Addiction and eating disorders often go hand in hand. For many, the emotional turmoil and physical struggle of their eating disorder causes them to turn to drugs and alcohol for relief. For others, addiction may start with an attempt to control appetite or induce weight loss. Whatever the case, individuals dealing with mental illnesses and addiction face complex challenges and unique risks.
Addressing dual diagnosis conditions at the same time is essential to giving individuals the best chance at recovery. At Del Arroyo Recovery Center in Southern California, our expert staff provide specialized, holistic eating disorder treatment that thoroughly treats both the addiction and the mental health problems.
Substance Use and Co-Occurring Eating Disorders
Substance use and eating disorders often reinforce one another in a vicious cycle. In addition to turning to drugs for relief and appetite control, the use can exacerbate mental disorder symptoms. Certain substances may encourage compulsive binge eating, while others may increase distorted beliefs. This leads to worsening mental health and more substance abuse.
Here are a few common types of eating disorders and their challenges:
- Anorexia nervosa: Severe food restriction, fear of weight gain, obsession with weight loss, distorted body image, malnutrition, severe health problems across different bodily systems
- Bulimia nervosa: Recurring episodes of binge eating and purging (commonly by vomiting), severe health risks like gastrointestinal damage and tooth decay
- Binge eating disorders: Episodes of binge eating without purging or exercise compensation, severe health problems include gastrointestinal damage and morbid obesity
Anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders can last for years, becoming a chronic disease that wears away at one’s health through disordered behaviors and abnormal eating patterns.
The staff at our Los Angeles-area facility has years of experience identifying the signs of eating disorders and treating mental health alongside addiction. In our residential treatment for eating disorders and substance use, we professionally diagnose eating disorders, tackle these co-occurring disorders, and address the underlying causes to heal the whole person.
Residential Treatment for Eating Disorders at Del Arroyo Recovery Center in Southern California
In our Agoura Hills, California dual diagnosis inpatient program, we use a variety of evidence-based therapies and methods to tackle the core elements of addiction and eating disorders and build up new skills for a healthier life.
Strategies we use in eating disorder treatment at our Agoura Hills facility include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness practices (yoga, meditation, etc.)
- Nutritional education and meal planning
- Emotional regulation techniques
- Appropriate physical health and exercise plans
- Family therapy
- Medications for eating disorders, as appropriate
Through personalized individual psychotherapy, group therapy, and other skill-building sessions, individuals learn to identify their triggers and practice healthy eating and behavior. Clients in our treatment programs also receive nutritious planned meals to help them achieve a healthy weight and work toward a healthier relationship with food.
After treatment, our aftercare plan provides our alumni group with ongoing support and resources for long-term management of co-occurring conditions. Treatment is just the beginning of recovery, and knowing they’ll have continued support from a skilled mental health professional empowers clients to fully commit and make sustainable progress.
Get Compassionate, Integrated Care for Co-Occurring Disorders in Southern California
At Del Arroyo Recovery Center in Agoura Hills, CA, we approach substance abuse and eating disorders holistically. If you or someone you love is dealing with these issues, even if they’ve had treatment or psychological therapy before, our integrated approach can make all the difference. We’re about long-term, full-person recovery, not just a temporary fix. Contact us today to learn more about how our Los Angeles-area dual diagnosis treatment can help you reclaim your future.
It's never too late to get help.
Get qualified care for your eating disorder and get help from the expert counselors and therapists at Del Arroyo Recovery Center in Southern California.