Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders, Drug and Alcohol Addiction

The relationship between eating disorders and drug and alcohol addiction remains a subject of interest among many academics and health professionals. There appears to be a link between eating disorders and substance abuse, with studies revealing people experiencing an eating disorder are at a higher risk of developing substance abuse problems, and vice versa.

In 2003 a comprehensive report entitled ‘Food for thought – substance abuse and eating disorders’ was released in the United States by the National Centre on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA). This 73 page report was the first comprehensive examination into the relationship between eating disorders and substance abuse. The results revealed anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the eating disorders most commonly linked to substance abuse, and up to one half of people with eating disorders abuse alcohol or illicit drugs.

It is important to note that while the report was compiled in the United States and contains American statistics, these are considered to be largely representative of Australian trends. In any situation whereby there is an absence of pertinent Australian research, statistics out of the United States and the UK are acceptable.

An interesting finding was the shared risk factors and characteristics of eating disorders and substance abuse:

Substance Abuse and Eating Disorder
Shared Risk Factors	Shared Characteristics
Occur in times of transition or stress Common brain chemistry Common family history Low self esteem, depression, anxiety, impulsivity History of sexual or physical abuse Unhealthy parental behaviours and low monitoring of children's activities Unhealthy peer norms and social pressures Susceptibility to messages from advertising and entertainment media	Obsessive preoccupation, craving, compulsive behaviour, secretiveness, rituals Experience mood altering effects, social isolation Linked to other psychiatric disorders, suicide Difficult to treat, life threatening Chronic diseases with high relapse rates Require intensive therapy

For more information on this report, please visit the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University website www.casacolumbia.org

While not all people experiencing an eating disorder will also take part in drug or alcohol abuse, it is important to be aware that the similar risk factors and personality traits mean people experiencing an eating disorder are much more susceptible to this problem than the general population. It is important for all people with an eating disorder to be aware of their behaviour regarding alcohol and drugs to ensure destructive behaviours aren’t transferred from one outlet to another.

Last Updated: March 2009