The Correlation Between Eating Disorders and

Substance Use

The Correlation Between Eating Disorders and

Substance Use

By Lindsay ChapmanBy Lindsay Chapman

IntroductionIntroduction Definite correlation between eating

disorders and subsequent substance abuse - media plays a huge role in this relationship by creating body image issues among some members of society.Average person is exposed to over 25

body and image related advertisements every day (Agliata & Tantleff-Dunn, 2004)

Eating Disorders and Substane Use as coping strategies

Definite correlation between eating disorders and subsequent substance abuse - media plays a huge role in this relationship by creating body image issues among some members of society.Average person is exposed to over 25

body and image related advertisements every day (Agliata & Tantleff-Dunn, 2004)

Eating Disorders and Substane Use as coping strategies

Topics Included:Topics Included:

Media’s Influence Predictors for Disordered Eating and

Substance Use Racial and Gender Differences Alcohol, Drug, and Cigarette Use

Among those with Eating Disorders Treatment Options

Media’s Influence Predictors for Disordered Eating and

Substance Use Racial and Gender Differences Alcohol, Drug, and Cigarette Use

Among those with Eating Disorders Treatment Options

Media’s InfluenceMedia’s Influence

Abundance of thin models and actresses - message that to be attractive, desirable, and successful, the average woman needs to be a reflection of the thin ideal

Thin models overrepresented in media - only a minority of women have the body size shown in advertising

Abundance of thin models and actresses - message that to be attractive, desirable, and successful, the average woman needs to be a reflection of the thin ideal

Thin models overrepresented in media - only a minority of women have the body size shown in advertising

Predictors of Eating Disorders and Substance

Use Disorders

Predictors of Eating Disorders and Substance

Use Disorders

PredictorsPredictors

Low Self-Esteem Mental Disorders:

Depression Anxiety

Body Dissatisfaction Family History

Abuse within the family and in relationships Past Trauma

PTSD Impulsivity

Low Self-Esteem Mental Disorders:

Depression Anxiety

Body Dissatisfaction Family History

Abuse within the family and in relationships Past Trauma

PTSD Impulsivity

DepressionDepression Research links depressive symptoms

and anxiety with the onset of EDDepression - 1 in 20 Canadian women

each year (Koehn & Hardy, 2007)40% reported problems with anxiety

or depression that preceded onset of ED (Cockell, Johnson, & Zaider, 2002)

Drug/Alcohol Use - greater risk for developing depression

Importance of integrated treatment

Research links depressive symptoms and anxiety with the onset of EDDepression - 1 in 20 Canadian women

each year (Koehn & Hardy, 2007)40% reported problems with anxiety

or depression that preceded onset of ED (Cockell, Johnson, & Zaider, 2002)

Drug/Alcohol Use - greater risk for developing depression

Importance of integrated treatment

Racial/Gender DifferencesRacial/Gender Differences

Racial DifferencesRacial Differences

Higher levels of body satisfaction and less desire for thinness in black women

White bulimic women overrepresented Reflection of media portrayals of

white and black women Substance use, regardless of race,

significantly related to ED symptoms

Higher levels of body satisfaction and less desire for thinness in black women

White bulimic women overrepresented Reflection of media portrayals of

white and black women Substance use, regardless of race,

significantly related to ED symptoms

Gender DifferencesGender Differences Less research on

male body image, ED a “female problem”

Emphasis on thinness for women, muscularity for men

Less research on male body image, ED a “female problem”

Emphasis on thinness for women, muscularity for men

Prevalence of Alcohol, Cigarette, & Drug UsePrevalence of Alcohol, Cigarette, & Drug Use

Cigarette Use and Eating Disorders

Cigarette Use and Eating Disorders

Weight loss/control method - smoking suppresses appetite

Cigarette use precedes ED Higher levels of: body

dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, low self-esteem, & anxiety

Weight loss/control method - smoking suppresses appetite

Cigarette use precedes ED Higher levels of: body

dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, low self-esteem, & anxiety

Substance Use and Eating Disorders

Substance Use and Eating Disorders

Two Trends: Binge eating and alcohol use Dieting/Purging and use of stimulants,

amphetamines, and sleeping pills Alcohol most frequent substance use

problem among patients with ED Need for integrated treatment options -

instead of dealing with ED and SUD independently, treatment should address both problems

Two Trends: Binge eating and alcohol use Dieting/Purging and use of stimulants,

amphetamines, and sleeping pills Alcohol most frequent substance use

problem among patients with ED Need for integrated treatment options -

instead of dealing with ED and SUD independently, treatment should address both problems

Treatment OptionsTreatment Options

Holistic approach vs. Independent treatment

In SK - Bridgepoint - located in Milden, SK Eating Disorder Treatment Center - Programs

for Adolescents (15-18) and Adults Multidisciplinary approach Provides safe environment Individualized support services Ongoing interdependent planning Promotes self-discovery, skill building,

transition from unhealthy to healthy choices Body awareness and self expression activities

www.bridgepointcenter.ca

Holistic approach vs. Independent treatment

In SK - Bridgepoint - located in Milden, SK Eating Disorder Treatment Center - Programs

for Adolescents (15-18) and Adults Multidisciplinary approach Provides safe environment Individualized support services Ongoing interdependent planning Promotes self-discovery, skill building,

transition from unhealthy to healthy choices Body awareness and self expression activities

www.bridgepointcenter.ca

ConclusionConclusion

Important to recognize role of the media in creating body image issues in society

EDs and SUDs emerge as coping strategies

Important to consider intricate relationship between ED and SUD

By recognizing predictors we are better able to treat and prevent EDs and SUDs

Prevention and treatment require an integrated approach

Important to recognize role of the media in creating body image issues in society

EDs and SUDs emerge as coping strategies

Important to consider intricate relationship between ED and SUD

By recognizing predictors we are better able to treat and prevent EDs and SUDs

Prevention and treatment require an integrated approach