Co-occurence of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Eating Disorder (ED)

It is common for individuals recovering from SUD to experience additional psychiatric symptoms. In one study of women in SUD treatment, binge eating disorder (BED) and sub-threshold BED were most common, with some cases of bulimia nervosa (Czarlinski, Aase, & Jason, 2012). Men in early recovery (first 6 months) described dysfunctional eating practices including binge eating and the use of food to satisfy drug cravings, while men in mid to later recovery (7-36 months) expressed weight concerns and distress about efforts to lose weight (Cowan & Devine, 2008). It is important to recognize that body image issues can be relevant to SUD patients without necessarily implying the presence of an ED. Early recovery can be very stressful, which can lead to craving, compulsivity, and relapse risk. Wiss (2013) found that individuals with a history of SUD reported more trouble controlling their overeating when depressed. Other researchers have linked a low distress tolerance to substance abuse and to the consumption of food (Kozak & Fought, 2011). Fischer, Anderson, & Smith (2004) found that problems of alcohol use were comorbid with binge eating and purging, and that a tendency to act rashly when distressed was associated with both behaviors. The relationship between substance use and eating behavior may not be restricted to those diagnosed with SUD or in treatment (Nolan & Stolze, 2012). Examination of sixty-two non substance-dependent college students revealed that elevated food consumption is associated with higher rates and broader use of drugs and alcohol. 

Role of the Registered Dietitian in Addiction Treatment

In the past 20 years, there has been little progress in incorporating trained registered dietitians into drug rehabilitation programs, despite the continued explosion of illicit drug abuse. The reasons for this are multifactorial and include: lack of interest, limited funding for new initiatives, non-collaboration between the public and private sector, difficulties conducting research on this population, and the associated stigmas of substance abuse.

There is now increasing evidence to suggest that nutrition can play an important role in addiction recovery. Addicts in recovery often benefit from learning new behaviors with respect to food and nutrition. Small changes in nutrition and health behavior can increase general self-efficacy with respect to abstinence from alcohol and drugs, and often contribute to increased sobriety time and increased quality of life.

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How Does Exercise Fit Into Addiction Recovery?

Exercise is a well-supported concept in the treatment of mental health issues, having profound effects on cognitive abilities. Aerobic activity transforms both the body and the mind. Nutrition In Recovery supports the concept of regular exercise during recovery. Emphasis should also be placed on improving posture and movement patterns, and improving brain blood flow.

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Nutrition In Recovery – Why is nutrition important for addiction recovery?

Nutrition In Recovery – Why is nutrition important for addiction recovery?

Publication on Special Issues in the Treatment of Males with Eating Disorders Coming Soon!

Research on eating disorders in the male population is still in its infancy. Muscle dysmorphia appears to be a growing concern among males and is associated with steroid abuse, substance use disorders, and other comorbidities that are often undetected or not properly treated...

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Binge Eating Disorder

The obesity problem in the United States has reached epic proportions creating a tremendous healthcare and economic burden on society. Researchers, clinicians, and policymakers are frantically scrambling to find solutions to this burgeoning problem. One aspect of the obesity epidemic is Binge Eating Disorder (BED), which is increasing in prevalence and contributes to what physicians call the metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by a cluster of risk factors such as abdominal obesity, diabetes/prediabetes, elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure, all of which are strongly correlated with cardiovascular disease. In the new DSM-V, BED has been recognized as a distinct clinical entity with it's own classification. In recent years, BED has been linked to Food Addiction, which has created much debate in academic communities.