How to Stop Using Laxatives: Bulimia Recovery

In the world of eating disorders, especially bulimia, there is the belief that you can only have bulimia if you purge by vomiting. This is not true. In fact, more than 50% of those with an eating disorder have used laxatives as a method of purging at some point in their struggle. 

It makes sense why someone with an eating disorder might misuse laxatives to try and lose weight. Using laxatives can give the sensation of immediate weight loss by “emptying” your digestive tract. However, while it might seem like a solution, laxatives don’t actually stop the calories from being absorbed; they only just give a superficial appearance by affecting the body in other ways. 

Getting caught in this “weight loss” trap makes understanding how to stop using laxatives even harder. The momentary satisfaction of seeing that quick weight loss, that fleeting feeling of lightness, can quickly become a compulsion that makes you feel like you have to keep using them. That said, it’s important to know that stopping and recovering is not impossible. Breaking the illusion of weight loss and learning how to stop using laxatives is essential for anyone ready to quit and begin bulimia recovery.

Why Laxatives Aren’t the Solution You Think They Are

Many people struggling with bulimia or caught in the binge-purge cycle think that using laxatives can "flush out" calories, fat, or weight gain. Unfortunately, this belief is not only unfounded but also dangerous. By the time laxatives start working in your digestive system, most of the calories from what you've eaten have already been absorbed. 

So at that point, using laxatives for weight loss simply doesn’t help. Instead, they mainly just cause your body to lose water. To a regular person, this can look like a drop in weight, but in reality, this is temporary and doesn’t actually reduce any fat.

As this cycle continues, the reliance on laxatives can cause serious digestive system issues. It can lead to dangerous dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even organ damage. While stopping laxative use can help your body heal and find its natural balance again, the process of quitting can seem scary. How do you stop if your body has become dependent on them? Thankfully, there are practical steps you can take to break free from this pattern and support your bulimia recovery journey.

How to Stop Using Laxatives

Stopping laxative abuse in bulimia is about more than just tossing the pills aside; it’s about retraining your body and mind to function naturally. We’ve talked about the nature of laxative abuse before but we thought a more in-depth article about how to stop using laxatives would be a helpful resource for those currently fighting bulimia or in recovery. First, let’s talk about the biggest decision in stopping laxatives: how to cut them off.

The Biggest Hurdle: Cold Turkey or Taper-off?

Quitting laxative misuse can be approached in two main ways: going cold turkey or tapering off gradually. Online, you will find support for both, as each method comes with its own set of advantages as well as challenges. Make sure to read more to know which one might work best for you.

When you stop laxatives cold turkey, you can help break the psychological dependence more quickly and allow your body to start healing sooner. According to Cornell Health, it is “generally generally better to stop completely and quickly rather than to try to cut down slowly. However, it can also lead to tough withdrawal symptoms like nausea, constipation, bloating, and gas. Many report being unable to go to the bathroom, which is, unfortunately, a consequence of your colon becoming “lazy” and weakened after laxative dependence. 

On the other hand, tapering off allows your body to adjust more gradually. This approach can help ease withdrawal symptoms and make it a bit easier to get back to regular bowel function. However, tapering off can sometimes make it harder to fully break the dependency, and some people might find themselves slipping back into old habits. It can be tough to stick with a gradual reduction, and for some, it may take a little longer for their bodies to adjust and reset.

Choosing What’s Best for You

Whatever method you choose, make it a point to chat with a healthcare provider before choosing how to stop using laxatives. They can help you find the best approach for your situation and keep an eye on your progress. A healthcare provider can guide you on how to get your body back to normal and address any concerns, like bloating when you start adding more fiber to your diet. 

Remember, everyone's experience is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. Having support for the bumps in the road in whichever way you choose can make recovery much easier.

Back to the Tips!

1. Hydrate and Nourish Your Body

Getting back to the traditional tips, since laxative abuse dehydrates the body, replenishing lost fluids is essential. As you start rehydrating, you might feel a bit bloated or like you’re “bigger,” but that’s completely normal. This step is crucial for helping your body restore its healthy size and balance. Remember, the extra water weight isn’t fat or unhealthy weight–it’s simply the hydration your body needs to function properly. 

Also, make sure to add foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet. Retraining your bowel movements can take time, and these extra nutrients and fiber especially can help support that process. Eating regularly and giving your body the nutrients it needs to function normally can reduce your dependence on laxatives and restore natural movement.

2. Prepare for Temporary Side Effects

As we mentioned, when your body begins to function without laxatives, it’s common to experience bloating, constipation, and general discomfort in the short term. Managing bloating especially can be difficult, as it can be daunting to accept body changes when struggling with an eating disorder. 

It can come as a shock, especially when you’re used to controlling your body, to see yourself restore your water weight and resume regular functioning. Recovery will be about approaching these feelings of discomfort and alienation and restructuring that perception. These changes are integral to recovery and these side effects are temporary bumps that come along with that healing process. Remember that this is a natural reaction as your digestive system learns to work on its own again. 

3. Talk to Someone You Trust (Including Professionals)

Recovering from laxative abuse intertwined with bulimia is a two-pronged problem in itself that requires layers of attention, patience, and treatment. Having a strong support system during this time can make a huge difference. It’s important to talk to someone you trust, like a close friend, family member, or healthcare professional. Let them know you’re deciding to quit and open up as much or as little as you’re able to. Whatever you share with them will allow you to lessen the mental burden you carry and help you know you’re not alone.

Since laxative misuse is commonly tied to bulimia and other eating disorders, always try to reach out for professional help if you can. We understand that treatment is not always accessible, whether there is a lack of local providers or the cost of healthcare is too expensive. These barriers are unfortunately a huge reason so many go without help. Take advantage of free resources online, from organizations like NEDA to more help groups, online communities, and eating disorder podcasts.

Quit the Dependency Now; Your Body Will Thank You

Quitting laxatives, while difficult at first, is a key step in not just bodily restoration and healing but bulimia recovery as a whole. The immediate effects can be scary, but they won’t last forever. Over time, your body will relearn how to naturally have regular bowel movements as you focus on your recovery. As you move away from these harmful habits, you'll also be restoring your body’s physical health in addition to your mental health. 

You’ll begin to feel more energetic, mentally clear, and healthier, laying the foundation for a strong and fully recovered life. By quitting laxative misuse and reassessing the binge-purge cycle that has held you captive, you will be able to create the space to focus on your mental and emotional well-being. Through this journey, you’ll nurture a healthier bond with food and yourself, moving you closer to full recovery from bulimia.

With Peace,

Whitney Chase

Whitney Chase is the Writer and Content Manager for Sarah Lee of Sarah Lee Recovery. She holds her degree in Psychology from Georgia State and has a strong passion for the mental health field, writing, and advocacy work.

Posted on September 30th, 2024.

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