Research shows that substance use problems may begin before or during an eating disorder, or even after recovery. According to the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), up to 50% of individuals with eating disorders misused alcohol or illicit drugs, a rate five times higher than the general population. And up to 35% of individuals who misused or were dependent on alcohol or other drugs have also had eating disorders, a rate 11 times greater than the general population. 

The substances most frequently misused by individuals with eating disorders include alcohol, laxatives, emetics, diuretics, amphetamines, heroin, and cocaine. Evidence shows that eating disorders and substance abuse share a number of common risk factors, including brain chemistry, family history, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and social pressures. Other shared characteristics include compulsive behavior, social isolation, and risk for suicide.

As with eating disorders, early intervention of substance use is essential.

IHC’s addiction and eating disorder treatment approach is integrated, meaning our programs combine the use of multiple treatment services in order to offer real recovery solutions to people seeking to transform their overall health and well-being.  Clients will work closely with our qualified staff to develop a customized treatment plan to decide which of our treatment modalities will work best for them. 

Typically, our dual-diagnosis treatment programs are offered on an inpatient level for people who struggle with substance use and at least one other mental health condition or disorder. However, we do offer outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, extended care programs, and more. Our dual diagnosis treatment is built on an integrated approach, meaning our programs combine the use of multiple treatment services in order to treat the whole person, so the mind, the body, and the soul.