Eating Disorders Treatment in New York
Eating disorders and addiction share deep roots—both involve complex relationships with control, coping, and self-worth. Many people struggle with both conditions, using substances to suppress appetite, manage emotions, or cope with the shame that eating disorders bring. New York has treatment programs that understand this connection and treat both conditions together.
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Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa (restrictive eating and fear of weight gain), bulimia nervosa (binge-purge cycles), and binge eating disorder (compulsive overeating). These conditions are about much more than food—they involve distorted body image, control issues, and often underlying trauma or anxiety.
The connection between eating disorders and substance use is significant. Stimulants and other drugs may be used to suppress appetite. Alcohol might lower inhibitions around food or serve as a replacement calorie source. The shame and secrecy around eating disorders mirror patterns seen in addiction.
Treating one condition while ignoring the other rarely works. Recovery requires addressing the eating disorder, any substance use, and the underlying emotional issues that fuel both.
- Restrictive eating or extreme dieting
- Binge eating followed by purging
- Preoccupation with weight and body image
- Excessive exercise
- Using substances to control appetite or weight
- Social withdrawal around meals
- Hiding eating behaviors
- Physical symptoms (fatigue, dizziness, dental problems)
- Using eating behaviors to cope with emotions
Treatment for eating disorders with addiction addresses both conditions simultaneously. This typically involves nutritional rehabilitation, therapy addressing body image and underlying emotional issues, and addiction treatment components. Medical monitoring is essential since eating disorders can have serious physical health consequences.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are commonly used for both conditions. Treatment also addresses the shame and perfectionism that often drive both eating disorders and addiction.
Residential treatment is often recommended for eating disorders with addiction since close monitoring of both food and substance use is important in early recovery. Specialized programs understand the unique challenges of this dual diagnosis.
Treatment Options Available in NY:
- Integrated eating disorder and addiction treatment
- Nutritional rehabilitation and meal support
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Body image work
- Medical monitoring
- Family-based treatment when appropriate
- Residential treatment for severe cases
New York has eating disorder treatment centers that also address substance use, particularly in the NYC area. Some OASAS facilities have developed expertise in co-occurring eating disorders, though specialized eating disorder programs may be better equipped for severe cases.
Both eating disorder treatment and addiction treatment are covered by insurance, though coverage for residential eating disorder treatment can vary. Check with your insurance about mental health and addiction treatment benefits.
Verify Your CoverageWhen seeking treatment, ask specifically about experience with co-occurring eating disorders and addiction. Many addiction treatment centers are not equipped to handle the medical complexity of eating disorders. Specialized dual diagnosis programs or eating disorder programs with addiction expertise may be most appropriate.
Call for HelpEditorial Team
Healthcare Information SpecialistsMedical Training NYC
Last updated: January 9, 2026
Content Information
This content is compiled from official government sources including SAMHSA and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Our editorial team verifies facility licensing and updates information regularly.
Important: This is a directory service providing information only. We do not provide medical advice or treatment recommendations. Always consult with healthcare professionals before making treatment decisions.
If you're experiencing a medical emergency:
- National Eating Disorders Association — View source (Accessed December 2025)
- SAMHSA — View source (Accessed December 2025)
- NEDA Helpline — View source (Accessed December 2025)