The Link Between Alcoholism and Eating Disorders

The comorbidity between alcoholism and eating disorders, especially in young women, is well documented. Alcohol and other drug (AOD)-use disorders are particularly common in women with bulimia nervosa. Although the mechanisms underlying the coexistence of these disorders remain unknown, recent family epidemiology studies suggest that bulimia nervosa and AOD dependence are transmitted independently in families. Furthermore, bulimia nervosa generally develops before the onset of AOD dependence. Thus, factors other than addictive behavior may contribute to the development of bulimia nervosa in a substantial proportion of women. The comorbidity of AOD-use disorders with eating disorders has implications for the treatment of the affected patients.