Eating disorders are classified as addictive behaviors and are linked to mental health conditions. Addictive behavior manifests itself in preoccupation with food and eating, withdrawal symptoms, continuation of disturbed eating behavior in spite of negative consequences, loss of control, and frequent relapse.
According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, “Co-morbid psychiatric disorders, especially affective disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-related disorders, and personality disorders, are often found in eating- disordered patients.” Food can also become a problem for many people who experienced past trauma. Eating disorders come in many forms such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. In any form, an eating disorder can cause physical disfiguration, impairment, obesity, heart failure and death.
People who suffer from anorexia avoid food because of their distorted perception of how they look. A person with anorexia literally starves to death. The lack of food causes extreme weight loss, hair loss, and contributes to organ failure and death.
An individual with bulimia eats normally or binge-eats, then immediately and intentionally vomits the food. He or she might like the taste of the food but throws up to avoid gaining weight. Bulimia can cause tooth decay from the stomach’s acid that comes up with the food. A person who has bulimia is at risk of developing severe physical impairments and death.
Eating disorders display similar characteristics of a drug or alcohol addiction. These addictive behaviors are self-destructive, harmful, and deadly. When a person has an eating disorder, he or she loses control and the ability to stop. Eating disorders are related to some of the psychological effects of starvation, which appear to be similar to symptoms of addiction. A person with an eating disorder is preoccupied with food and experiences the urge to binge, is irritable, depressed, and overeats as a response to stress.
The causes for developing an eating disorder or drug addiction are very similar. Social pressure, impulsivity, stress, and emotional trauma put a person at risk of addictive behavior. Eating disorders and addiction develop from stressful situations as a way to cope with emotional distress. Eating disorders and addiction are chronic diseases and require treatment for recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder or addiction, you need to get treatment right away. Do not wait to get help. Get help now.
Cypress Lakes Lodge specializes in addiction treatment and is located in a serene, remote, lush-green, oxygen enriched environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy and offers yoga and meditation for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204