Treatment Centers: Methadone Facts

Question: How do treatment centers for anorexia handle vegetarians?

(Posted by: Cassie on 2009-11-27 15:25:18)

Say you are a vegetarian who just happens to be anorexic, do they force you to eat meat again while in treatment? I believe a person can go vegetarian for all the right reasons and something like this occurs. Im vegetarian by the way so please no nasty jokes. I don't judge you for eating meat so don't judge me from not.

Posted by: Ally on 2009-11-27, 15:32:48

It depends. If being vegetarian started with your anorexia, then most likely they'll make you eat meat. My friend was anorexic and a vegetarian. In treatment they made her start eating meat again. Because being vegetarian was apart of her eating disorder...

Posted by: Diamond D on 2009-11-27, 15:34:15

Congratulations for seeking help. Even though I do not know you, I am proud of you for this. It will be important for you to find a treatment facility that will respect your beliefs. I would assume that most will, however, before you enroll, just give them a call and ensure that their program can be customized to support vegetarianism. They will be upfront with their answers.

Posted by: majnun99 on 2009-11-27, 15:42:43

No. There is nothing wrong with a vegetarian diet. Most likely you will be referred to a Registered Dietitian (RD) who will help you work out a meal plan. However, please be aware that some people with eating disorders will claim they are vegetarians in an effort to cover up their eating disorder. I'm vegetarian and my wife is a Registered Dietitian (with 27 years experience in mental health)