Substance Use and Eating Disorders: Why They Often Show Up Together
Let’s be real, life can get tough, and sometimes we all look for ways to cope. For some, that might mean turning to food rules, restriction, or bingeing. For others, it’s alcohol, drugs, or something in between. And for quite a few people? Both eating disorders and substance use show up at the same time.
It’s more common than you might think. Research tells us that people with eating disorders are significantly more likely to struggle with substance use, and vice versa. The two often feed into each other (no pun intended).
Why Substance Use and Eating Disorders Co-Occur
Coping with emotions: Both can act as temporary escapes from stress, trauma, or big feelings that feel “too much.”
Control vs. escape: Eating disorders can feel like a way to control, while substances can feel like a way to check out. Sometimes people swing between both.
Underlying factors: Perfectionism, anxiety, depression, or trauma histories often sit in the background, making both more likely.
At their core, neither is about weakness or lack of willpower. They’re creative (but painful) attempts at coping. And while they work in the short term, in the long run, they can leave you feeling stuck.
How Therapy Can Help
Here’s the good news: recovery is possible. At recoverED Clinic, we utilise evidence-based therapies, including CBT, ACT, DBT, and Schema Therapy, always with compassion and never with judgment. We can help you:
✨ Build healthier coping strategies
✨ Understand the role both substance use and eating disorder behaviours play in your life
✨ Strengthen your relationship with yourself (yep, that self-compassion stuff actually works!)
✨ Move at your own pace, no pressure, no one-size-fits-all
And because we’re fully online, you can log in from the comfort of your couch, your bed, or even with your dog by your side.
A Friendly Reminder
If you’re dealing with substance use and/or eating disorder struggles, you are absolutely not alone, even if it feels that way. Many people are fighting similar battles behind closed doors. Reaching out for support doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re ready for something different.
So if you’re tired of feeling stuck in the same cycle, maybe this is your sign.
Get in touch today and let’s explore how we may be able to help.
Detox and Extra Support
Sometimes recovery involves more than just therapy, like detox centres or residential support. If that’s what you need, we’ll help guide you toward the right options, whether it’s a short-term outpatient withdrawal service or longer-term residential rehab in Australia.
We’ve even pulled together a handy downloadable resource with links to national organisations, detox services, and Victorian-based alcohol and drug programs.
