table of contents
medical reviewer:
adam swanson, lmft
Treating Eating Disorders and Addiction
What do eating disorders and addiction have in common? More than most people might realize. An estimated 50% of individuals with an eating disorder also have a substance or alcohol dependency, nearly five times the rate of the general population. Among people with a substance use disorder, more than 35% also struggle with an eating disorder, compared to 1-3% of the general population. The relationship between eating disorders and addiction is complex. Learn more about the connection between them and how to find treatment for both conditions.
Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders
The signs and symptoms of eating disorders can vary depending on the type of eating disorder a person has. While it can’t replace a formal diagnosis, learning about these signs and symptoms may help you identify the need for treatment in yourself or someone else. Here are some common eating disorders and their characteristics.
Anorexia nervosa is marked by symptoms such as:
- Intense fear of weight gain.
- Restriction of food intake relative to energy requirements.
- Disturbance in self-perceived body weight or shape.
People with anorexia nervosa often struggle with rigid food rules that are hard to break free from. Some people have what is called atypical anorexia.
Bulimia nervosa is marked by the presence of both binge eating and compensatory behaviors. There are different types of compensatory behaviors. These include self-induced vomiting, using diuretics, excessive exercise, or episodes of fasting.
People with binge eating disorder can be affected by signs and symptoms such as:
- Eating to the point of discomfort.
- Feeling out of control, guilty, or ashamed.
- Eating alone due to embarrassment.
- Eating when they are not hungry.
- Eating very quickly.
Some people with BED are frequent dieters, possibly restricting food intake, then binge eating. BED can take an emotional toll, but recovery is possible.
People who struggle with various eating disorder signs and symptoms can receive a diagnosis of other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED). For example, people with atypical anorexia may get diagnosed with OSFED. Or, a person with purging disorder (purging without binging) may get diagnosed with OSFED. It is diagnosed when a person presents with eating disorder symptoms that don’t fall neatly into another diagnosis, like anorexia or bulimia nervosa. However, it’s important to remember that OSFED requires treatment just as much as any other eating disorder.
Eating Disorders and Addiction Often Fuel One Another
Eating disorders are considered mental health disorders. Examples of common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa (when people avoid or severely restrict food), binge-eating disorder (eating larger amounts of food than normal in a shorter period), and bulimia nervosa (binge-eating followed by using methods to prevent weight gain such as vomiting, excessive exercising, or the use of substances like diuretics or laxatives). Eating disorders have a lot in common with addiction, and they often feed off of each other. Here are three of the more common ways:
- Eating disorders and addiction often stem from the same place. Trauma, anxiety, feeling pressure to fit in, or even genetics can all play a role. Both can function as a coping mechanism and give a person a sense of control and a way to escape from emotional pain.
- Substance use can help control one’s weight or appetite. It is not uncommon for people who are trying to lose weight to misuse laxatives or diuretics as a tool to reduce or restrict their caloric intake, and the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse estimates that approximately 50% of women with eating disorders also have a substance use disorder.
- Secrecy and shame. There is often a lot of stigma around eating disorders and addiction, making it challenging for individuals to seek help. The shame that people who suffer from either disorder, let alone both disorders, can experience is isolating and often leads to avoidance or a delay of treatment.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Eating Disorders and Addiction
When a person experiences a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time, it is known as a co-occurring disorder. Due to the complex nature of co-occurring disorders, one of the best ways to recovery is through an integrated treatment approach, such as dual diagnosis treatment. This treatment method is effective; one study reported a significant increase in abstinence rates from 2% at intake to 39% one year later. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) lists several improved outcomes from an integrated such as dual diagnosis treatment, including:
- Reduced or discontinued substance use
- Improvement in psychiatric symptoms and functioning
- Increased chance for successful treatment and recovery for both disorders
- Improved quality of life
- Decreased hospitalization
- Reduced medication interactions
Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both disorders at the same time and often involves a multidisciplinary team of providers (physicians, therapists or counselors, and dietitians often play a role) who work together to develop an individualized treatment plan. Evidence-based therapies are often used in dual diagnosis treatment and include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing.
Despite the success of dual diagnosis treatment programs, a SAMHSA study from 2019 showed that only 7.8% of adults experiencing co-occurring disorders received treatment for both conditions.
Levels of Care
Clients in all levels of care at Buddy’s Ranch can get dual diagnosis services for eating disorders and addiction.
Detox in Northern California at Buddy’s Ranch helps people get through drug and alcohol withdrawal safely. Most people start treatment in detox. Usually, it lasts for about 3-10 days (or until the person is physically stable). Substance abuse and eating disorders can both come with complications. The medical monitoring and withdrawal management inpatient detox at Buddy’s Ranch provides can be crucial for this reason.
Residential addiction treatment can be highly beneficial for people overcoming substance abuse and eating disorders. It will help you break old patterns and create new ones in a structured environment. Daily therapy gives you the support you need while providing extensive opportunities for skill development that will help you not just during the program, but once it’s over. It is common for people to stay in our residential program for about 30-60 days. Total treatment length depends on the person. Before you leave, we will help you make an aftercare plan. This will help you feel confident after the program and continue to make progress.
In addition to residential treatment, Buddy’s Ranch offers outpatient drug rehab in Northern California. There are different levels of outpatient care. Some are more intensive than others, providing more therapy hours per week. We provide flexible outpatient care. Some people start their recovery journey with this treatment option. Other people step down to an outpatient program, like our intensive outpatient program (IOP), after finishing residential treatment. Outpatient care for eating disorders and addiction is cost-effective. It allows clients to sleep and live at home or nearby in sober housing while attending therapy at our center during the week.
Telehealth addiction treatment makes it possible to get therapy for substance abuse and co-occurring concerns, like eating disorders, from the privacy of your own home. Buddy’s Ranch offers secure telehealth addiction treatment for those who need or prefer it for any reason.
Myths About Eating Disorders and Addiction
One of the main myths about eating disorders and addiction is who they affect. People often believe that only those of a certain body size, age, and gender will experience eating disorders. There are also stereotypes and misconceptions about who will struggle with a substance use disorder. In reality, anyone can have an eating disorder, just like anyone can struggle with substance abuse. Here are some important facts about eating disorders and who they affect.
- About one-third of people with eating disorders are men and boys.
- People of any age can have an eating disorder. While many start in a person’s teen years or younger, eating disorders can onset or get worse later in life or during times of change, like perimenopause, menopause, or postpartum.
- Eating disorders can affect people of all body sizes. They can interfere with a person’s quality of life, health, social, and occupational functioning, no matter how the person looks. Less than six percent of people with eating disorders are medically underweight.
Another myth about eating disorders and substance use disorders is that they are a choice or a matter of willpower. Eating disorders and substance abuse both develop for a reason. An essential part of treating eating disorders and addiction is to understand what the illness is giving the person.
It might seem counterintuitive, but it is better to turn toward the reasons behind eating disorders and addiction than it is to look away from them. Is it comfort? Something to control when other parts of life feel uncertain or stressful? Longstanding behavioral patterns? Other underlying concerns, like anxiety, perfectionism, neurodivergence, or trauma? Something else?
These are just some examples of triggers a person might have. When you understand what role eating disorder and substance use behaviors play in your life, it can be helpful because it means that you know what needs they fulfill. We’re here to help you understand why you use eating disorder and substance use behaviors and work with you to get those needs met in other ways.
FAQs About Eating Disorders and Addiction
Yes, eating disorders and addiction often have a “bidirectional” relationship, meaning that it goes both ways. For example, substance use or addiction can lead to unhealthy eating habits through emotional numbing or suppression of one’s appetite. On the other hand, individuals experiencing an eating disorder might misuse drugs or stimulants to control their appetite or cope with anxiety. Both disorders are unhealthy coping mechanisms for underlying issues such as trauma, depression, or anxiety. It is also worth noting that once one disorder is present, a person is often more susceptible to developing a second disorder.
If a person is experiencing co-occurring disorders, treating only one disorder while ignoring another can lead to relapse or hinder progress toward recovery. As explained in this article, eating disorders and addiction can be deeply intertwined, so it is important to have an approach that will address both and get down to the root causes. An approach that includes therapy, nutrition, medication management, and support for physical health will lead to better outcomes and an overall improved quality of life. Treating one disorder in isolation rarely leads to sustainable recovery.
Yes! While it can be a complex diagnosis, full recovery from an eating disorder and substance use is achievable, and many people have done it. Part of treatment is learning new ways to cope, establishing a healthier relationship with food, rebuilding self-esteem, and addressing unresolved trauma. A holistic approach to treatment believes that everything is interconnected, and dual diagnosis treatment programs are designed to support an individual’s overall wellness needs and goals. Recovery is rarely linear, but as a person learns about themself and learns new strategies and coping mechanisms for life, their chances of lasting recovery increase.
Family members can play a vital role in helping a loved one recover from an eating disorder and addiction. During addiction, relationships are often strained or damaged, and trust needs to be rebuilt. Family members willing to attend therapy individually or as a family unit can be a significant support and help all involved learn to set healthy boundaries. Education can be important in supporting a loved one while avoiding enabling behaviors. Family support in treatment can decrease the risk of relapse and lead to better outcomes.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment from Buddy’s Ranch
Buddy’s Ranch is a premier treatment facility in California that provides dual diagnosis treatment for people struggling with both mental health disorders and substance use disorders. Our team of empathetic providers is ready to help you navigate recovery with compassion and expertise. We provide several evidence-based therapeutic options to help you or your loved one address any challenges you are facing. Know that recovery is possible and that you can do this. Reach out today to take steps towards the life you deserve.
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Eating Disorder and Addiction Treatment at Buddy's Ranch
If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder and addiction, Buddy’s Ranch is here to help. Reach out to our treatment center for more information about our programs. Recovery is possible. Take the first step toward your healing journey today.
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