Endorphins, eating disorders, and other addictive behaviors

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia have long perplexed clinicians, families, and the patients themselves. This book presents a novel approach to the understanding and treatment of these eating disorders and sheds light on a variety of other addictive behaviors as well. Here anorexia nervosa and bulimia are identified as addictions to endorphins, hormones that are secreted by the body in response to self-starvation and purging and that, because of their reinforcing power, also perpetuate these behaviors. Following this line of thought, supported by both research and clinical experience, the book provides a parsimonious but rational and complete explanation for these enigmatic conditions. Based on this understanding, the author develops a treatment model that involves learning about the addictive process, cognitive-behavioral strategies for withdrawing from endorphins stimulated by self-starvation or binge/purging, and psychotherapy for the underlying depression and anxiety. For both anorexia nervosa and bulimia, the implementation of this model is shown in numerous case examples. The physical and psychological effects of endorphin addiction are evident in a wide variety of human behaviors motivated by the pursuit of endorphins. The author demonstrates the role of endorphin reward in other addictive behaviors, from obsessive exercise to religious fanaticism and cult involvement, which can be treated with similar methods. Integrating mind and body, research and clinical experience, this book challenges all those who treat and are affected by eating disorders and other addictive behaviors to revise their thinking. Truly, Dr. Huebner has removed the "enigma" from these conditions.