Question

In this portion of this project you will explore methods of addressing critical-health issues, such as substance abuse, eating disorders, cancer, or other critical-health issues. You will also describe the advantages of seeking advice and feedback, such as talking with your parents or other caring adult, visiting a doctor, and calling a hotline. Imagine one of your friends or a family member is having one of these issues, and research what kind of help might be the best way to address the issue, how you can help them make good decisions on how to get the help they need. Write a 250-word essay summarizing your findings.
Perhaps you have a health concern or know someone who does. What do you do? You might start by researching the issue on the internet or the library, or ask others, such as the school nurse or a doctor. These are good ideas, but when conducting research, you may often find conflicting information. Which is correct? How can you tell? You should always consider the source of the information. Is it from a person you trust? Is it from a reputable web site? How recent was the book or article published? Has more recent medical research been done? Choose a personal health concern that someone may have, such as acne, an eating disorder, a critical disease, like diabetes, an immune disorder, or a substance abuse problem. Research information about the concern, using at least three to five sources. Evaluate the validity of the sources and their information, then write a 250- to 300-word essay stating the health concern, the information you discovered, and how you evaluated its accuracy and the integrity of the sources. Be sure to include a list of all your sources.

Answer 1

Substance abuse problems may begin before or during an eating disorder, or even after recovery. Those struggling with co-occurring substance use and disordered eating should speak with a trained professional who can understand, diagnose, and treat both substance use disorders and eating disorders.
Up to 50% of individuals with eating disorders abused alcohol or illicit drugs, a rate five times higher than the general population. Up to 35% of individuals who abused or were dependent on alcohol or other drugs have also had eating disorders, a rate 11 times greater than the general population.
The substances most frequently abused by individuals with eating disorders or with sub-clinical symptoms include: alcohol, laxatives, emetics, diuretics, amphetamines, heroin, and cocaine.
Eating disorders and substance abuse share a number of common risk factors, including brain chemistry, family history, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and social pressures. Other shared characteristics include compulsive behavior, social isolation, and risk for suicide.
As with eating disorders, early intervention of substance use is essential.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SEEKING PROFESSIONAL INTERVENTION

Find an eating disorder specialist that can also address substance abuse/dependence.

Research levels of care and treatment providers to determine a plan that fits your specific needs.

Most eating disorder treatment facilities are equipped to deal with patients who abuse over-the-counter diet pills, laxatives, emetics and diuretics, but not all are able to accommodate the patient that requires medical detoxification.

Educate yourself, be proactive, and know that both these disorders are treatable.