Most insurance plans will cover either all or a portion of the treatment.
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SUD treatment executive, national news contributor & keynote speaker.
Navigation:
- Overview
- The Link Between Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders
- Why Do ED and SUD Occur Together?
- How Do I Find Dual-Diagnosis Treatment ED and SUD?
Overview
The mental health challenges that contribute to eating disorders (ED) and substance use disorders (SUD) frequently overlap and are commonly linked, which is why so many people experience both conditions simultaneously. Treatment for co-occurring eating disorders and SUD must include a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of both conditions and endeavors to unlock how they’re related. The good news is, there are alcohol and drug rehab centers all across the country with trained and experienced staff who are able to unravel these complicated relationships to offer you or your loved one the peace of mind you need to reclaim your life.
The Link Between Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders
- Data published by the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, a leading non-profit on ED, indicates that over 30 percent of people who struggle with alcohol or drug dependency also struggle with an eating disorder, representing a rate 11 times greater than the general population.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has reported that of those admitted for substance use disorder treatment, 16 percent of women and 3 percent of men had also reported an eating disorder. This crossover of conditions suggests that these disorders are not independent of each other but, instead, have common root causes or triggering factors.
- Additional data published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment reveals that patients with simultaneous eating disorders and substance use disorders had significantly higher rates of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.
Approximately 20 percent of individuals with an eating disorder will also develop a substance use disorder in their lifetime. The most common types of eating disorders associated with substance use include bulimia nervosa, which accounts for nearly 35 percent of all cases, as well as anorexia, which accounts for around 13 percent.
Why Do ED and SUD Occur Together?
While each person who develops co-occurring ED and SUD has their own unique story, many of the fundamental factors are similar. They often include:
- Self-image issues and social pressure factors leading to unhealthy undereating and/or alcohol and drug abuse
- Underlying mental health challenges that cause them to cope by overeating ot turning to drugs or alcohol as an escape or comfort
- Codependency or relationship challenges, which are characterized by a fear of losing a significant other or romantic partner
On a more practical and situational level, the side effects of medications to which people commonly become addicted can also trigger appetite issues that, over time, can contribute to long-term patterns of problematic eating.
Treatment for Co-Occurring ED and SUD
One of the most significant challenges of treating simultaneous eating disorders and substance abuse is actually identifying a link between the two conditions. While both can be evident and affect people equally in their day-to-day lives, unearthing their relationship can be tricky without the right level of help. Treatment for co-occurring disorder should incorporate a whole-person or “holistic” approach that focuses on the physical, psychological and lifestyle factors that lead to and exacerbate the condition. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Comprehensive Medical Cafe– This includes a variety of interventions, including medically supervised detoxification and withdrawal management for excessive alcohol or drug use, as well as treatment for the physical impact of an eating disorder. The reality is that ED can lead to lasting health issues that will need ongoing management during and even after the initial course of treatment.
- In-Depth Behavioral Therapy – It takes time to identify the origins and triggers of substance use and eating disorders, and usually longer to determine how they’re related. Group therapy and individualized counseling are fundamental to exploring these issues and developing coping strategies for relapse prevention.
Nutritional counseling is also a fundamental pillar of treatment, as it helps patients reframe their relationships with food and develop healthy eating habits.
There is a special category of treatment for co-occurring SUD and ED called dual-diagnosis treatment. This focuses on treating the impact of each condition separately while working with patients to identify the relationship and proceed with treatment accordingly.
Treatment can be administered in both inpatient and outpatient settings, but it’s crucial to ensure your program offers comprehensive discharge planning and aftercare coordination to ensure you can continue therapy after the initial treatment process.
How Do I Find Dual-Diagnosis Treatment ED and SUD?
While not all drug rehab programs offer ED treatment as part of their care services, there are many that are equipped to handle this complex and interconnected condition. The quickest way to find an effective treatment program is to talk to an admissions rep at the facility you’re considering and find out if they have clinicians on staff who specialize in eating disorders. The issues surrounding ED are unique, so finding a therapist who is versed in the signs, symptoms and impact is crucial. Additionally, we have segmented rehab centers that offer Eating Disorder Therapy in our nationwide directory.
