Substance abuse and eating disorders are complex conditions that can cause serious harm. Both of these conditions have similar compulsive aspects and can be challenging to overcome.
But what is the link between eating disorders and substance abuse? This article will explore how these conditions are connected. You will learn:
- The features of common eating disorders
- The risks of eating disorders
- How eating disorders and substance abuse are connected
- Where to find treatment for eating disorders and addiction
If you or someone you love struggles with an eating disorder and addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to explore our holistic treatment and support programs.
Common Eating Disorders: An Overview
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that require compassionate, comprehensive treatment. Here is an overview of the three most common eating disorders.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a potentially life-threatening mental health disorder. People with anorexia nervosa have an unrealistic body image. They typically have an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming overweight. People with this condition also have significant emotional challenges.
Anorexia nervosa is the third most common chronic illness among adolescents and teens. Women are ten times more likely to develop anorexia than men.[1]
Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:
- Attempting to lose weight even when their weight is low
- Low body mass index (BMI)
- Refusal to eat
Some people use the term “anorexia” to refer to people with these symptoms. However, anorexia nervosa is the name of an official mental health diagnosis. “Anorexia” is a term that describes a loss of appetite or inability to eat.
Some of the health risks associated with anorexia nervosa include:[2]
- Anemia
- Low blood sugar
- Fertility changes
- Heart, kidney, and liver failure
- Bone loss
- Muscle wasting
- Malnutrition
- Heart conditions, including heart failure
People with anorexia nervosa typically require significant treatment and support to recover.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is a serious mental health condition. People with bulimia Nnrvosa participate in binging and purging behaviors. For instance, people may consume a large amount of food and then vomit or exercise to get rid of the extra calories.
People with bulimia have intense anxiety about their body image and fear of weight gain. They become trapped in a cycle of losing control around food, binging, and then purging.
Some of the health risks associated with bulimia include:
- Dehydration that leads to kidney failure
- Tooth decay
- Fertility challenges
- Heart conditions, including heart failure
An estimated 0.3% of people have bulimia.[3] People with bulimia require intensive treatment and support to recover.
Binge Eating Disorder
People with binge eating disorder have recurrent instances of binge eating. Binge eating means consuming a large quantity of food. During a binge, a person will eat more than the general population might typically eat.
People with binge eating disorder experience a loss of control that leads them to eat until they are uncomfortable. After a binge, people may experience feelings of guilt and shame.
Health risks associated with binge eating disorder include:[4]
- Type II diabetes
- Weight gain and obesity
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States.[3]
Living with an eating disorder can increase a person’s risk of severe mental and physical harm. People with eating disorders require specialized treatment programs that focus on reducing destructive behaviors. Compassionate, holistic treatment can help heal people’s bodies and minds as they work toward a healthier future.
Understanding the Relationship Between Eating Disorders and Substance Use Disorder
There are some significant similarities between eating disorders and substance use disorders (SUD). Both conditions can have roots in a person’s genetics, experiences, and behaviors.[5,6] People with eating disorders typically have co-occurring disorders, including:
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Both conditions also have a foundation of addictive behaviors, including:
- Increasing behaviors over time (drug or alcohol use, disordered eating behaviors)
- Giving up relationships and hobbies to focus on addictive behaviors
- Loved ones express concern about the person’s behaviors
- Continued behaviors despite experiencing harm
- Loss of control over behaviors related to the addiction
People with drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and eating disorders have a higher risk for relapse. People with both conditions require specialized dual diagnosis treatment to address the complexities of these conditions.
Treating Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse
People with eating disorders often live with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. People with high levels of stress and other mental health disorders are more likely to engage in substance abuse. They may turn to illicit drugs, prescription medications, or alcohol to cope.
People with alcohol or drug abuse and eating disorders require specialized treatment. Participating in a substance abuse treatment plan that also provides eating disorder treatment is critical.
During a dual-diagnosis treatment program, people follow tailored treatment plans. This treatment can help people to overcome a mental health condition and substance abuse at the same time. Specialized mental health care, therapies, and education can help people address both conditions and begin their recovery journey.
Get Help Now
If you or someone you love struggles with an eating disorder and substance abuse, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn about our holistic, compassionate treatment programs.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Incidence, prevalence and mortality of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Anorexia Nervosa
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Eating Disorders
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Binge Eating Disorder
- Science Direct: The relationship of eating disorders and substance abuse
- Wiley Online Library: Eating disorders and substance use: Examining associations among US college students
