Understanding Eating Disorders and Addiction
Hello there, dear readers. Today, we're going to explore a topic that's close to my heart: the relationship between eating disorders and addiction. In this blog, we'll delve into this connection and, most importantly, discuss how to treat eating disorders with warmth, empathy, and understanding.
Eating Disorder Is an Addiction: A Complex Connection
Let's start by addressing the elephant in the room: the idea that eating disorders can resemble addiction. While they are not the same, there are undeniable similarities. Both can be all-consuming, leading individuals down a challenging path that can be difficult to escape. Understanding this connection can be a crucial step toward effective treatment.
The concept regarding eating disorders as a form of food addiction is controversial among many ED providers. As a registered dietitian I truly don’t believe food is inherently addictive. I do see how through traumatic experiences and significant emotional dysregulation that many of my clients find the reward pathway that is activated with food to be extremely effective when seeking relief from this distress. Just because a reward pathway in our brain is activated and used regularly does not mean that our brain is hardwired to only see foods in this way. For clients of mine that are struggling with binge eating, food can become a way to numb out and self soothe when emotions flood our system. When we regularly use food to cope with these big feelings, our brain strengthens this reward pathway. However, this reward pathway wasn’t always there, it was something learned and our brain, through repeated experiences, reinforced it. Our brain learned that when triggering things happen, food makes us feel better and over time, we began to use food all the time to feel better. When it comes to changing these pathways, it is most definitely not easy. But often with the support of a therapist and dietitian we can start to understand the underlying pieces that drive binge behaviors.
Step 1: Compassion and Understanding
The first and most vital step in treating eating disorders is approaching them with compassion and empathy. Remember, just like addictions, eating disorders are not choices, but rather complex mental health conditions. Individuals struggling with eating disorders are often caught in a web of emotions and behaviors that they’ve relied on for a very long time to protect themselves. When we approach treatment from a rigid, shaming place we actually feel more stuck in these behaviors. Compassion opens us up to awareness of what’s happening with food and body image, the feelings we have and the place they may be coming from.
Step 2: Seek Professional Help
Just as you wouldn't try to mend a broken bone without a doctor's guidance, it's essential to seek professional help when dealing with eating disorders. A licensed therapist and registered dietitian who specialize in eating disorders can provide the support and expertise needed for recovery.
Therapeutic Approaches: There are several evidence-based therapies that can be incredibly effective in treating eating disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical-behavior therapy (DBT), and family-based therapy (FBT) are some examples. These therapies help individuals address the underlying emotional and psychological factors driving their disordered eating behaviors.
Nutritional Guidance: Registered dietitians play a crucial role in eating disorder treatment. They can create meal plans or what I like to call frameworks for eating, educate individuals on balanced eating patterns, and work on repairing the relationship between food and the person struggling with the disorder.
When a client expresses to me they are struggling with food addiction, I always start by exploring more around this belief. Where does this come from and what things are happening in their relationship with food that make them feel addicted.
From there we can start to look at other patterns that may be driving the desire to use food as a reward. This can be anything from significant patterns of restriction and deprivation, to deep rooted trauma that causes emotional dysregulation. When we have more perspective on what may be contributing to the feelings of compulsiveness and the need to use food to cope, we can start to address these patterns that drive this cycle.
Step 3: Support and Understanding Recovery from an eating disorder can be a long and challenging journey. It's essential to surround oneself with a support network that understands and accepts the process.
Support Groups: Joining support groups can be immensely helpful. These groups provide a safe space to share experiences, challenges, and triumphs with others who are on a similar journey.
Family/Love One Involvement: Eating disorders can have a significant impact on your day to day life. Involving loved ones in the treatment process can foster understanding and help create a supportive environment at home. They can also be a tool in your coping skill toolbox when you are struggling with ED behaviors.
Step 4: Self-Compassion and Self-Care encourage individuals to practice self-compassion and self-care as they work toward recovery. This means treating themselves with kindness, patience, and understanding.
Mindfulness and Self-Acceptance: Practices like mindfulness meditation can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions without judgment. Radical self acceptance and love are powerful tools on the path to recovery that can help you accept the things you can not change but may strive to through ED behaviors
In the end, it's crucial to remember that treating eating disorders is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each person's journey is unique, and recovery takes time. As a team of dietitians and licensed therapists, our hope is that this blog has shed light on the connection between eating disorders and addiction and provided a roadmap for compassionate and effective treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional and dietitian for support. Recovery is possible, and there is always hope on the horizon.
