Recent research suggests that nearly 50% of individuals with eating disorders (ED) also have issues with drug addiction. The co-occurrence of these disorders affects both men and women, and the consequences can include death through suicide, overdose or health complications. As a result, an increasing number of rehabilitation programs are treating both disorders simultaneously when the diagnosis is co-occurring drug addiction and ED.

In a major study conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, overlapping characteristics of the two disorders are reported, such as:

• Common risk factors, such as brain chemistry imbalance and family history.
• Compulsive behaviors that include binging.
• Obsessive thinking about a substance or a behavior (the food or drug of choice and how to get it, dieting, being secretive, etc.)
• Increased use during stressful situations such as a death in the family, beginning a new job, or a financial crisis.
• Accompanying depression and anxiety.

Once an individual is diagnosed with co-occurring ED and drug addiction, an integrated treatment plan addressing both conditions is the best hope for full recovery. Overlapping therapeutic strategies that treat both substance abuse and eating disorders include:

• Individual psychotherapy to encourage behavior modification and confidence-building
• Group therapy with those who have the same co-occurring disorder
• Family counseling and education
• Prescription drug intervention to reduce the anxiety and depression brought on by withdrawal
• Education and counseling in nutrition, to assure long-term recovery from an eating disorder and encourage a continuing healthy lifestyle

Addiction experts are also treating individuals with co-occurring eating disorder and substance abuse for childhood trauma, which is a common factor in both disorders. By addressing the root of an individual’s emotional pain through various modes of therapy, including physical modalities like physical therapy, dance and yoga, as well as psychological approaches, therapists help individuals remove the underlying obstacles to recovery.

To assure the best chances of recovery, locating a rehabilitation facility that treats co-occurring eating disorders and drug addiction is important. With the help of experienced professionals, co-occurring disorders can be overcome, resulting in a healthy and rewarding life.

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