Substance-use disorders commonly occur alongside eating disorders. Underlying health conditions resulting from the two co-occurring conditions. Understanding how the diagnoses relate and the appropriate treatment methods are essential to minimizing long-term effects.
Substance Use Disorder Definition
According to a report from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental illness, substance use disorders are a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological symptoms. The person continues abusing the substance regardless of related problems.
Signs Of Substance Use Disorder
Individuals with substance-use disorders become dependent on a substance without considering the negative impacts on their day-to-day life. Affected individuals are secretive about concealing their addiction from people around them. Check out Ocean Recovery warning signs that indicate a person has a problem.
- Change in sleeping patterns or appetite
- Slurred speech, tremors, impaired coordination
- Unusual odors on breath, clothing, body
- Engaging in secretive behaviors
- Increased financial problems
- Stealing or borrowing money
- Sudden change in hobbies, favorite hangouts, and friends
- Using the substance to minimize withdrawal symptoms
- Loss of control
- Lack of motivation
Causes Of Substance Use Disorder
Substance-use disorders are social, biological, and psychological disorders with many contributing factors. Aspects that increase the risk of a substance use disorder are.
- Genetics
- Trauma experiences
- Emotion dysregulation
- Struggles related to peer pressure
- Financial difficulties
- Relationship issues
- Turbulent life events
The Link Between Anorexia And Substance Use
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by distorted body image due to restriction of food intake. Some people use drugs intended to reduce their appetite, which leads to weight loss. Risk factors such as perfectionism and rigidity make a person vulnerable to anorexia nervosa and substance-use disorders. Low self-esteem and peer pressure make an individual have a high risk for substance use disorders and anorexia nervosa. Individuals with this condition pursue starvation relentlessly despite profound emotional, physical, and social consequences.
The Relationship Between Bulimia And Drug Addiction
Bulimia Nervosa and binge eating go hand in hand, followed by compensatory behaviors including excessive exercise, vomiting, or laxative use. Individuals struggling with such conditions have difficulties with compulsive and impulsive behaviors. People with a history of trauma, problems coping with peer pressure, and adverse childhood experiences have high risks of developing bulimia nervosa and substance-use disorders.
The chemical response of the body and mind to substance use or purging reinforces such behaviors, making a person want to engage in such behaviors repeatedly.
Binge Eating And Substance Abuse
This disorder is characterized by binge eating episodes that are not followed by compensatory behaviors. People develop this disorder as a coping skill that connects substance use and binge eating disorder. Both conditions are utilized to cope with negative emotions. Individuals with this condition struggle with compulsive and impulsive behaviors.
Eating Disorder And Substance Use Treatment
Substance use and eating disorders may prove challenging to treat at times due to physical implications on the body. Professionals believe that the eating disorder should be treated first so that the affected person approaches the substance-use treatment less malnourished and less brain starved. However, if a person has a high risk of developing withdrawal symptoms related to a substance-use disorder, detoxification with proper supervision and medical support is necessary. Should you wish any professional treatment at the comfort of your own home, there is an online suboxone clinic which can help you in your recovery with effective treatment programs.
Medication
Medications are used to treat various substance-use disorders. However, for eating disorders, the use of psychiatric medicines helps minimize substance use only when recommended by a health professional. Such medications treat comorbid health diagnoses, including anxiety and mood disorders.
Therapy
Therapeutic modalities that prove effective in treating substance-use disorders are also effective for treating eating disorders. Evidence-based treatments for either condition include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Family-Based Treatments.
Relapse Prevention And Aftercare Support
Medical professionals consider treatment of both substance use and eating use disorders simultaneously. Risk factors and similarities in presentations perpetuate the two conditions and reinforce one another. Treatment professionals must support the patients in developing skills and gaining insights to help them recover from both.
Substance use and eating disorders have severe consequences if left unattended; however, such conditions are treatable if detected early. Patients can recover from both if they follow the treatment team’s recommendations and engage in recommended outpatient maintenance work.