Due to life transitions and increased stress college students are at a high risk for developing an eating disorder (ED). EDs consist of multiple mental health conditions related to food and weight that leads to severe medical complications. Varies studies have said the prevalence of EDs among college students ranges from 8% – 17%. Although the relationship between EDs and substance use is not well understood, existing literature has shown there is a strong association between the two. This study expands on the existing literature and compares the chances of developing a substance use disorder if an individual has an ED to an individual that does not.
This study’s data came from the NCHA survey conducted from Fall 2015 to Spring 2019. Over 740 colleges were in this sample resulting in 414,299 students answering the survey questions regarding ED diagnoses. The survey uses binary indication (yes or no responses) for questions regarding substance use disorder (SUD) diagnoses. Students were also asked about their demographic (age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity. Etc.) Binary indications were also used when asking about family problems and social relationship problems. 7.15% of the students reported experiencing or receiving an ED diagnosis. Sexual minority students had the greatest percentage of EDs but among racial/ethnic groups, biracial and multiracial students had the highest (9.45%). Those who had family and social relationship problems also presented a high percentage of ED indications.
Results supported existing research suggests that there is a strong association between EDs and substance use. Students with ED were 7.43 times more likely to be diagnosed with SUD, 8.35 times more likely to misuse opiates, and 10.37 times more likely to misuse other club drugs. It is suggested that associations between EDs and SUD are from shared traits of troubles with emotional regulation. This highlights the importance of addressing substance use when treating an individual for ED. ED and SUD treatments and prevention efforts should be considered by US colleges due to both ED and SUD’s high prevalence in the college-age population.
Takeaway: College age students who are experiencing ED indication or received a diagnosis are at high risk for developing substance use disorder and misusing opiates and other club drugs.