Long-term active tackling — addressing the root causes of relapse in eating disorder recovery
Why Long-Term Recovery Matters
Eating disorder recovery doesn’t end with symptom reduction. For true, lasting healing, it’s essential to actively tackle the root causes of the disorder and sustain support beyond the critical window of relapse risk. Research shows that relapse rates for eating disorders can be as high as 40% within the first 9–12 months post-treatment. At Ianthe House, we address this through long-term active tackling—empowering women with the tools, support, and resilience needed to thrive far beyond the typical treatment timeline.
The Window of Highest Relapse Risk
Understanding Relapse Dynamics
Studies reveal that the first 9–12 months following treatment are a period of heightened vulnerability. Without sustained support, many individuals struggle to maintain progress, with relapse rates soaring to 40–71% within this timeframe. However, research also shows that maintaining support for a year or more significantly reduces the likelihood of relapse, with some studies indicating a potential reduction in relapse rates to as low as 10%.
Why Short-Term Programs Fall Short
Traditional short-term programs often focus on symptom management, leaving participants ill-equipped to navigate the deeper emotional and psychological triggers of relapse. Without ongoing care, the cycle of disordered behaviors can easily resurface.
What Is Active Tackling?
A Proactive Approach to Healing
Active tackling means engaging with recovery daily, not passively waiting for change to happen. This involves a structured, ongoing process of addressing the emotional, behavioral, and relational patterns that contribute to disordered eating.
Moving Beyond Surface-Level Recovery
Active tackling focuses on breaking the cycle of relapse by confronting the root causes of disordered behaviors—whether they stem from trauma, perfectionism, or underlying emotional pain. This approach ensures that recovery isn’t just a temporary reprieve but a sustainable, life-affirming transformation.
How Ianthe House Implements Long-Term Active Tackling
Sustained Peer-Supported Programs
Our 12-month Recovery Circles provide an essential foundation for active tackling. These intimate, therapist-led groups offer weekly sessions where participants can share their experiences, reflect on progress, and develop new coping strategies. By fostering trust and accountability, these circles help participants stay engaged and motivated throughout their recovery journey.
Integrated Daily Support
At Ianthe House, recovery extends beyond therapy sessions. Through personalised daily WhatsApp messages, participants receive tailored affirmations, reminders, and practical guidance to stay on track. This consistent touchpoint ensures that recovery remains an active, integrated part of daily life.
Relapse Prevention Strategies
Our programs are designed to proactively address triggers and potential relapse points. From guided journaling to emotion regulation techniques like EFT (Emotion-Focused Therapy), participants develop a robust toolkit for managing challenges and maintaining progress.
Research-Backed Benefits of Long-Term Care
Significant Reduction in Relapse Rates
Research underscores the effectiveness of long-term recovery programs. In one study, participants who engaged in structured relapse prevention plans for over 12 months saw their relapse rates drop from 40% to just 10%.
Improvements in Emotional Resilience
Our pilot program demonstrated remarkable outcomes:
A 25% increase in emotional resilience scores within six weeks.
An 18% improvement in overall recovery metrics.
Participants reported feeling more equipped to handle life’s challenges without resorting to disordered behaviors.
Stories of Active Tackling in Action
Reclaiming Life Beyond the Disorder
One participant described how Ianthe House’s long-term support allowed her to confront her fear of failure and build healthier coping mechanisms. Another shared how daily messages helped her feel supported and reminded of her progress, even during difficult days.
Long-Term Success Through Commitment
Participants often reflect that committing to a 12-month program gave them the time and space to rebuild their lives. By staying actively engaged, they developed the confidence and resilience needed to pursue personal goals and maintain their recovery long-term.
Commit to Sustainable Recovery With Ianthe House
At Ianthe House, we believe that lasting recovery requires more than short-term solutions. Through long-term active tackling, we empower you to address the root causes of your eating disorder and build a life beyond recovery.
