Some individuals recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) have co-occurring eating disorders (EDs). According to the Office on Women’s Health, “Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, are serious mental health conditions that can happen to anyone but are much more common in women.” Painted Desert Recovery uses evidence-based methods, including psychotherapy and mindfulness-based techniques, to treat co-occurring SUD and EDs.

What Are Eating Disorders?

People with EDs have maladaptive thoughts and behaviors surrounding eating and body image. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Eating disorders involve extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors involving weight and food.” EDs significantly impact a person’s physical and psychological health. If left untreated, they have the potential to cause life-threatening conditions.

Young women have a higher risk of being diagnosed with EDs. Some of the risk factors contributing to the development of EDs include:

• Family history of EDs
• Trauma involving weight, body image, or food
• Co-occurring mental health disorders
• Chronic stress
• Neglect, starvation, or extreme dieting
• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

Most people with EDs have co-occurring SUD or mental health disorders. In some cases, disordered eating is an attempt to regain a sense of control. However, the feeling of control is an illusion, and EDs often cause increased symptom severity in co-occurring conditions. Most forms of disordered eating are considered self-harming behaviors due to the adverse effects on the body.

Common Types of Eating Disorders

Many forms of disordered eating affect people with SUD and other co-occurring conditions. According to the Journal of Eating Disorders, “For EDs in general, the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities were anxiety (up to 62%), mood (up to 54%) and substance use and post-traumatic stress disorders (similar comorbidity rates up to 27%).” Below are brief descriptions of the most common types of eating disorders.

Anorexia Nervosa

People diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) experience excessive weight loss and generally have a body mass index (BMI) of 17.5 or less. However, BMI is only one factor of many, and every case is unique. Most people with the disorder avoid eating or severely restrict their food intake. The health side effects can lead to illness, injury, or death. Malnutrition and other health issues caused by AN may cause some people to develop multiple physical and mental health issues. Abusing some addictive substances may increase the risk of AN for some individuals.

Bulimia Nervosa

People diagnosed with bulimia nervosa have episodes of overeating, where they have difficulty controlling how much or what they consume, followed by episodes of purging to avoid weight gain. Many people with bulimia nervosa excessively exercise, have restrictive diets, use laxatives, or self-induce vomiting to stop gaining weight after an episode of overeating. In some cases, people self-medicate using drugs to reduce weight gain.

Binge Eating Disorder

People with binge eating disorder (BED) overeat and have difficulty controlling their portions. However, they do not purge after a binge. Often, individuals with BED are obese due to frequent episodes of overeating. Substance abuse may increase the symptoms and side effects of binge eating disorder.

Symptoms and Side Effects

The symptoms and side effects of EDs vary considerably from person to person and are influenced by many factors, including co-occurring mental health disorders. Each form of disordered eating involves distinct symptoms and potential side effects.

Some of the most common signs of EDs include:

• Making excuses to avoid meals
• Pretending to eat
• Being unable to stop eating
• Rituals surrounding food, weight gain, and eating
• Highly restrictive diets
• Purging after eating
• Loss of control when eating

Most people with EDs have issues with body image and self-worth. Purging or restricting food may be a way for some people to control their body image. According to the International Medicine Journal, “Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are eating disorders characterised by the internalisation of the thin ideal and extreme weight‐control behaviours.” Not all EDs are caused by a desire to lose weight.

Treatment Options at Painted Desert Recovery

Painted Desert Recovery uses various evidence-based methods to treat EDs. Clients benefit from a combination of therapeutic modalities. The care team collaborates with clients to determine what treatment options best fit their personal, cultural, and spiritual preferences. Clinicians use mindfulness-based techniques and other methods to help clients establish healthy routines and develop essential coping skills.

Some of the treatment options provided by Painted Desert Recovery include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Alternative holistic therapies

Treatment plans are personalized to the unique needs of each client.

The Role of Shame in Eating Disorders

Healing from the effects of EDs takes time and a willingness to reframe how a person thinks about their condition. Many people feel ashamed of EDs and use shame as a way to emotionally self-harm. Painted Desert Recovery focuses on helping clients recognize their value by validating feelings and providing context for behavioral and emotional triggers.

EDs are often caused by untreated trauma or other underlying issues impacting a person’s mental health. Disordered eating is not shameful. The care team works with clients to empower them and show them healthy ways to cope with stress or shame associated with disordered eating and other conditions.

Eating disorders may co-occur alongside substance use disorder (SUD) and other conditions. Painted Desert Recovery uses comprehensive intake assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis and determine the best approach to care. Clients are provided with the tools they need to heal from eating disorders and other co-occurring mental health issues. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (844) 540-0353.