By Dixie Brown, MS, ICAADC, CAP, LCAS, Executive Director of Willow Place for Women

The risk factors for BED and substance abuse are very similar. Once one occurs, the other often follows. Both BED and substance abuse disorders are spurred by depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, or a combination of the three. Both involve compulsive behaviors and a clear preoccupation with seeking solace in substance. The shame associated with BED is often so overwhelming that sufferers will turn to drug or alcohol abuse a means of calming the psychological symptoms and after-effects of a binge.

BED signs and symptoms

While weight gain is a good indication of BED, not every afflicted individual will appear overweight or obese. Those who suffer from BED will typically experience most of the following symptoms:

• Compulsively consuming large quantities of food in a short period of time
• Eating in response to high-stress situations or other unmanageable emotions
• Eating to the point of physical discomfort
• Eating very quickly during binge episodes
• Eating an excessive amount when not hungry
• Feeling extreme guilt, shame, or remorse after a binge
• Inability to stop the binge episode once it begins

Compulsive and disordered eating has become increasingly widespread over the course of the past several years. It is now estimated that roughly 24 million Americans (of every age group) suffer from some variation of eating disorder. It’s estimated that nearly 8 million Americans are afflicted with BED – and only a small fraction of these individuals are receiving the professional treatment they need and deserve.

Considering the fact that more individuals die at the hands of eating disorders than any other psychological illness, it is a shock that more afflicted individuals are not receiving the help they so desperately need.

Suffering in secret

In many instances, especially when it comes to binge eating disorder, sufferers attempt to hide their symptoms from the rest of the world. They are frequently so overcome with shame and guilt that they feel agonizing in solitude is easier than reaching out and asking for help.

BED and substance abuse signs

Those who are abusing drugs or alcohol may also hide their symptoms, but they will eventually become easier and easier to detect.

There are three major signs to look for in those who are struggling with both BED and substance abuse:

1. Secrecy and isolation

Those who suffer from BED, drug addiction, or a combination of the two will likely begin to withdraw from friends and family, spending far more time in isolation. BED sufferers tend to eat alone, afraid that their peers or family members will judge their behaviors or catch on to their disorder. Individuals who are using drugs will also withdraw, spending more time alone, using and drinking.

2. A disregard for personal appearance

As an individual gets more involved in his or her addictive behaviors, he or she will begin tending less and less to personal appearance. Look for a change in hygienic care or dress. As self-esteem continues to diminish, the desire to ‘look good’ will decrease accordingly.

3. Change in sleep patterns (and other behavioral indications)

Changes in eating patterns will lead to changes in energy levels, which will, in turn, lead to changes in sleep patterns. Look for indicative changes in behavior such as this.

BED and substance abuse treatment and recovery

Because BED and substance abuse tend to occur simultaneously, and because they are so closely related, sufferers benefit hugely from dual diagnosis, inpatient treatment.

Findings from the National Association of Anorexia and Associated Disorders suggest that only 10 percent of men and women who suffer from eating disorders are currently receiving any kind of treatment – and, of those individuals, nearly 80 percent are not enrolled in therapy for long enough to achieve full and lasting recovery. Out of the men and women who are seeking help for an eating disorder, only 35 percent are receiving care at an inpatient facility that specializes in the treatment of eating disorders specifically.

Integrated care for BED and substance abuse

Integrating care for BED and substance abuse is absolutely essential to those afflicted with both. An addiction plan that treats all underlying factors of both conditions simultaneously has been proven to be much more effective than a program of care that focuses on one or the other.

If you are suffering from disordered eating and substance abuse issues, look into a treatment plan that promotes comprehensive recovery. Of course, rebuilding self-esteem and overcoming physical and psychological addiction takes ample time and effort. Look into a long-term program, one that is therapeutically based, reputable, and accredited.

More about Dixie Brown

As owner and executive director of Willow Place for Women in West Palm Beach, FL, and Asheville, NC, Dixie’s vision has been to reach clients struggling with mental health disorders from a holistic approach and provide gender-specific treatment that addresses core issues that have led clients to substance dependence, eating disorders and other co-occurring disorders. Dixie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Business Management and her Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology. She is currently studying for a PhD in Mind-Body Medicine specializing in Integrative Mental Health.  She is also working toward certifications in biochemical and nutritional approaches to mental health and addiction recovery, the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals Certification for Eating Disorder Specialists and Family Life Coaching. In addition to specializing in substance use and marriage/family counseling, Dixie is certified in EMDR therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, a form of psychotherapy used to resolve the development of trauma-related disorders. Dixie is passionate about reaching clients who do not respond to conventional modalities of therapy. Primarily through the use of psychodrama, art and expressive therapy, she has been able to access these clients to facilitate lasting change.

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