Drug Addiction Disorder

Drug addiction and eating disorders often go hand in hand. When a person has both a drug addiction and a mental illness such as anorexia, bulimia, compulsive eating or binge eating disorder, they are said to have a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis requires specialized treatment that addresses both the drug addiction and the eating disorder concurrently.

If you have an eating disorder you are already compromising your health; a drug addiction puts you at further risk. Stop suffering and start recovering your health and reclaiming your life. Call our nationally recognized toll-free eating disorder helpline at 1-800-542-4610. Caring professionals are standing by 24/7 to assist you and all calls are confidential.

The Drug Addiction / Eating Disorder Dual Diagnosis Treatment Process

Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both the drug addiction and the eating disorder simultaneously. The most effective programs design individualized treatment plans that encompass the following:

Detox

The first step of the dual diagnosis treatment process is detoxification. Detox programs aim to medically stabilize the individual by safely eliminating all toxins from the body. The toxins could be illegal drugs like heroin or cocaine, prescription drugs such as Vicodin or OxyContin, or over the counter substances such as ipecac, diuretics or laxatives.

Drug Addiction and Eating Disorder Rehabilitation

Once the patient has completed detox, the rehabilitation process begins. Dual diagnosis treatment should follow a tailor-made protocol addressing both the drug addiction and eating disorder concurrently. In order to provide this high level of care, the staff should be thoroughly trained and credentialed in the treatment of both eating disorders and drug addiction. The comprehensive rehabilitation process involves group, individual and family therapy, as well exercise and recreational programs.

Eating Disorder Component

An effective dual diagnosis program should have a separate component for eating disorder patients. This allows patients to discuss issues associated with eating disorders which they might not yet feel comfortable discussing in front of the general treatment population. In addition, any program that works with eating disorder patients must include a nutritional component, overseen by a nutritionist trained in eating disorders.

Aftercare

An customized aftercare plan is an essential part of a drug addiction / eating disorder treatment program. An aftercare program helps patients maintain their recovery by providing them with coping skills they can use to avoid relapse.

Finding the right drug addiction and eating disorder treatment program can be a challenge. You need to take your time, compare your options and do your research. For help, please call the national eating disorder helpline at 1-800-542-4610. Our professionals are standing by 24/7 and can guide you in the right direction. All calls are toll-free and confidential.

Drug Addiction and Eating Disorders

The Drug Addiction / Eating Disorder Dual Diagnosis Treatment Process

Detox

Drug Addiction and Eating Disorder Rehabilitation

Eating Disorder Component

Aftercare