Laxative abuse refers to repeatedly using laxatives as an attempt to eliminate the calories consumed from food. For example, someone with bulimia may abuse laxatives to counteract binges. Others may abuse laxatives to promote weight loss, empty themselves of food, or feel thinner and lighter. That said, laxative abuse is very dangerous and can quickly spiral into a life-threatening issue.1
What Is Laxative Abuse?
Laxative abuse entails chronic and compulsive laxative use. People may misuse laxatives because they assume the behavior will support weight loss goals. Likewise, they might take laxatives as an attempt to avoid calorie absorption.
Laxatives may be prescribed for constipation, but they will cause more harm than good when abused. They may exacerbate problems with constipation, diarrhea, and gas. Similarly, although laxatives flush water from the system (which may cause a brief water weight loss), they do not eliminate calories consumed.2
Laxative abuse may include:
- Bingeing on laxatives (taking the whole package at one time)
- Taking the recommended dose of laxatives every day or many days (when not medically needed)
- Using laxatives to combat weight gain or bloat
- Using laxatives if other compensatory purging behaviors (vomiting, excessive exercise, diuretics) are not possible
Below are common methods of laxative abuse:
- Stimulant Laxatives
- Bulk-forming Laxatives
- Osmotic Laxatives
- Stool Softeners
Laxative Abuse & Eating Disorders
Laxative abuse often coincides with eating disorders. People may use laxatives as a weight control method, or abuse them to seemingly balance or offset the effects of overeating or binge eating.
Laxative abuse is a common behavior in these types of eating disorders:
Bulimia Nervosa
People experiencing bulimia may abuse laxatives as a purging method to remove the guilt from overeating or binge eating. Over time, this pattern becomes compulsive. The individual finds it hard to binge without purging. Because of this, the “emptying” feeling from laxative abuse may trigger more eating, thus reinforcing a dangerous cycle.
This symptom of bulimia differs from binge eating alone. Those with binge eating disorder eat large volumes of food, and often feel like they cannot control or manage their eating behaviors. However, they do not routinely engage in compensatory purging methods such as laxative abuse.
Anorexia Nervosa Purging Subtype
People experiencing anorexia nervosa purging subtype may abuse laxatives during binge and purge cycles. Moreover, they may also abuse laxatives along with restrictive eating habits.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)
Chronic laxative abuse without binge patterns can fall under purging disorder, a classification listed within the umbrella term of OSFED. When this is the case, the individual often abuses laxatives to control weight or body shape. However, they may eat relatively normally or engage in disordered habits that do not meet the criteria for restriction or binge eating.3
Symptoms of Laxative Abuse
Many people try to conceal their laxative abuse due to shame, fear, and embarrassment. It can be hard to tell if a loved one is struggling. That said, chronic laxative abuse behaviors often have a negative impact on someone’s physical and mental health. These adverse symptoms can occur both in the short and long-term.
Physical symptoms of laxative abuse may include:
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Increased risk of UTIs
- Reflex constipation
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Fatigue and poor energy
Psychological symptoms of laxative abuse may include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship problems
- Increased guilt and shame
- Social withdrawal
Long-Term Side Effects of Laxative Abuse
Chronic laxative abuse can be extremely detrimental to your physical health. Dehydration caused by this problem can result in chronic headaches, fainting, delirium, tremors, and permanent kidney damage.4
Long-term effects of laxative abuse may include:
- Gastrointestinal dysfunction
- IBS
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Permanent bowel nerve damage
- Colon muscle damage
- Severe laxative dependency
Warning Signs of Laxative Abuse
Even though laxative abuse symptoms may be insidious, you can look for specific signs and symptoms. If you observe rapid behavioral or physical changes in your loved one, that could indicate a problematic pattern.
Warning signs of laxative abuse may include:
- The presence of empty laxative packages
- Fainting spells
- Long bathroom visits
- Frequent complaints of abdominal cramping
- Clogged toilets
- Secretive or shameful eating habits (which may indicate bingeing)
- Offhanded comments about feeling constipated or being “too full”
Laxative Abuse Triggers
People abuse laxatives for numerous reasons. Some simply start taking laxatives because they are curious about how they work. Or, they may be susceptible to the pervasive myth that laxatives block weight gain or eliminate calories. This mindset, of course, is toxic, but it persists in many online eating disorder communities.
Societal expectations about weight loss and thinness may perpetuate problematic purging behaviors, such as laxative misuse. People may be more vulnerable to engaging in these behaviors during stressful times–or when their mental health is suffering. However, extended laxative abuse can become a behavioral addiction, and stopping the behavior may feel extremely difficult.
Treatment for Laxative Abuse
Compulsive behaviors, such as laxative abuse, may require professional support. Therapy offers a safe and non-judgmental environment to understand your specific triggers. Likewise, you and your therapist will create a comprehensive plan to reduce and eliminate laxative use.
Ideally, you should seek therapy from someone with experience and competence in treating eating disorders. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may briefly need acute support, such as hospitalization or inpatient care.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tends to be one of the most common treatment methods for laxative abuse. Some people respond well to family therapy and interpersonal therapy (IPT), as well. These therapies typically target problematic thinking patterns, while also teaching a person to adopt adaptive coping responses.5
Some people also benefit from in-person or online group therapies facilitated by mental health professionals or peer-led support groups, like Eating Disorder Anonymous or Overeaters Anonymous. Groups can provide a sense of validation and reassurance that you are not alone in your struggles.
Healthy Coping Methods for Laxative Abuse
To stop laxatives successfully, you will likely need to replace your unwanted behavior with healthier choices. Making proactive lifestyle changes can reduce the desire to purge and help you feel more empowered when facing self-destructive urges.
Healthy ways to cope with laxative abuse include:
- Meditating: The next time you feel overwhelmed or triggered to purge, take a few moments to focus on your breathing and practice meditation. Consider listening to a guided meditation script to help you relax.
- Journaling: Journaling can help you better understand the underlying emotions related to laxative abuse. Consider setting a timer and letting yourself write freely to “release” your thoughts and feelings.
- Eating disorder recovery apps: There are many free and paid eating disorder recovery apps that can help support your recovery. These apps often focus on affirmations, engaging in positive behaviors, and community support.
- Reading : Reading healthy body image books can help you feel more inspired in your recovery. These books support building a healthier self-esteem and challenging negative thoughts you have about your body.
- Reaching out to your support system: People who value your well-being care deeply about your mental health. If you are struggling, consider speaking to a trusted loved one about what you’re feeling.
- Distracting yourself: At times, distraction may be helpful to stall or delay unwanted behavior. Consider doing chores, taking a nap, finishing your homework, or starting a consuming task to avoid sitting with your thoughts.
- Affirming yourself: Remind yourself that you can get through difficult moments and that you are worthy of recovery. Consider writing down certain affirmations that feel good to you and posting them in visible places.
- Avoiding triggering situations: Try to minimize contact with certain people or situations that trigger your urge to use laxatives. If you can’t avoid them entirely, create an action plan for how you will cope during that time.
- Celebrating small successes: Recovery is built on thousands of tiny decisions. Every hour, day, or week that goes by without laxative abuse builds your strength and resilience. Recovery can be a bumpy road full of twists and turns, but don’t overlook recognizing progress.
Final Thoughts
Laxative abuse can feel frustrating and scary for individuals and their loved ones. However, you can change your behavior and get your life back on track. No matter how much you’re struggling, recovery is possible. If you need support, reach out for help today. Choosing the right therapist is an important step towards healing, and can be done in a number of ways. Try checking out an online directory, or asking for a referral from a loved one or health professional.
For Further Reading
- Mental Health America
- National Alliance on Mental Health
- MentalHealth.gov
- Best Eating Disorder Apps for 2022
- 11 Best Books About Eating Disorders for 2022
- 12 Best Eating Disorder Recovery Blogs for 2021
- 10 Best Eating Disorder Movies for 2022
- Eating disorders and laxatives – Eating Disorders Victoria
- Laxative Misuse – Centre for Clinical Interventions
- Free Eating Disorder Helpline – NEDA
Laxative Abuse Infographics
