Key Takeaways

  • People with anorexia often also abuse stimulants to deal with body image issues and loss of appetite.
  • Young women are more likely than other groups to have both eating disorders and substance abuse issues.
  • An anorexia center offers comprehensive care that includes mental health, physical health, and addictive behaviors.
  • Clients who are LGBTQ+ and have eating disorders often deal with stressors that are different from those of other clients and need care that is welcoming and affirming of their identities.
  • Trauma-informed therapy, medical supervision, and nutritional rehabilitation are all critical for long-term recovery.

Introduction 

Anorexia nervosa is a complicated and dangerous eating disorder that makes people afraid of gaining weight and makes them see their bodies in a distorted way. The condition is common among young women, especially those who work in high-stress jobs, and it often goes hand in hand with the abuse of drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, or Adderall. People sometimes use these drugs to suppress their appetite or boost their energy while still engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors.

It is essential to get help from a reliable anorexia center. These centers offer comprehensive care that extends beyond simply treating food restriction. They also help with substance abuse, emotional trauma, and mental health problems that happen at the same time. Preventing long-term physical and psychological harm requires early, integrated intervention.

Why Do People Who Have Eating Disorders And People Who Abuse Drugs Often Have The Same Problems?

Anorexia

People with eating disorders often misuse stimulants because they make them less hungry and more alert. Some young women, especially those with anorexia or bulimia, think that stimulants can help them control their weight or stay active without eating properly. But this false sense of control makes people more dependent, lowers their nutrition, and raises their risk of heart problems.

The National Institute of Mental Health says that people with eating disorders are much more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol than the general population. The link is even stronger among LGBTQ+ youth, who are more likely to be unhappy with their bodies and have had traumatic experiences (NIMH, 2024).

What Part Do Trauma and Stress Play in Identity?

A lot of people who have anorexia or use drugs have been through trauma. Young women may develop eating disorders as a way to control their emotions or punish themselves after being abused emotionally, physically, or sexually. These problems get worse when you add stress about your identity, which is common in the LGBTQ+ community. They often lead to worse symptoms.

Inclusive anorexia centers use trauma-informed care to make sure that their spaces are safe and free of judgment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are some of the methods that LGBTQ+ mental health therapists use to help people rebuild their self-esteem, sense of identity, and healthy coping skills.

How Does A Treatment Plan Help Someone Recover From Both An Eating Disorder And An Addiction?

Anorexia

At a center that specializes in anorexia, the focus of treatment is on both the eating disorder and the drug use. This dual focus is essential because ignoring one can hurt the other.

Treatment typically includes:

  • Medical detox if stimulants have been used a lot
  • Nutritional rehabilitation with meal plans that are followed
  • Psychiatric help for trauma, anxiety, and depression
  • Group therapy to help people heal and feel less alone
  • Individual treatment that is based on who you are and what makes you tick

A good plan also teaches clients about the risks of abusing laxatives, binge eating, and purging, which are behaviors that may be hidden when someone is using stimulants.

What Problems Do Lgbtq+ Clients With Eating Disorders Have?

Because of stigma, a lack of training for providers, or fear of discrimination, eating disorders in the LGBTQ+ community are often not diagnosed or treated adequately. Some trans and nonbinary people may limit their food intake to change the shape of their bodies or avoid attention that is based on their gender. Gay and bisexual women may deal with social pressures in a different way from straight women.

A supportive anorexia treatment center knows how hard these things are for you. They make safe spaces where clients can learn about themselves, deal with body dysmorphia, and recover from stress from both inside and outside.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) says that culturally competent treatment helps marginalized groups stay in treatment and recover more fully over time (SAMHSA, 2021).

Conclusion

Anorexia and stimulant abuse together are a deadly mix that can’t be ignored. A professional anorexia center provides a safe place to heal that deals with all the problems that come with these conditions, such as trauma, identity issues, and health risks.

Don’t wait if you or someone you care about is dealing with both anorexia and drug use. Call Virtue Recovery Eating Disorders at 866-461-3339 to talk to a caring care coordinator right now. Our team is here to help young women regain their strength, eat well, and heal with dignity.

FAQs

1. Why do some young women with anorexia take stimulants?

To stop hunger, boost energy, or stay in control, but this is a risky approach that won’t last.

2. Can taking stimulants make an eating disorder worse?

Yes. It can cause more severe restrictions, heart problems, and mental instability.

3. What kinds of treatment work for both anorexia and drug use?

Trauma-informed therapy, medical help, and nutritional rehabilitation are all part of integrated care.

4. Do LGBTQ+ people have a higher risk of having eating disorders?

Yes. Stress and trauma based on identity make people more likely to have eating disorders.

5. What should I look for in a center that treats anorexia?

Look for programs that offer dual-diagnosis care, are inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals, and have a strong medical and therapeutic team.

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