As many as half of those with eating disorders abuse alcohol or illicit drugs, and as many as 35 percent of those with substance abuse problems have eating disorders. Clearly there is a link between eating disorders and substance abuse-but the reason remains a mystery.
Although there are many theories, most mental health professionals agree that there are shared risk factors in both those with eating disorders and those who abuse substances, as well as shared characteristics in both disorders. Some of the common risk factors are:
- Low self esteem
- Depression and/or anxiety, brain chemistry alteration
- Tendency to be impulsive (especially those with bulimia or purging form of anorexia)
- Experiencing stress or transition
- Family history of the behavior
- Vulnerability to messages from others (such as advertising or other media), approval seeking personality
- Chronic diseases with a high rate of relapse
- Require intensive treatment
- Produce mood-altering affects
- Characterized by secretiveness, rituals, and compulsive behavior
- Preoccupation with the behavior (drinking, drug use, eating or not eating)
- May be life-threatening
In both eating disorders and substance abuse, caffeine, alcohol, laxatives, amphetamines, emetics, cocaine and heroin may be used to reduce anxiety and negative emotions, suppress appetite, or rid the body of excess calories.
Much research points to a belief that both substance abuse and eating disorders are a form of addiction. This would account for similar risk factors and behaviors as well as overall characteristics of each disorder. Yet, it may be that individual personality traits and environmental influences govern which types of behavior are predominant.
The link between eating disorders and substance abuse should send up a red flag to parents. When you see one-look for the other.