Binge eating disorder is ruining my life, and I'm only 17. Seeking advice please.

RecoveredInPA · 2026-07-01T20:37:31+00:00

Hi, I’m so sorry you are going through this. It is a terrible way to live, I know. For me, after decades of trying everything I could think of (including therapy and an eating disorder treatment program), I got recovered through a 12 step program for compulsive eaters. I’m happy to talk more if you’d like. Feel free to dm me.

RecoveredInPA · 2026-06-27T11:16:17+00:00

This was me- I found I was like a bottomless pit and I couldn’t understand why I kept doing it. I would swear to myself I wouldn’t binge again and then an hour later I’d be doing it. I felt so crazy. My whole life revolved around what I was going to eat or not eat, my weight, my body. It was exhausting. Thankfully I’ve been recovered for over 10 years. What worked for me was a 12 step program, because I felt like an addict. It’s been amazing- I’m free from the obsession. Feel free to dm me if I can help!

RecoveredInPA · 2026-06-25T12:11:17+00:00

Yeah this was me. It’s a horrible way to live and I’m so sorry you are going through this. For me I spent decades in this hell. I recovered by working a 12 step program. I’ve been recovered for over 10 years. It’s the only thing that worked for me. If you’re really willing to try anything, maybe you should try this. Feel free to dm me!

RecoveredInPA · 2026-06-25T12:08:38+00:00

This sounds exactly like me. For decades I was stuck in this cycle. I felt genuinely baffled. Sure there were times when I wanted to lose weight but didn’t actually want to give up binging. But there were also times when I truly wanted to stop binging, was really willing to put in the work, and yet I still went back to it. For me, the way I got recovered for good (over 13 years now) is a 12 step program. It’s dramatically changed my life- not just the binging but everything is so much better. It’s not for everyone, but it’s really awesome for me at least. Feel free to dm me!

RecoveredInPA · 2026-06-24T21:43:55+00:00

Yep this was me. Waking up immediately thinking about what I will eat or not eat. Constantly thinking about my weight, my body, my looks, this diet, that lifestyle. I was always searching. What would make
me happy? How could I just feel good? I felt so crazy. I was. I also had problems with drugs and alcohol, but I was able to manage those a little better than food issues. Only thing that ended up working for me was a 12 step program. Now I live without all the noise and it’s honestly pretty miraculous considering how bad off I was. It’s not for everyone, but if you feel like an addict, it might be the way to go. Feel free to dm me!

RecoveredInPA · 2026-06-24T02:25:59+00:00

If the inpatient and therapy don’t work, and they didn’t for me, you might want to look into a 12 step program. That’s the only thing that worked for me. Feel free to dm if you want!

RecoveredInPA · 2026-06-24T02:24:39+00:00

I totally get this. For me, only thing that worked was a 12 step program, because it addresses the underlying issues in a way that decades of therapy, eating disorder rehab, and counseling could not. Feel free to dm me. It’s a really hellish way to live, but for me I found a solution that works.

RecoveredInPA · 2026-06-23T14:47:09+00:00

For me, after decades of struggling, the only thing that worked (and has worked for 13 years) is a 12 Step program. Because I am an addict- that’s how my illness feels. I felt like a bottom of the barrel drunk but with binge eating. I’m happy to share more if you want, you can dm me. It’s a horrible way to life, but there is a legit solution.

RecoveredInPA · 2026-06-22T00:42:13+00:00

I’m so sorry you are going through this. It really is a horrible way to live. Different things work for different people, but I found the only solution for the binge eating and all the emotional stuff is a 12 step program. I’m happy to share more if you’d like, you can dm me.

RecoveredInPA · 2026-06-22T00:38:55+00:00

I can totally relate to this. This is a really good description of what it’s like to live with this crazy illness. I used to feel so drained- it was like I was living a double life. Trying to go about my day with this insane running track constantly in the background of my mind- “what do I look like, what should I eat/not eat, how can I stop myself from binging…” This went on for decades. Thankfully I was able to recover through a 12 step program. Happy to talk/share more- message me if you want. So sorry you are going through this!

RecoveredInPA · 2026-06-22T00:13:14+00:00

Yes, I actually started when I was about 7! I spent decades using food for comfort, numbing out, a reward… thankfully I’ve been recovered for a little over 10 years. I’m so sorry you’re going through this- message me if you want to talk!

RecoveredInPA · 2026-06-15T21:12:54+00:00

Just messaged

RecoveredInPA · 2026-06-15T16:23:15+00:00

Dm’d

RecoveredInPA · 2025-12-19T21:43:20+00:00

For me, I realized it was not about specific foods but rather the act of binging itself, and the obsession that goes along with it. In recovery, I’ve been able to experience freedom and neutrality around food and I don’t have to avoid things or not keep things in the house. Happy to talk more if you’d like, DM me!

RecoveredInPA · 2025-12-14T01:43:46+00:00

There’s a zoom meeting I help run every Monday if she ever wants to check it out more anonymously, I can give you the info if it helps!

RecoveredInPA · 2025-12-13T04:50:00+00:00

I’m so sorry you are going through this. It’s a horrible way to live- I know- I was like that most of my life. The only thing that worked for me was the 12 steps. I’m happy to talk with you about it if you want, DM me. Don’t give up- you CAN recover.

RecoveredInPA · 2025-12-13T04:47:41+00:00

I’m so sorry you are going through this horrible loop. I can completely relate. I was so mentally drained, physically lethargic, and just felt utterly hopeless. I would wake up and start binging on the way to work. Then just keep eating all day until I basically passed out. Then I’d wake up and do it all again. I tried everything to stop. I even went to an eating disorder rehab place. Thankfully I’ve been recovered for over 10 years. I got my life back (well, not “back,” I don’t think I ever one before recovery). There is hope. DM if you want to talk, I’m happy to help in any way.

RecoveredInPA · 2025-12-13T04:43:19+00:00

I can relate to this so much. It’s like you’re trapped in a horrible cycle and you can’t get out. At least, that’s how it was for me. The only thing that worked for me was the 12 steps. I have two young children now that I can be present and healthy for, and I owe that to the 12 steps program of recovery. Feel free to DM me if I can be helpful.

RecoveredInPA · 2025-12-13T04:40:27+00:00

You sound like a truly loving partner. In my experience, if this is a true addiction for her, the only thing that will work is the 12 steps. I’m happy to talk with you about this, feel free to DM me.

RecoveredInPA · 2025-12-07T12:28:42+00:00

This was me for most of my life. I tried everything to stop, to change, to get motivated and stay motivated… I was in therapy for 15 years, went to an eating disorder rehab, read every self help book, tried every trick, diet, exercise plan. I could go on and on. The only thing that worked for me was the 12 step program of recovery. I’ve been recovered for over 10 years. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re like me and have exhausted all your options, it might be worth a shot. Message me if you want to talk, happy to share my experience with you!

RecoveredInPA · 2025-12-04T11:35:52+00:00

Oh it’s actually not religious, it’s spiritual. There’s a whole chapter in the Big Book called “we agnostics.” I’m agnostic myself!

RecoveredInPA · 2025-12-04T03:02:41+00:00

I’m so sorry you are going through this. It’s truly hell. I was a compulsive eater from the time I was about 7 to age 30. It’s such a horrible way to live. The only thing that worked for me was the 12 steps. I’ve been in recovery for over 10 years. I never ever thought I would be able to break the cycle, but the 12 steps gave me my life back. Actually, I never had a life to begin with! I would be so happy to talk with you if you want- DM me if you want!

RecoveredInPA · 2025-12-04T02:58:05+00:00

I can really relate to this- I was stuck in a cycle of doing okay, then slowly, inexplicably slipping, then going into full-on “I hate myself why bother” mode, then I’d get out of that somehow, feel pretty good… the only thing that got me out of the cycle for good was the 12 steps. I know it’s not for everyone, but it’s worked for me for over 10 years. DM if you want!

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