What Is Laxative Abuse?
Laxative abuse is the frequent or excessive use of laxatives to control weight or “compensate” for eating. While many believe laxatives prevent calorie absorption, in reality, they mostly affect the colon rather than food digestion — meaning the behavior is both ineffective and harmful.
Laxative abuse is often associated with eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and OSFED. It can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, organ damage, and long-term digestive problems.
Treatment at Virtue Recovery focuses on healing the body, rebuilding balanced eating patterns, and addressing the emotional and psychological roots of the behavior.
5 Signs & Symptoms of Laxative Abuse
Frequent or Chronic Use of Laxatives
Taking laxatives daily or in large amounts, often without medical necessity.
Dependence on Laxatives for Bowel Movements
Inability to have regular bowel movements without stimulant use.
Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalances
Symptoms like dizziness, weakness, or irregular heartbeat.
Digestive System Damage
Bloating, cramping, and long-term damage to the colon and intestines.
Emotional Distress and Secrecy
Hiding laxative use or experiencing guilt and shame after using them.
Treatment Options for Laxative Abuse
Our Las Vegas Luxury Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Our inpatient program in Las Vegas provides 24/7 care for individuals struggling with laxative abuse. With medical monitoring, nutrition support, and intensive therapy, clients are given the tools to safely stop laxative misuse and begin their recovery journey.
This structured, immersive setting is especially important for those at risk of severe medical complications.
Our Las Vegas Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center
For clients who do not need inpatient care or are transitioning into independent living, our outpatient program offers flexible, supportive treatment.
Outpatient services include:
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Individual and group therapy
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Nutritional counseling and meal planning
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Medical check-ins to monitor recovery progress
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Relapse prevention tools
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Flexible scheduling for school, work, or family life
This program allows individuals to build recovery while staying connected to their home environment.
Our Las Vegas Adolescent / Teen Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Teens may turn to laxative abuse due to body image struggles, peer pressure, or co-occurring eating disorders. Our specialized Adolescent / Teen Inpatient Program provides age-appropriate, developmentally focused care.
Key program features include:
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24/7 medical and therapeutic supervision
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Developmentally tailored therapy, including CBT, DBT, and family therapy
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Nutritional counseling to restore healthy digestion and growth
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Academic support to continue schoolwork during treatment
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Family therapy to strengthen home recovery support
This program helps teens develop healthier coping strategies, rebuild confidence, and recover in a supportive environment.
