The Link Between Eating Disorders and Alcohol Abuse

The link between eating disorders and substance use, including alcohol abuse, is well-documented:

• Nearly 50 percent of people with an eating disorder are also abusing drugs and/or alcohol.
• Research suggests that 25 percent of people entering treatment for eating disorders also meet criteria for substance abuse problems.
• Substance abuse by people with eating disorders occurs at a rate five times greater than what is found in the general population.

Drugs, alcohol and eating disorder behaviors may help people find a way to numb their problems, pain and anxiety — but it comes at a huge cost.

Prolonged restriction of essential nutrients (from an eating disorder), along with an overindulgence in alcohol, may cause irreversible damage to vital organs… and, at times, even death.

The relationship between alcohol and eating disorders 

On the surface, eating disorders and alcohol abuse may appear to be two entirely different conditions. However, the two illnesses have similarities that help to explain why they tend to occur together.

First of all, the root of addiction and of eating disorders is that these behaviors function as an escape from underlying stress, anxiety, sadness, fear or trauma. Drug and alcohol use and eating disorder behaviors (restriction, bingeing, purging or over-exercise) are all coping mechanisms that help to provide immediate relief from pain and anxiety. These behaviors affect the brain in the same areas and have a mood-altering effect. 

In addition, although high in calories, alcohol can be used by some to trigger regurgitation and dehydration, challenging eating disorder recovery.

Treatment for alcoholism and eating disorders

Often, when a person is referred to an eating disorder treatment program and starts to address behaviors related to food, eating and exercise, alcohol addiction problems can increase.

As alcohol use increases and disrupts the eating disorder treatment, the patient may be referred for addiction treatment. Recovery is slowed even though the patient is committed to seeking treatment and getting well. This often leaves patients in a vicious cycle between wellness and illness.

In treatment, we must consider that both the eating disorder and substance abuse behaviors are used by the person to escape, numb or suppress painful thoughts, feelings and/or experiences. At Eating Recovery Center, we use an integrated treatment approach to address all underlying issues.

Integrated treatment at ERC

Linda Lewaniak, Program Director of Integrated Services at Eating Recovery Center, Insight comments on this model, “A promising predictor of positive outcome for the co-occurring diagnosis of an eating disorder and substance abuse is integrated treatment. Integrated treatment is more than just concurrent or simultaneous recovery efforts—it marks a truly holistic approach leveraging evidence-based approaches that effectively address both illnesses in the same treatment episode.” 

At ERC, we incorporate evidence-based approaches to treat eating disorders and substance use problems. Some of the specific therapies that we may use to help our patients achieve recovery include:

• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET, targets ambivalence and motivation for change).
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT, targets emotional regulation, distress tolerance).
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT, targets exposure, psychological flexibility and committed action).
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT, targets relapse prevention).
• Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT, targets initiation, set shifting and big picture/detail).

Seek help for eating disorders and alcohol addiction. Recovery is possible

We encourage all individuals currently struggling with eating disorder behaviors and substance use problems to seek help.

We are happy to help you find any resources that you need to help you achieve recovery and live the most meaningful life possible.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month and April 7 is National Alcohol Screening Day. These national events help to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with alcoholism, causes, treatment and recovery.

Nationally recognized addiction treatment expert Linda Lewaniak, LCSW, CAADC is Program Director of Integrated Services at Eating Recovery Center, Insight.

Britt Berg writes for Eating Recovery Center.

Sources

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/substance-abuse-and-eating-disorders

 http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh26-2/151-160.htm