Although many studies have been done regarding eating disorders and substance abuse, it’s difficult for even experienced medical professionals to understand the causes and all the issues they present. However, it’s generally believed that for the sufferer, denying themselves food is a form of anxiety relief, the same as alcohol or drugs. However, the same cannot be said for every individual with an eating disorder. Sometimes it’s caused by childhood trauma, or living in a dysfunctional environment. Sometimes substance abuse occurs when the individual is attempting to cope with their decisions, or to ease physical pain or tamp down appetite.
Whatever the reason may be for either substance abuse or an eating disorder treatment, it’s important for the sufferer to have a strong circle of support around them as well as professional help. Friends and family members may not understand the individual’s behavior, and that’s okay. If someone you love is having an issue that you suspect to be an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to let them know you’re there for them. Offer to help them find a therapist or trained counselor as well as medical assistance.
Some of the warning signs of an eating disorder include:
- Being obsessed with counting calories and the number on the scale
- Never being happy with their appearance
- Obsessive dieting
- Brutal exercise routine
- Eating quite a bit at the dinner table but excusing themselves immediately after
- Wearing baggy clothing to hide their appearance
- Eating mostly non-caloric foods
- Changes in appearance, such as hair loss, sallow skin, and sudden appearance of fine, downy hair on limbs
- Changes in moods
Drugs and alcohol may make the individual feel more in control, or they may help ease the physical or emotional pain they can’t address with the eating disorder. However, denying oneself food for extended periods of time can lead to dehydration, kidney and liver failure, skin conditions, hair loss, and heart failure or stroke. Combining this disorder with substances can heighten the risk of all these issues and can lead to irreparable damage to many major organs and parts of the body.
If you have a loved one with one or more of these issues, let them know they are not alone. Do not use judgmental statements or shame them about their behavior; they likely already feel ashamed. Do not attempt to counsel the individual yourself; leave that to the professionals. Help them reach out to a doctor or therapist, or someone at Bright Heart Health so that they can get the help they need.
If your loved one says they aren’t ready to see a counselor, or if they deny having a problem at all, let them know there are online resources they can reach out to when they’re ready. The National Eating Disorders Association offers free, confidential chat hours Monday-Friday, as well as a toll-free helpline at 1-800-931-2237. There are also countless online message boards and communities such as We Bite Back, a judgment-free source for advice and support from those who understand best. Let your loved one know that it’s OK if they need to talk to someone else before you, so long as they do seek help. Finally, make sure they know you’ll be there whenever they are ready to talk.