If you talk to a group of people who are currently in recovery from addiction and ask why they began using, you will most likely get various answers. While some may be similar, there are a number of reasons why a person may start using drugs and alcohol. For some, addiction occurs because of an underlying dislike of one’s body. Negative body image is often a source of unhappiness and can drive individuals to turn to substance use due to the pressures placed on bodies in today’s society. Therefore, it is not uncommon for some individuals to cite negative body image as their reasoning behind addition. Looking deeper into the issue of body image and the treatment options available, those struggling may find hope for recovery and healing.
One of the most common reasons people give for their addiction starting is that they used drugs and alcohol to escape. Substances are often used to escape negative emotions, which can relate directly to body image through a negative self-view. If one is explicitly struggling with a negative self-view of their body, they may turn to drugs and alcohol to escape this feeling.
However, this is a temporary fix that doesn’t last forever; the feelings will return no matter how much a person uses drugs or alcohol. Therefore, the person is left dealing with the same issues once the effects of the drugs or alcohol wear off. This can cause them to use more to achieve the desired results, which builds up their tolerance over time, driving them to use more significant quantities; this is how the cycle of addiction begins.
While some individuals may eat more to cope with their negative body image, others turn to specific substances that suppress their appetite. While this may seem harmless at first, it can lead to more severe consequences down the road. In the quest to achieve the “perfect” human body as defined in modern society, many individuals develop health problems, lose their jobs, sabotage their relationships, and get into legal trouble resulting from abusing drugs and alcohol. Over time, their bodies become dependent on the substances, leading to addiction. This means that the individual will often continue using the substances even when they do not use them as appetite suppressants because their body craves them.
Just as it is not uncommon for those struggling with mental health to develop an addiction, it is also not unusual for those with eating disorders to develop an addiction. The causes of the two are often quite similar. Eating disorders in themselves are considered mental health disorders. If a person struggles with an eating disorder and addiction simultaneously, they fit the criteria for having a co-occurring disorder.
It is not uncommon for individuals with an eating disorder to use drugs and alcohol to cope with it. Still, it should also be noted that the reverse can happen where individuals use highly controlled or restrictive eating habits to feel in control once their addiction has begun spiraling out of control. For these reasons, it is imperative that the individual seek treatment for both disorders simultaneously rather than treat them one at a time.
When it comes to treating individuals struggling with negative body image that has resulted in an eating disorder and addiction, the best treatment option is a treatment for co-occurring disorders. Facilities that offer this treat both disorders simultaneously. This helps address all of the underlying issues rather than treating one after another, potentially leaving the person open to relapse in the future.
A variety of evidence-based treatment modalities is best for those struggling with co-occurring disorders. These will help the individual learn more about the underlying factors behind their addiction and help them heal. When it comes to treating co-occurring disorders, specific treatments are used, such as:
By using a combination of these treatment modalities, care can be tailored to address each person’s individual needs in recovery. Over time, the person can begin identifying why they started using drugs and alcohol in the first place to avoid triggers or cravings and opt for healthier coping mechanisms instead. They are less likely to relapse when both disorders are addressed, which helps set them up for a lifetime of sobriety.
When body image is discussed, many people equate eating disorders and nothing more. However, it is unfortunately common for negative body image to develop into an addiction, later on, to cope with one’s negative self-view. Treatment for co-occurring disorders is crucial to ensure one’s success in recovery. NorthStar Transitions offers treatment for co-occurring disorders specially tailored to fit each of our clients’ own needs in recovery. Our goal is to provide the highest quality care through our dedicated staff, expert addiction professionals, and support staff. We believe in using evidence-based treatment modalities to help our clients receive the best chance at recovery. NorthStar Transitions utilizes research-based modalities and behavioral therapies that produce scientifically sound outcomes. Located in Boulder, CO, our facility is surrounded by beautiful rocky mountains to give you a relaxing and serene place to heal. If you are ready to take the first step, call us today at (303) 558-6400. Your recovery begins with NorthStar.
