Getting Back On Track After Suffering a Relapse in Bulimia

Woman suffering from a Bulimia Relapse

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

The eating disorder recovery journey is full of countless ups and downs. Recovering from bulimia is no different, and the attempt to stay in remission from behaviors associated with this eating disorder can seem much more difficult. When it comes to bulimia, the act of binging and purging can happen so quickly yet are much more difficult to rebound from.

In contrast, behaviors associated with anorexia, such as severely restricting caloric intake, and the resulting effects, tend to happen more slowly and gradually. While the effects of eating disorders are deadly and debilitating, regardless of which eating disorder, it may be helpful to understand the specific challenges a person may face when recovering from bulimia.

Recovering From a Bulimia Relapse

A relapse episode can be defined as regression in patterns or behaviors after a period of remission. For someone recovering from bulimia, this might look like a lapse into binging and purging behaviors after being abstinence for a period of time.

Most people in recovery will tell you that relapses happen in the most unexpected times and moments, and particularly with bulimia, the urges to engage in binging and purging can come on quickly. Before a person can reason with themselves or try to work through their urges appropriately, they might find themselves at the other end of a binging and purging episode.

Coming through a “blackout” phase, only to realize that the fridge and cupboards have been turned inside out and the food has been compensated for in some form, can be completely devastating. Re-engaging in a binging episode can bring about tremendous shame, guilt, frustration, anger, denial and many more emotions. On top of the emotional side effects experienced, a person may also be dealing with the physical side effects of binging and purging, which can create further discomfort.

A Step in the Road

Road to recovery from co-occurringRegardless of how “bad” a relapse episode may be, there is always hope to get back on track and doing the things that were important for recovery and healing. Relapsing into past eating disorder behaviors does not negate all the hard word that had previously been done in recovery.

After a relapse episode has occurred, take the next best step towards getting you to a place of renowned strength. Who can you talk to about what happened? Are you connected to a eating disorder professional that you can speak with? While taking preventative steps can be helpful, it is also important to know that there are many things that can be done to help you get back on track.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What has helped you overcome a relapse in eating disorder recovery?


Crystal Headshot 2About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.


The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on September 9, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com