Specialized Treatment Now Available for Those with Co-Occurring Eating Disorders and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in Cleveland, Ohio

In response to a widely overlooked need for hybrid treatment, The Emily Program announces first-of-its-kind personalized outpatient care for individuals with both EDs and SUD.

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Emily Program, a nationally recognized leader in eating disorder specialty care and behavioral health services, today unveiled a one-of-a-kind hybrid treatment program for eating disorders and substance use disorder (SUD) at its Cleveland outpatient program. While co-occurring substance use and eating disorders are very common, there are very few treatment options which address both conditions concurrently — most programs focus on one condition or the other and lack understanding or consideration on how the two interact.

Thirty-five percent of those diagnosed with SUD also have an eating disorder — at a rate 11 times higher than the general population. Further, 50% of people with eating disorders abuse substances of some form, which is five times higher than those without eating disorders. The most commonly misused substances among individuals with eating disorders include mind and appetite altering substances such as alcohol, amphetamines (appetite suppressants), heroin, and cocaine and compensatory agents that affect metabolism and digestion including tobacco, caffeine, diuretics, emetics, and laxatives.

“While the number of eating disorder cases is rising, there has been an uptick in the co-occurrence of eating disorders and SUD due to a rise in related factors like adolescent nicotine use,” said Sarah Bergen, RN MS, PMHNP-BC, Regional Medical Director for the Emily Program’s Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio operations. “In some cases, substances are used as an agent in disordered habits. In others, the root causes of the patient’s eating disorder and substance use disorder are the same, like genetic predispositions and environmental influences, which create a deeply entwined dynamic that requires personalized, holistic treatment.”

When eating disorders and SUD are co-occurring, the two can reinforce each other, leading to a cycle of escalating harm that negatively impacts individuals socially, emotionally, and physically. In individuals where both conditions are present, simultaneous treatment is crucial. To address the compounded impacts and prevent the emergence of new maladaptive behaviors, treatment must be specialized to address the unique habits and psychological challenges of both disorders.

“For years, our clinicians have observed patients with these co-occurring conditions alternate between substance use and eating disorder treatment, impeding their chances at holistic recovery. At both ends of one-track treatment, patients often receive confusing and conflicting information, feel misunderstood, and express frustration with the lack of support available for recovery in both areas,” said Britt Davis, MEd, LPCC-S, Senior Regional Director of The Emily Program’s Midwest operations.

There are commonly occurring behaviors and traits shared by people with both eating disorders and SUDs, including emotional dysregulation, perfectionism, impulsivity, desire for control, or low self-esteem. These overlapping characteristics reinforce the need for a holistic understanding and treatment program for patients experiencing both eating disorders and SUD.

Exclusively available at The Emily Program’s Cleveland outpatient program, patients enrolling in the EDSUDs track will engage in both individual therapy and group education on self-monitoring, relapse prevention, behavior chain analysis, and psychoeducation. Patients and potential candidates must be 18+, and substance detoxification should be completed prior to participation in the program.

To learn more about treatment or for an informal intake assessment, admission counselors are available seven days a week by phone at 1-888-272-0845 or via an online form. No program referral is necessary.

About The Emily Program
The Emily Program is nationally recognized for its compassionate and evidence-based approach to eating disorder treatment. With locations across the country and robust virtual care options, The Emily Program provides accessible, expert care that addresses the physical, emotional, and social aspects of recovery. For more information about The Emily Program’s services, visit www.emilyprogram.com or call 1-888-272-0845.