This intimate guidebook is a 25th anniversary edition of Hall and Cohn's original bestseller. It offers a complete understanding of bulimia and a plan for recovery, with practical self-help tools, answers to frequently asked questions, a two-week program to stop bingeing, specific advice for loved ones, and "Eat Without Fear," Hall's story of self-cure which has inspired thousands of other bulimics.

The information in this edition is completely revised and updated, with added material on treatment, healthy eating, body image, relationships, and much more. Includes input from 400 recovered bulimics. Useful for therapists, educators, bulimics, and their loved-ones.

More than 150,000 copies in print!

CONTENTS:

Introduction

PART ONE: UNDERSTANDING BULIMIA

CHAPTER 1. Questions Most Often Asked about Bulimia
What is bulimia?
How many people have bulimia?
How is bulimia related to other eating disorders?
Why do people become bulimic?
Why are bulimics mainly women?
Do men have bulimia?
How is bulimia related to sexual trauma?
How does bulimia affect my relationships?
What is a typical binge?
What are the medical dangers?
What thoughts and feelings are associated with bulimia?
What other behaviors do bulimics share?
How do I know if I have bulimia?
How long does it take to get better?
Can medication help in recovery?
How do I learn to eat normally?
If I quit purging, will I gain weight?
How do I choose a therapist?
What can I do to help someone who has bulimia?
What can be done to prevent eating disorders?

CHAPTER 2. Eat Without Fear: A True Story of Recovery from Bulimia
Beginning
Living with a Habit
Marriage with a Secret Life
Shift in Focus
Turning Point
Ending the Behavior
Lasting Recovery

PART TWO: OVERCOMING BULIMIA

CHAPTER 3. Getting Started
Deciding to Stop
Things to do Instead of Bingeing
Setting Reasonable Goals
Getting Support
Family Support
Encouragement: Why Get Better?

CHAPTER 4. Professional Treatment
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Inpatient and Outpatient Care
Medical and Dental Exams

CHAPTER 5. Tools for Recovery: What Has Worked for Many
Looking Beyond the Symptoms
Trusting the Process
Journal Writing
Taking Time for Relaxation and Meditation
Practicing Mindfulness
Being Authentic
Expressing Yourself
Thinking Positively
Visualization
Feeling Your Feelings
Improving Body Image
Cultivating Relationships
Finding Your Purpose
Pursuing Spirituality
Handling Setbacks and Preventing Relapse

CHAPTER 6. Healthy Weight, Eating, and Exercise
Healthy Weight
Healthy Eating
Healthy Exercise

CHAPTER 7. Advice for Loved Ones
General Suggestions
Food and Eating
Care for the Caregiver
Specifically for Parents
Specifically for Spouses and Life Partners

CHAPTER 8. A Two-Week Program to Stop Bingeing

Resources
Bibliography
Index

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Lindsey Hall and Leigh Cohn, who are married, are internationally respected authors of several books on eating disorders and recovery topics. Their original self-help guide was the first book ever published on bulimia, and Lindsey was the first "recovered bulimic" to appear on national television. Both have lectured extensively and have served as officers of nonprofit associations. Some of their books have been translated into French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and other languages. Also available Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery by Lindsey Hall and Monika Ostroff.

REVIEWS

"This is essential reading for clinicians, but perhaps its greatest strength is the encouragement it gives to patients and families to understand and work through this disorder free of guilt or shame, and endowed with knowledge and effective strategies. I recommend it for all my patients."
— Arnold E. Andersen, MD, University of Iowa, Professor Emeritus

"If I had only one book to give someone with bulimia it would be this 25th anniversary edition of Bulimia: A Guide to Recovery. Lindsey and Leigh offer their experience: through the darkness of an eating disorder to the light of recovery and a life of love and service."
— Carolyn Costin, MA, MEd, MFCC, Monte Nido Treatment Center, Malibu, CA
author of The Eating Disorder Sourcebook

"Everyone whose life is touched by eating disorders can gain insight, inspiration, and practical tools from this comprehensive and compassionate text. Bravo, Lindsey and Leigh—and thank you once again from the bottom of our hearts!"
— Shannon Cutts, author of Beating Ana and founder of MentorCONNECT

"This invaluable book combines practical, "how-to" information with Lindsey's honest, intimate story. It is an excellent resource for understanding the whole spectrum of eating disorders and offers sound, empowering strategies for recovery. Wise, respectful, and thorough."
— Judi Goldstein, Vice President, The Renfrew Center Foundation

"This groundbreaking book is as relevant today as it was when it first offered hope. Thank you, Lindsey and Leigh, for shining light on the path towards recovery and for continuing to lead the way with such courage and grace!"
— Anita Johnston, PhD, author of Eating in the Light of the Moon

"Superb! The best book written on battling bulimia, with new sections on mindfulness, healthy eating, and balanced exercise. A must have for anyone affected by bulimia."
— Diane Keddy, MS, RD, Nutrition Consultant, Newport Beach, CA

"I've recommended Bulimia to many of my clients over the decades and know it has helped each of them. Your story has inspired troubled eaters all over the world to take heart and follow in your footsteps. How fortunate for us all— clients and clinicians—that you had the courage and wisdom to write it."
— Karen R. Koenig, LCSW, M.ED, author of The Rules of "Normal" Eating and Food & Feelings Workbook

"Lindsey and Leigh combine all the elements essential to a seminal book about bulimia: a deep and thorough understanding of the subject from both personal and professional viewpoints, profound compassion for those who suffer from the illness, and inspiration and hope about the possibilities for recovery."
— Johanna Marie McShane, PhD, author of Why She Feels Fat

"Lindsey Hall and Leigh Cohn have done more for the eating disorders field than the rest of us put together. They have educated treatment professionals, individuals with eating disorders, and loved ones across the globe. Lindsey published her story before most people had even heard about bulimia."
— Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, PhD, MPH, RD, Professor, University of Minnesota

"This revision, filled with warmth and wisdom, clearly establishes Bulimia: A Guide to Recovery as a classic in the field. Lindsey and Leigh are an unbeatable team, offering practical tools, day-to-day strategies, and compelling insights into the inner struggles of all who suffer. A must for anyone—patient, family member, or therapist—committed to learning about the journey to recovery."
— Judth Ruskay Rabinor, PhD, author of A Starving Madness

"A rare eating disorder book—essential information and contagious inspiration, in equal measure. There is no doubt that I have recommended this book to more of my eating disorder clients than any other, and I don"t see that changing any time soon."
— Thom Rutledge, LCSW, co-author of Life Without Ed, and author of Embracing Fear

"Bulimia: A Guide to Recovery remains a truly heartfelt and sensitively drawn account of an illness that although far better understood today is no less painful to endure."
— Michael Strober, PhD, Director, Eating Disorders Program at UCLA

"In this updated and revised 25th anniversary edition, Lindsey and Leigh have added a considerable amount of new material while keeping the pearls of wisdom and insights that made this book vitally meaningful and invaluable to so many readers over the years."
— Joel Yager, M.D., Editor-in-Chief, Eating Disorders Review, Professor, University of Colorado School of Medicine

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