The Complexity of Addiction and Co-Occurring Eating Disorders

At Avalon Malibu, we understand addiction can be a complex diagnosis. If you struggle with addiction, it is not uncommon to also struggle with co-occurring mental health issues. Eating disorders, for example, can co-occur with addiction. Eating disorders alone can be just as complex of a diagnosis as addiction. Because of this, it is vital to long-term addiction recovery to seek treatment for both of these issues. We know dealing with complex diagnoses can feel lonely and scary; we want to assure you that you are not alone and there is help available to you for addiction and co-occurring eating disorders.  

Treatment for Addiction and Co-Occurring Eating Disorders

Struggling with addiction and co-occurring eating disorders can feel overwhelming and lonely, but you are not alone. Avalon Malibu is a dual diagnosis treatment center. This means if treatment for your addiction is a good fit with us, we can also help you with co-occurring disorders such as an eating disorder. Eating disorders can be treated with a variety of therapies. Addressing nutritional needs is an important step in the process as well. In most cases, people with eating disorders struggle to meet their nutritional needs.  

Treatment for addiction and co-occurring eating disorders can include a wide variety of methods to help you heal. Some of these methods could include the use of group therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It is important to address both your addiction and eating disorder in treatment to ensure you are set up for success after you are discharged from treatment. We might be the treatment center you need to ensure you have the best chance for long-term recovery. Just as addiction recovery is possible, so is recovery from an eating disorder.

Treatment for addiction and co-occurring eating disorders can be tailored to your specific needs with your individualized treatment plan if treatment with us is the right fit. The extensive methods that we can offer for substance use treatment have the potential to change your life. We want to do our best to support you in your recovery from addiction and co-occurring eating disorders.

Types of Feeding and Eating Disorders

According to the DSM-5, there are currently eight recognized types of feeding and eating disorders, all with their own specific criteria. The most commonly known eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. These are not necessarily the most dangerous just because they are more well-known. All eating disorders can be dangerous, even deadly, especially if left untreated. The eight feeding and eating disorders include:

• Pica
• Rumination disorder
• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Binge eating disorder
• Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED)
• Unspecified feeding or eating disorder (UFED)

Just like addiction, eating disorders can develop in anyone. There are many misconceptions about eating disorders. One common misconception is that eating disorders are only about food and changing the way you look. It is important to note that food and preoccupation with body image are only symptoms of something much bigger and more complicated. Likewise, addiction is not about the substance. Addiction is much more complicated, which means there can be emotions, trauma, and poor coping skills involved, just as some examples. 

Treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders like an eating disorder is possible. It may seem like a challenge too big and scary to address. We believe recovery from addiction and eating disorders will be worth it, and we can help you get on the path to a happier and healthier life today. Eating disorders and addiction are not only dangerous and can put your life at risk but take so many things away from you. Recovery can allow you to restore your health and find strength from within. 

Addiction and Co-Occurring Eating Disorders

The journal Cureus explored the connection between addiction and eating disorders. The studies presented in the article explain that substance use disorder (SUD) commonly occurs with eating disorders. The findings also state eating disorders are more common in women than in men, and men are more likely to struggle with SUD. Lastly, women with eating disorders are more likely to abuse substances. The conclusion of the article states treatment centers should be equipped to treat addiction and eating disorders for better outcomes.

Addiction and eating disorders can co-occur for a variety of reasons. Both can be considered maladaptive coping, but treatment can help you learn how to cope in healthier ways. We believe you deserve a life free from addiction and any co-occurring disorders. Addiction and co-occurring disorders can vary from person to person; the important piece to remember is that you are not alone in your struggles, and if you are ready to change, you have the opportunity to turn your life around with the help of treatment at Avalon Malibu. 

At Avalon Malibu, we know addiction can be a complex diagnosis. Eating disorders are also complex, and for many with addiction, co-occurring eating disorders can develop. We understand facing these challenging diagnoses can feel intimidating, but you are not alone. Treatment can teach you new healthy ways to cope in life. We want to help you do more with your life than just cope; we can help you find happiness and strength in yourself to live the life you deserve. Addiction and co-occurring eating disorders can be dangerous and life-threatening if left untreated. Call Avalon Malibu at (844) 857-5992 for information on how we can help you begin your recovery journey from addiction and co-occurring eating disorders today.