Eating disorders and substance addiction frequently co-occur — an estimated 30–50% of people with eating disorders also have substance use problems. Alcohol, stimulants, and diet pills are most commonly misused. This dual presentation requires specialist integrated treatment that addresses both conditions simultaneously. Specialist eating disorder and addiction services are available in and around Bolton le Sands — call Frank (0300 123 6600) or speak to your GP for a referral.
Showing 2 CQC-registered centres from Lancaster (6 km away) — these centres may accept referrals.
The overlap between eating disorders and addiction is significant. Restriction eating disorders (anorexia) are associated with stimulant misuse to suppress appetite. Binge-purge presentations (bulimia) often co-occur with alcohol misuse. Many people use substances to manage the anxiety, depression, and body image distress that drive eating disorder behaviours. Treating one condition without the other rarely works — integrated treatment is essential.
Integrated eating disorder and addiction treatment in Bolton le Sands requires close coordination between eating disorder services (usually CAMHS or adult eating disorder teams) and drug and alcohol services. BEAT (the UK eating disorders charity) can help navigate available services. If you or someone you know has both presentations in Bolton le Sands, ask your GP specifically for a referral that addresses both — eating disorder services alone will often not address the substance use, and vice versa.
Source: ONS Drug misuse deaths 2023 release. Data covers South East England — the NHS region serving Bolton le Sands. Drug-related deaths are defined as deaths related to drug poisoning, drug misuse and dependence.