Mental health

Eating disorders and addiction: The overlapping compulsions

Published March 1, 2025 · 8 min read · Updated April 2026

Reviewed for accuracy by licensed clinical professionals.

Prevalence

Up to 50% of people with eating disorders also have substance use disorders. Both involve compulsive behavior, loss of control, preoccupation, and continued engagement despite consequences.

Common patterns

Stimulant use for appetite suppression. Alcohol to manage anxiety around food. Laxative and diet pill abuse. Restricting food as another form of control. Trading one compulsion for another in recovery.

The transfer risk

People in addiction recovery may develop eating disorder behaviors as a substitute compulsive behavior (or vice versa). Treatment must address the underlying pattern of using compulsive behavior to manage emotions, not just the specific behavior.

Treatment

Integrated programs treating both conditions simultaneously. Nutritional rehabilitation alongside addiction treatment. CBT adapted for both conditions. Body image work. Monitoring for transfer between compulsions.

Authoritative sources

This article references guidelines from: NIH · NAMI · APA

Frequently asked questions

Should I treat both conditions at once?

Yes. Integrated treatment addressing both simultaneously produces significantly better outcomes than treating either alone.

How do I find a dual diagnosis program?

Search our directory or call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357 and specify you need dual diagnosis treatment.

Does insurance cover dual diagnosis treatment?

Yes. Under mental health parity laws, insurance covers both substance use and mental health treatment.

Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357.