Did you know that eating disorders carry similar addictive behaviors as drug and alcohol addiction? Eating disorders are characterized by unhealthy patterns of eating caused by obsessive and compulsive behaviors, and have diagnostic similarities to drug addiction, as they are both compulsive behaviors that are difficult to stop.
Additionally, many people with eating disorders have an unhealthy body image and co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety, which in turn lead to substance abuse in some in order to cope.
Let’s break down what eating disorders are, what similarities they have to addiction, and how they can be treated.
Understanding Common Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia can lead to many other health issues
Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by a distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight, leading individuals to severely restrict their food intake. Those with anorexia often perceive themselves as overweight, even when they are significantly underweight. This disorder can lead to dangerous physical complications such as malnutrition, organ damage, and disruptions in heart rhythm. Symptoms include refusal to eat, attempts to lose weight even when body weight is already low, and low body mass index.
Bulimia Nervosa
Is Bulimia an addiction?
Bulimia is increasingly recognized by experts as having many features in common with substance addictions. Individuals with bulimia often report intense cravings to binge, followed by ritualistic purging behaviors that resemble the cycle of drug use and withdrawal. The urge to binge can be overwhelming, and purging offers a short-term sense of relief—much like how substances temporarily numb emotional pain. Over time, this pattern can become deeply ingrained, compulsive, and difficult to interrupt without professional help. In this way, bulimia can be viewed not only as an eating disorder but also as a behavioral addiction.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States.
Binge Eating Disorder involves recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time, often accompanied by a feeling of lost control. Unlike bulimia, there is no regular use of compensatory behaviors to counteract binge eating episodes (such as exercise or purging), which leads to weight gain and obesity in many cases. Binge Eating Disorder often leads to emotional distress, shame, and guilt surrounding eating habits, and can increase the risk of various health problems, such as cardiovascular issues and Type 2 diabetes.
Orthorexia Nervosa
Orthorexia Nervosa is characterized by an obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy while eliminating those deemed unhealthy or impure. Individuals with orthorexia may become fixated on the quality and purity of their diet to the extent that it interferes with their daily functioning and social interactions. Although not officially recognized as a clinical diagnosis, orthorexia can lead to malnutrition, social isolation, and psychological distress similar to other eating disorders.
4 Common Myths Regarding Eating Disorders and Addiction
Now that you’ve learned what eating disorders are and what behaviors characterize each one, let’s dive into a few common myths about the link between eating disorders and addiction.
Myth #1: Substance abuse causes eating disorders, or vice versa.
While there can be overlap and co-occurrence of eating disorders and substance abuse, one does not directly cause the other. Both conditions are complex and can be influenced by a variety of factors such as genetics, environmental stressors, trauma, and psychological vulnerabilities.
When eating disorders develop alongside substance abuse issues, it’s sometimes because substances are misused for their side effects—stimulants like Adderall and cocaine to suppress appetite, or opioids and alcohol to reduce anxiety around eating. This functional use of drugs reinforces both the eating disorder and the addiction, but one is not necessarily causing the other. Correlation isn’t causation, though, and so it is essential to address each condition separately and tailor treatment approaches accordingly rather than treating one as the root cause and the other as a side effect.
Myth #2: Treating one disorder will automatically resolve the other.
Although there may be interconnectedness between eating disorders and substance abuse, treating one condition does not guarantee improvement or resolution of the other. Each disorder requires its own specialized treatment plan, addressing the unique underlying factors and coping mechanisms associated with that specific condition. Integrated treatment approaches that consider both disorders simultaneously tend to be most effective in promoting lasting recovery.
Myth #3: Individuals with eating disorders or substance abuse lack willpower or moral character.
Both eating disorders and substance abuse are complex mental health conditions with biological, psychological, and environmental components. They are not simply a result of weakness or poor moral character. These disorders involve dysregulated brain chemistry, maladaptive coping mechanisms, and often co-occurring mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. Blaming individuals for their struggles only perpetuates stigma and may hinder their ability to seek help and recover.
Myth #4: Recovery from eating disorders or substance abuse is impossible.
Recovery is a challenging but achievable journey for individuals struggling with eating disorders or substance abuse. With appropriate treatment, support, and dedication, many people are able to overcome these disorders and lead fulfilling lives. It’s important to recognize that recovery is a process that looks different for everyone and may involve setbacks along the way. Providing ongoing encouragement, understanding, and access to resources can significantly enhance the likelihood of successful recovery.
Causes of addiction and eating disorders
Like many other aspects of addiction and eating disorders, the causes of these issues often mirror one another and include the following:
Genetics
Your biological makeup can play a role in both addictions and eating disorders, as certain mental health issues may be passed down from parents to their children. This is why genetic history is so important when assessing your risk developing addictive behavior.
Environmental
Popular culture often glorifies extreme thinness and excessive alcohol consumption. These cultural messages can significantly affect the development of addiction and eating disorders. Peer pressure and the desire to fit in can also be a powerful environmental trigger, particularly in young adults. The influence of media starts even younger than that. According to a survey done by the National Eating Disorder Association, teens who reported using social media more than 2 hours daily were 1.6 times more likely to experience body image issues than those who spent less time on social media.13
Emotional and physical trauma
Left untreated, past emotional and physical traumas can significantly influence present substance or food issues. Eating disorders and addiction are typically symptoms of a much deeper issue.
Emotional health
Suffering from any untreated mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD can make a person more vulnerable to developing an addiction or eating disorder.
While eating disorders and addictions affect all types of people, these factors can increase a person’s risk of developing either condition.
Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders: Shared Risk Factors
The connection between eating disorders and substance abuse is both strong and concerning. Shared risk factors—such as low self-esteem, trauma history, perfectionism, and impulsivity—often set the stage for both conditions. Substance abuse can amplify disordered eating behaviors, and vice versa, creating a feedback loop that intensifies emotional distress and health risks. Recognizing this dual vulnerability is key to developing effective treatment interventions that promote true recovery and not just symptom management.
A 2021 study found that people with eating disorders were five times as likely to abuse alcohol or illicit drugs as those without it. It was found that 50% of people who had an eating disorder abused drugs and alcohol, compared to 9% of the general population. On the other hand, those who abused alcohol or illicit drugs were 11 times more likely to have an eating disorder as those who did not use substances. Up to 35% of people who abused or were dependent on drugs and alcohol have had an eating disorder in the past, compared to 3% of the general population.
How Addiction and Eating Disorders Can Be Treated
Recovering from addiction and eating disorders simultaneously, also known as “dual diagnosis” or “co-occurring disorders,” requires a comprehensive and integrated treatment approach that addresses both conditions concurrently. Here are some strategies for achieving recovery from addiction and eating disorders simultaneously:
Integrated Treatment Programs
Seek out treatment programs that specialize in dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. These programs offer integrated therapies that address both addiction and eating disorders simultaneously, recognizing the interconnected nature of these conditions.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Engage with a multidisciplinary treatment team that includes professionals such as physicians, therapists, nutritionists, and addiction specialists. This team can provide comprehensive assessment, personalized treatment plans, and coordinated care to address the complex needs of individuals with dual diagnosis.
Address Underlying Issues
Explore and address the underlying psychological, emotional, and environmental factors contributing to both addiction and eating disorders. Therapy modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed therapy can help individuals develop coping skills, improve self-awareness, and address maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior.
Nutritional Rehabilitation
Work with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to develop a balanced and individualized meal plan that supports both physical and mental health. Nutritional rehabilitation is essential for restoring proper nutrition, addressing deficiencies, and rebuilding a healthy relationship with food.
Supportive Environment
Surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, peers, and support groups who understand and respect your journey toward recovery. Participating in support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Overeaters Anonymous (OA), or Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA) can provide invaluable peer support and encouragement.
Mindfulness and Self-Care Practices
Incorporate mindfulness-based practices, relaxation techniques, and self-care activities into your daily routine to manage stress, regulate emotions, and promote overall well-being. Mindfulness meditation, yoga, journaling, and creative expression can help individuals cultivate self-awareness, self-compassion, and emotional resilience.
Continued Monitoring and Relapse Prevention
Stay engaged in ongoing monitoring, follow-up care, and relapse prevention efforts to maintain long-term recovery from addiction and eating disorders. Recognize and address early warning signs or triggers, develop relapse prevention strategies, and remain connected to supportive resources and treatment services as needed.
Recovering from addiction and eating disorders simultaneously is a challenging but achievable goal with the right support, resources, and commitment to self-care and healing. It’s essential to be patient, compassionate with yourself, and celebrate each step forward on the journey toward holistic recovery.
Getting help for eating disorders and addiction
When an eating disorder co-occurs with substance abuse, addiction, and/or mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, it is important to seek comprehensive support. Like other forms of addiction, people with eating disorders have the power to overcome them with commitment and the right treatment.
It is important to treat any and all conditions together in order to achieve the best possible outcomes and to achieve long-term recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, addiction or an eating disorder, help is available at Cumberland Heights. Click here to learn more about treatment at Cumberland Heights.
To hear a special podcast recording with Claire Fierman and Katie White from A Center for Eating Disorders, click here!
