Often times, patients face the challenges of both an eating disorder and a substance use disorder. In fact, almost half of people with eating disorders have substance use problems according to current research. If you have an eating disorder, you’re five times more likely to have a substance use problem than the average population.
Some people rely on substance use to suppress their appetites, while others rely on it as a way to avoid their eating disorder and related problems. Without resolving the underlying issues of a patient’s eating disorder, both struggles will plague them. The good news is that there are healthier strategies patients can learn, and recovery is possible – but it’s vitally important to treat both diagnoses. Patients need a safe environment where they feel free to discuss and explore their relationship with addictive substances, as well as the behaviors fueling their eating disorder.
There are healthier strategies patients can learn, and recovery from addictive substances
is possible. Just take the first step by calling us at (866) 771-0681.
Patients in the Substance Use Disorder Programattend a specialty group that provides support with:
- Maintaining abstinence from substance use during the course of treatment.
- Exploring the role and function of substance use and its relationship to eating disorders.
- Understanding personal patterns of use and making choices about the role, if any, substances or other potentially addictive behaviors will play in eating disorder recovery.
- Further developing skills to effectively manage urges and stressors and enhance health and well-being
- Creating a recovery/discovery tree
- Identifying relapse triggers
- Creating recovery skills and strategies
- Developing a recovery plan
The Right Environment
for Recovery:
Our Substance Use Disorder Program helps patients heal in a comfortable, supportive space. Our unique approach, CAMSA®, helps regain health through Connection, Acceptance, Mindfulness, a Sense of Self, and Action – the foundations of true empowerment.
We help patients get control over their eating habits as well as their substance use.
Participating in the Substance Use Treatment Program
As a Partial Hospitalization Program, the Substance Use Treatment Program includes therapy and therapeutic activities, ten hours a day, seven days a week, with shortened schedules on weekends. Local patients may return home each day after program or, along with female patients from out of town, may stay at our Connections House. We can also assist with finding affordable local housing options for male patients attending EDCare.
When patients complete the program, they transition to our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). They start spending time away from EDCare while still working with their treatment team and receiving the support needed to experience successful recovery. Patients participate in their regular day-to-day responsibilities while they learn and incorporate new skills in the Intensive Outpatient Program.
Our treatments help the mind, brain, and body recover. Our therapeutic approach helps patients detach from old behavior patterns, manage their emotions and fears, and make positive changes in their daily life that they can sustain.