Eating disorders and addiction are two of the most common psychological conditions in the United States. While they may seem unrelated, there is a strong relationship between them.
Although the etiology of both eating disorders and addiction are complex, research has found a clear link between the two. This connection is particularly prominent in adolescence when an individual is still developing their mental health and managing their emotions. Studies have shown that individuals with eating disorders are more likely to experience substance use disorder.
Recent studies claim that approximately 300 million Americans, of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and classes struggle with an eating disorder at some point in their life, while 40 million Americans are victims of addiction.
In this blog post, we will look at why eating disorders and addiction often occur together as well as how to identify warning signs of addiction in those at risk of developing an eating disorder.
Types of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are a group of psychiatric illnesses characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviors. Common eating disorders include bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
These conditions typically affect young women and can lead to serious physical and psychological health problems if left untreated. The most common symptoms of an eating disorder include excessive dieting or exercising, extreme changes in weight, body image distortions, and distorted thoughts about food.
Anorexia Nervosa
The fear of gaining weight and not being in control are some of the main motivating factors attributed to anorexia nervosa. Individuals with this disorder have a strong desire to be thin, which is what gives them the ability to drastically restrict their intake of food.
Studies show that those suffering from anorexia, perceive themselves as being overweight when in fact they are often severely underweight. Through certain techniques such as over-exercising, using laxatives, restriction of caloric intake, diuretics and purging, individuals with anorexia try to maximize their weight loss.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by a series of repeated episodes involving binging and purging. Binging, or binge eating refers to eating abnormally large amounts of food in a short time span. Whereas, the act of purging refers to the misuse of laxatives or diuretics, self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise.
Bulimia nervosa is a condition that is typically associated with individuals feeling a loss of control over their lives. It is common for individuals suffering from this condition to feel that they have more power over their lives, even if it’s contributed to their illness.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is classified as the compulsive act of excessive food consumption, typically over extended periods of time. This disorder typically results in not only physical health problems, but also feelings of guilt and shame.
In comparison to both bulimia and anorexia, individuals struggling with binge eating often feel a lack of control over their disorder. While binge eating disorder causes individuals great embarrassment and distress, they can have a hard time ceasing their food intake.
Relationship Between Eating Disorders & Addiction
Research has found a strong association between eating disorders and substance use disorders. The common thread that connects both eating disorders and an addiction to drugs or alcohol, is the level of dopamine activity found in the prefrontal cortex of the brain.
When certain differences are prevalent in this region of the brain, it can contribute to the impulsive and reinforcing behaviors that are exhibited in both sets of disorders. Dopamine is known as the reward center of the brain. It is responsible for the feelings of motivation, pleasure and satisfaction.
For example, when an individual is affected by a binge eating disorder, or an alcohol use disorder, they may know that their actions are causing negative consequences, but they also become dependent on the feelings of pleasure that they receive from overeating or overdrinking. This is the reason why both addiction and eating disorders are so common, yet so difficult to overcome.
Studies have also revealed a high behavioral association between eating disorders and alcohol use disorders, specifically binge eating disorder and alcohol abuse. Alcohol consumption could be a primary trigger for binge eating episodes in those with bulimia. Alcohol is also sometimes used as an appetite suppressant or compensatory behavior to avoid food intake altogether.
Understanding & Treating Co-Occurring Conditions at Diamond Recovery
It’s important for addiction treatment specialists to understand the connection between eating disorders and addiction, so they can properly diagnose and treat them when they occur together in patients. Treatment for these co-occurring disorders should take into account both conditions simultaneously rather than treating one first then addressing the other later on.
It’s important for patients to feel comfortable enough with their treatment provider to discuss any issues related to either condition without fear or shame so that progress can be made toward successful recovery from both illnesses.
At Diamond Recovery, our mission is to help individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders and point them in the best direction for optimal care. Give us a call today to speak with one of our caring and compassionate addiction specialists. We are here to give you the support you need to get started on the road to recovery.
