What is an Eating Disorder?

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) explains that “Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions. They can be very serious conditions affecting physical, psychological and social function. Types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, other specified feeding and eating disorder, pica and rumination disorder.”

The APA also reports “Taken together, eating disorders affect up to 5% of the population, most often develop in adolescence and young adulthood. Several, especially anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are more common in women, but they can all occur at any age and affect any gender.”

The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) reports that an estimated 9% of the U.S. population, or 28.8 million Americans, will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.

 

What Do Eating Disorders, Addiction & Mental Health Have to Do with One Another? 

The American Psychiatric Association states that eating disorders often co-occur with psychiatric disorders, “most commonly mood and anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder and alcohol and drug abuse problems.”

NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) reports –

• Up to 50% of individuals with eating disorders use alcohol or illicit drugs, a rate five times higher than the general population.
• Up to 35% of individuals who were dependent on alcohol or other drugs have also had eating disorders, a rate 11 times greater than the general population.
• The substances most frequently used by individuals with eating disorders or with sub-clinical symptoms include: alcohol, laxatives, emetics, diuretics, amphetamines, heroin, and cocaine.
• Eating disorders and substance use share a number of common risk factors, including brain chemistry, family history, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and social pressures.
• Other shared characteristics include compulsive behavior, social isolation, and risk for suicide.

 

What is the Difference Between an Eating Disorder & Disordered Eating?

Disordered eating is a wide spectrum of issues and behaviors, while an eating disorder is at one end of that spectrum. An eating disorder is a clinical diagnosis whereas disordered eating refers to more subtle problematic eating patterns and food behaviors outside of the official eating disorder diagnosis criteria (see Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders); disordered eating has the potential to become more dangerous. Some studies have indicated disordered eating is a contributor or precursor to eating disorders.

 

What does Treatment for Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder & Disordered Eating Look Like?

Santé Center for Healing treats disordered eating when co-occurring with substance use disorder. Unresolved trauma and a mental health diagnosis are often factors at play, too.

Santé’s Medical Director Melissa Pennington, DO, FASAM, CEDS reflected, “At Santé, we recognize that addiction and mental health issues often co-occur. For example, many individuals struggle with both substance abuse and disordered eating. As long as one of these conditions goes untreated, an individual will never be able to fully recover. By addressing the disordered eating and substance abuse concurrently, individuals learn how to manage their emotions rather than resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms.”

An initial assessment by Santé’s clinical staff can help determine the best course of action and healing for an individual. Effective treatment for substance use disorders with co-occurring disordered eating may include normalizing eating and weight control behaviors, restoring weight, medical evaluation for any co-occurring psychiatric or medical issues, nutrition planning, and addressing beliefs about body, weight, and eating.

You may be feeling uncertain about what you need and what the best next steps are for your healing journey. We’re here to help. To increase the likelihood of long-term recovery, Santé’s clinical team uses an integrated model where substance abuse recovery and disordered eating are addressed simultaneously, resulting in holistic wellness. Treatment includes a variety of clinical tools like individual therapy, group therapy, neurofeedback, EMDR, experiential therapy, expressive arts, and more!

 

What Does Long-term Recovery from a Substance Use Disorder with Co-occurring Disordered Eating Look Like?

At Santé Center for Healing, recovery from substances and disordered eating is a long-game. We want you to have a plan that’s uniquely crafted to your needs after treatment. Recovery from the effects of substances and eating disorders takes time – incremental change, day by day.

Your collaborative clinical and medical team may recommend ongoing support post-treatment that may include a combination of group therapy, individual therapy, dietitian support, and/or peer support meetings. Additionally, to help you stay on track, upon discharge from Santé alumni are automatically enrolled in Santé’s “Open Road” program where you’ll have access to support, activities, and more to help you along your path post-residential treatment.

 

Next Steps When You Have Disordered Eating & Addiction?

If you think you need help, Santé Center for Healing is here to support you, your family and your next steps. You can reach us anytime at (800.258.4250) or by visiting our website at https://www.santecenter.com/.

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