In a time where physical appearance holds so much weight a lot of eating disorders in women develop without them even realizing it. It usually begins with a minor change in diet and the desire to improve one’s physique which can lead to many people developing a toxic relationship with food.
- Anorexia – purposely starving oneself;
- Bulimia – purging immediately after eating;
- Compulsive eating – eating with little to no control;
- Binge eating – uncontrolled eating followed by a compulsion to purge;
Unfortunately, a lot of those battling eating disorders often find refuge in drugs, as their euphoric effects might improve the general discontent they have for their lives.
Eating Disorders in Women Frequently Co-Occur with Addictions
Some personality traits found with eating disorders in women (lack of self-control, depression, and so on) can lead to substance or alcohol abuse. The National Eating Disorders Association reports that 50% of patients suffering from an eating disorder are also abusing alcohol or drugs.
The most commonly abused substance is alcohol. People use it to help purge or for its dehydration properties, though many will also abuse prescription medication and other illicit drugs.
What Types of Nutrition Can Be Implemented in the Abuse Recovery Process?
A patient must completely change their relationship with foods and nutrition. During recovery, patients will follow a regular eating schedule and will consume food high in nutritional values. The purpose isn’t to force patients to keep up with a strict dieting plan, but to change their outlook on nutrition.
Do Eating Disorders in Women Cause Addiction?
Both conditions inappropriately stimulate the brain, which is why there are many similarities between the two. People find relief in drug or food abuse, so it’s common for these conditions to affect an individual at the same time. One does not cause the other, though. They are the result of a patient’s desire to stimulate the reward center of the brain.
What Does a Healthy Diet Do for Addiction Recovery?
During drug addiction recovery, a patient learns how to take control over their lives and enjoy it without external stimuli. The right nutrition is known to have beneficial effects on a person’s health and even mental state. Healthy diets can help people manage their cravings and rehabilitation.
How Can a Nutritionist Help Someone with a Co-Occurring Eating Disorder?
A nutritionist can help patients develop healthy eating habits by creating personalized eating plans that they can follow in their daily lives. Over time, they can help an individual improve their relationship with food.
What Support Groups Exist for Eating Disorders in Women Co-occurring with Drug Addiction?
Many detox facilities that offer care for patients suffering from addiction and a co-occurring eating disorder in women employ the method of support groups for people receiving treatment. People can also participate in meetings with Eating Disorders Anonymous, or other drug-related support groups if needed.
However, these conditions can have a strong, negative effect on a person’s life, and it can be very difficult to recover from them solely through support groups.
Are Eating Disorders in Women a Form of Mental Illness?
Eating disorders are a serious form of mental illness that significantly impact the physical health and psychological wellbeing of women.
These are intricate disorders, often rooted in unhealthy perceptions of self-image, control, and worthiness, and can severely impair a woman’s daily life. Due to the link between mental health and eating disorders, treatment requires comprehensive care, acknowledging the profound psychological dimensions of eating disorders and body image issues.
Is There a Link Between Alcohol Use and Eating Disorders?
Compelling evidence suggests a concerning link between addiction and eating disorders, particularly eating disorders and substance abuse. Many women struggling with an eating disorder may also grapple with alcohol or drug addiction, engaging in a vicious cycle that affects their health and well-being in multiple ways.
This co-occurrence of addiction and eating disorders can magnify the physical and mental health risks, creating an increasingly complex and dangerous health scenario. Such co-existing disorders are not uncommon and can be due to various factors, including attempts to cope with emotional pain, manage weight, or control feelings of anxiety and depression.
What Support Groups Exist for Eating Disorders in Women Co-occurring with Drug Addiction?
Many detox facilities that offer care for patients suffering from addiction and a co-occurring eating disorder in women employ the method of support groups for people receiving treatment. People can also participate in meetings with Eating Disorders Anonymous, or other drug-related support groups if needed.
However, these conditions can have a strong, negative effect on a person’s life, and it can be very difficult to recover from them solely through support groups.
Casa Capri Recovery Is Here To Help
Overcoming emotional and stress eating can be a challenging journey, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Casa Capri Recovery, a women’s treatment center specializing in eating disorders and substance abuse, offers comprehensive, compassionate care designed to heal your mind, body, and spirit.
Our team of professionals is dedicated to guiding you on your path to recovery, providing the necessary tools and support every step of the way. We understand the unique struggles you’re facing and are committed to helping you rebuild your life in a healthier, happier way.
Using Your Insurance for Treatment of Eating Disorders
The cost of comprehensive addiction and eating disorder treatment can seem high, but it’s important to remember that many insurance plans cover these services.
Casa Capri Recovery works closely with a wide range of insurance providers to help facilitate coverage for the necessary treatments. We are committed to ensuring you have access to the care you need so you can learn how to overcome stress eating, restrictive eating, and other eating disorders, along with co-occurring mental health conditions.
Our team can help navigate the complexities of insurance coverage for eating disorders and mental illness, providing guidance and assistance throughout the process to alleviate the financial stress that can often accompany seeking treatment. Below are some examples of insurance plans we work with to help treat eating disorders that co-occur with drug addiction in women:
Anthem Blue Cross
At Casa Capri Recovery, we prioritize the treatment of eating disorders coupled with drug addiction and substance abuse.
In partnership with Anthem Blue Cross, we leverage a comprehensive insurance plan. This plan covers personalized therapeutic interventions, medical detoxification, nutritional counseling, and relapse prevention. This enables our clients to focus on recovery without worrying about the financial aspect of treatment.
Aetna
Casa Capri Recovery believes in providing affordable, high-quality care for eating disorders co-occurring with substance abuse. We proudly collaborate with Aetna, ensuring comprehensive coverage for our multifaceted programs.
This includes, but is not limited to, cognitive-behavioral therapy, group sessions, dietary support, and aftercare planning. Our partnership with Aetna ensures financial peace of mind as our clients journey towards recovery.
Health Net
We have a productive relationship with Health Net insurance at Casa Capri Recovery, enabling us to assist our clients in receiving the necessary coverage for their eating disorder treatments.
We work diligently with Health Net to streamline the approval process, ensuring our clients can focus on what truly matters—their recovery journey.
At Casa Capri Recovery, we believe in every woman’s capacity for change and growth. We’re here to help make that journey possible.
Melissa Holmes Goodmon is the founder and CEO of Casa Capri Recovery, a leading California addiction treatment center created just for women by women. Melissa is a licensed clinician and has stayed on the cutting edge of women’s treatment since 2006. Because of her own beautiful recovery story, she is proud to be among a small group of trailblazers since founding Casa Capri Recovery for Women in 2011, leading the way for other women to join them in this otherwise male-dominated industry. She is considered an advocate for the recovery community in the truest sense, standing up to discrimination and legally fighting for the rights of sober people in recovery to live in peace. To learn more about advocacy or if you’ve experienced discrimination, you can reach her at melissa@casacaprirecovery.com. Check out casacaprirecovery.com for more information on our program, or please give us a call at 844-207-4880.
