Dual diagnosis: eating disorders and psychoactive substance dependence

Recent studies indicate that it is not uncommon for individuals to have psychoactive substance dependence and an eating disorder simultaneously. Recovery for such individuals may be problematic unless both problems are addressed during treatment. This article provides an overview of the issues involved in treating these patients, and describes how an addiction model is effective in many of the cases with which the authors have worked. In addition, the results of a recently completed follow-up study of patients with both eating disorders and psychoactive substance dependence are presented.