Bulimia side effects may include alcohol addiction

Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse – Is There a Connection?

A study published in Alcohol Health & Research World examines the association between substance abuse and addiction, particularly alcohol addiction and eating disorders.

Alcohol dependence specifically is linked to eating disorders, particularly anorexia and bulimia according to the study. The researchers publishing the article believe that eating disorders, like alcohol abuse, become addictive over time. The two addictive behaviors are found to often co-exist in individuals in the study.

There are many theories that attempt to explain the connection, the most believable of which suggests that certain substances in the body called opioid peptides can produce abnormalities of ingestion, which is lined to alcohol abuse and subsequent development of eating disorders.

There is also evidence suggesting that some people are more likely to adopt addictive behaviors than others, and that once someone become addicted to one substance such as alcohol, it is easy to become addicted to another.

The study also suggests that people with eating disorders who use alcohol might be using alcohol to self medicate to alleviate symptoms of depression. It is also possible that alcohol and drug abuse can lead to behavioral and biological changes that can lead to an eating disorder.

Implications
This study provides a new avenue of treatment for patients with co-existing eating disorders and alcohol abuse. Eating disorders might be effectively treated if they are treated like any other addictive behavior.

In fact, it makes good sense to treat an eating disorder like an addiction. Many patients with eating disorders report that their behavior often helps them feel calm and focused. Just as alcohol may serve to depress the central nervous system and help someone relax, so too can binging and purging release certain chemicals in the body that enable the person binging and purging to relax and calm down.

Both substance abuse and eating disorders have been linked to neurochemical changes.

Given the information provided in this study, it might be wise to advice people with eating disorders to avoid alcohol and other addictive substances, which might potentially trigger relapses or an exacerbation of their symptoms and behaviors over time.

Tips
If you or someone you know has a pre-disposition toward substance abuse, you should be aware of the increased risk for developing eating disorders.

Likewise if you have an eating disorder or are in recover, you should attempt to avoid alcohol and other addictive substances particularly if you are in recovery.

Remember that any form of substance abuse can lead to biological changes that can result in an eating disorder.

Treating an addiction is a life long process. Remember that overcoming an eating disorder isn’t as simple as “one, two, and three”. Rather the process of healing will take much time and support.

If you have a substance abuse problem and are concerned that you might also have an eating disorder, be sure to consult with a licensed psychotherapist or health care provider. Together you can develop a plan to help combat your addiction and renew your body, mind and spirit.