The link between eating disorders and chemical dependency was clearly established back in the 1990’s when Columbia University’s National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) published the first comprehensive examination of the link between chemical dependency and eating disorders. The results of the CASA study indicated that almost fifty percent of individuals suffering from eating disorders also abuse alcohol or drugs, compared to less than ten percent of the general population.

Medical Classification (EDCD)

The medical classification for treatment is called EDCD (Eating Disorders & Chemical Dependency). It is an example of a Dual diagnosis or Co-Occurring Disorder, where an individual suffers simultaneously from both a psychiatric disorder (like an eating disorder) and a substance abuse problem.

Research (EDCD)

The CASA report identified several behavioral patterns or history that were shared by those who suffered from eating disorders as well as chemical dependency.

A partial listing from the report is below:

• Low self image/self esteem, impulsiveness, anxiety, depression
• Obsessive or compulsive behavior
• Dysfunctional family parenting environment
• Low parental monitoring as a child
• Unhealthy influence from peers or social environment
• History of sexual or physical abuse
• Social isolation or awkwardness
• High stress (real or perceived)
• Predisposed to chronic diseases
• Highly susceptible to advertising or media

Often Overlooked or Misdiagnosed (EDCD)

Family, friends and even medical professionals often overlook eating disorders. We are a society that is always being told by the media that you can never be too thin. Those who suffer from bulimia may actually receive praise from unaware family & friends who fail to recognize the eating disorder and say to the individual that they wish they could be so thin. On the other end of the scale, our nation is facing its first widespread obesity epidemic for both children and adults. Family and friends may tend to overlook or minimize the potential health risks from overeating or binge eating because they are overweight or have become accustomed to seeing so many people who are overweight in their daily lives.

Elevated Risk (EDCD)

As dangerous as eating disorders are, when they are combined with substance abuse as with EDCD, the chances of experiencing serious illness or death skyrocket. A person suffering from an eating disorder weakens their body physically and subsequently lowers their immunity to disease. When they tax their bodies further by adding some form of chemical dependency to the equation, they wind up increasing their risk factors for contracting diseases exponentially.

Prior to the CASA report, it was very rare to find any rehab or treatment facility that specialized in EDCD (Eating Disorder & Chemical Dependency). If you could find a facility in the past that did treat both, they would normally treat each separately. Recent research has shown that treating those suffering from eating disorders and chemical dependency simultaneously is much more effective.