Ask Rae: Playing Whack-a-Mole with Eating Disorders and Addiction
Ask Sanford Founder Rae Green a question by emailing us at info@sanfordhouse.com with the subject line: ASK THE EXPERTS
Dear Rae:
I have spent many years using alcohol to calm my anxiety. It worked for a while, but recently my relationships have been impacted by alcohol, and I am trying not to drink. I haven’t had a drink for 27 days. Weirdly, my long-dormant eating disorder has reared its ugly head. What is going on? It feels like that carnival game Whack-a-Mole. I was feeling pretty good about beating down alcohol, but just when I thought I could do this, the eating disorder pops up. Honestly, it makes me want to start drinking again! What should I do? Sandy R
Dear Sandy:
First, you are not alone with this problem. We are regularly asked about the co-occurrence of eating disorders and substance use disorders (SUD). Atย Sanford Behavioral Health, we opened our eating disorder treatment center in 2022 because for years we observed a significant number of eating disorders surfacing during addiction treatment. Before 2022, we had to refer our clients out of state; eating disorder treatment didn’t exist in Michigan. Now Sanford provides a full continuum of care for eating disorders from residential to virtual IOPs and tune-ups.
Let me explain the Wack-a-Mole phenomenon you are experiencing. When someone stops using a psychoactive substance, either drugs or alcohol, it is not uncommon that another maladaptive behavior will show itself. In other words, different behaviors with a similar neurobiological response. Both behaviors can serve as a coping mechanism because both disorders often arise from similar vulnerabilities such as genetics, family relationships, and trauma, to name a few.
Some Facts About Whack-a-Mole Recovery
- Approximately 35% of those who are dependent upon or misuse drugs or alcohol have had an eating disorder, which is eleven times higher than the general population.ย
- Up to 50% of individuals with eating disorders use alcohol or illicit drugs, five times higher than the general population.
- We have also observed an increased risk in alcohol use for those who underwent bariatric surgery. The increase is due to the fact that after surgery, alcohol is absorbed more quickly. It also takes longer for alcohol to break down, leading to liver damage, ulcers, and weight fluctuations. ย
- Both SUD and eating disorders can be tied to unhealthy peer norms and social pressure as well as a vulnerability to advertising and entertainment media.
- One of the challenges is that treating SUD requires restriction or abstinence, and with an eating disorder, you cannot stop eating!
Sanford Behavioral Health
It feels as if you are trying to do this alone, but you may need professional help.ย Clinical Director,ย Tessa Sterling, LMSW, LCSW, says, “Whether it is substance use, an eating disorder, or a mental health diagnosis, maladaptive coping provides relief for clients in the moment. The behaviors meet a need to help soothe; however, it does not serve the patient in the long term. In the campus setting, we recognize the need and find an adaptive, safer way to satisfy i
At Sanford, we don’t like “games of chance.” The purpose of our behavioral health campus is to provide a centralized environment where individuals can receive specialized care for mental health and substance use disorders. Instead of playing a game of whack-a-mole with symptoms, it brings together multiple levels of treatment, clinical and medical expertise, and supportive services in one place.
This seamless, integrated approach addresses the root causes and stacks the odds in your favor for the joyful life you deserve.ย There is no charge for making a call to discuss the options available to you.
For more on co-occurring SUD and eating disorders, click the link below for our article on the subject.
Do you have a question for Rae Green or any of the other experts at Sanford? Email us at info@sanfordhouse.com,ย subject line: ASK THE EXPERTS
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, eating disorders, or a mental health condition, don’t wait to change your life. Click the link below to speak with an admissions specialist. The phone is answered by a real person 24/7.
