Eating Disorders: Is it all about weight?

Treating Eating Disorders: The Second Assumption In a previous article I suggested we consider a few basic assumptions that seem to apply when speaking about eating disorders. Before moving on, I’d recommend looking at what all the various forms of eating disorders have in common rather than addressing them in terms of their differences. By this time most of us are familiar with the “clinical criteria” of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Unfortunately, the medical criteria delineating between each of these has led many to “not see the forest from the trees.”

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

1,841 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Self Diagnosis: Do I have an Eating Disorder?

The American Psychiatric Association's selected criteria for substance dependency [aka addiction] appears below. The author speculates the same criteria may be used to determine whether an individual suffering from Anorexia, Bulimia, or Binge Eating Disorder displays the same characteristics. Listed below are the [7] criteria per the APA committee and task force for Substance Dependency. Can you identify some [or all] of these characteristics as it relates to your relationship with food or behaviors related to eating and/or dieting such as exercise, etc.? - TOLERANCE - WITHDRAWALr

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

1,817 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

FOOD ADDICTION VRS. EATING DISORDERS

WHAT ARE EATING DISORDERS? Eating disorders are typically associated with various maladaptive patterns of behavior related to food, it’s consumption, and the ensuing effects on a person’s emotional and physical wellbeing. It may, or may not, include attempts to offset the “consequences” of these behaviors by the use or abuse of compensatory agents and behaviors such as purging, compulsive exercising, periods of self-imposed starvation, and so on.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

1,922 views4/5 (2)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Dual Diagnoses and Eating Disorders: "Double Trouble"

From a professional perspective, it has been my experience that when people come into treatment for an eating disorder they often bring with them concomitant issues with either depression and/or substance abuse.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

1,542 views5/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Recovering from an Eating Disorder: "Food for Thought"

There a few “implied” assumptions I have regarding the basic building blocks to recovering from any addiction – of which I consider most eating disorders to be.

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

1,869 views4/5 (1)

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Food Addiction and Eating Disorders

What is food addiction and how is it different than an eating disorder? Food addiction has yet to be acknowledged as a legitimate phenomenon the way drug addiction has. There is, however, a growing number of folks who do indeed see it as a bona fide addiction. Among these are a group of professionals, scientists, and “recovered food addicts” themselves. One grass roots group has offered the following:r

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

1,395 views

By Marty LernerRecently published1 topic

Differences and Similarities Between Food Addiction and Eating Disorders

What is food addiction and how is it different than an eating disorder? Food addiction has been viewed as a concept yet to be fully recognized and accepted by most people. It’s been described as follows by a group of professionals identified with it’s being a bona fide addiction:

Primary topic: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

525 views

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