How Does Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders Intersect? Hear From San Diego Therapist Natalia Addona, LPCC
As an eating disorder therapist in San Diego, California, I have been wanting to connect with a San Diego therapist who specializes in substance abuse for a long time. I was so grateful to hear about Natalia Addona, LPCC, who is a top San Diego therapist who has extensive experience with substance abuse. Plus, it was wonderful getting to know Natalia because she is so down-to-earth and authentic. You can tell that she feels so passionate about helping people. Learn from her about how eating disorders and substance abuse can intersect!
Why did you choose to become a substance abuse and addiction therapist in San Diego, California?
I have always known I wanted to be a mental health therapist in some capacity. Finding myself working with those who struggle with substance use specifically was not always something I thought I would do. I always thought working with substance use would hit too close to home, but boy, was I wrong. I found my passion in working with both individuals and families who are impacted by addiction. My grandfather was 30+ years sober when he passed away, and he helped more people get sober through his time in the Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship than anyone I know. There is such a hope that comes from recovery and sobriety, and I absolutely love being a piece of that story for people, just like my grandfather was.
What kind of substance abuse and addiction treatment do you provide in San Diego, California?
I provide individual psychotherapy virtually in a private practice setting and specialize in working with those who are impacted by addiction in some way. Whether that be a loved one who is impacted by addiction or the person themselves. I love to provide a space for people to explore how a substance or addiction has impacted their lives, whether the goal is sobriety or sober-curiosity.
Do you work with only substance abuse and addiction?
No, I work with a range of mental health related issues. Particularly, I work with adults (18+) who need support in life transitions, relationship struggles, and life stressors.
How long have you worked with substance abuse and addiction overall, and how long have you been practicing in San Diego, California?
I have worked with substance abuse and addiction for 5 years and most recently made the move back to the West Coast after some time spent in New York. I have been practicing in San Diego, California for the last 3 years.
As San Diego therapists, you and I have discussed how there is often overlap between substance abuse and eating disorders. In what ways do you see substance abuse and eating disorder behaviors interact?
Substance abuse and eating disorder behaviors interact in many ways. Those who meet criteria for a substance use disorder are at a much higher risk for developing what we call “cross addiction,” which can mean replacing their drug of choice, with another addiction or compulsion such as sex, gambling, shopping, or binge eating. That said, it can also increase risk for disordered eating or compensating for overeating in some way. Also, many people who identify as having problematic relationships with a substance, utilize the drug of choice often to “numb out” negative emotions. This can cause an increase in substance use following a period of body shaming, recent binging, or when their size changes in some way for those who struggle with body image.
In addition, it has been found that there is a significant overlap in eating disorders and substance use that does not just involve the development after a person has become sober. For example, it has been found that women are four times as likely to develop an eating disorder or substance disorder, when they have been diagnosed with the other previously. We also see alcohol or other substances used as a caloric replacement, when someone is struggling with substance abuse in some way. It can lead to disordered eating or meeting criteria for an eating disorder, as well as increasing severity of substance use withdrawal.
What do you wish people knew about the intersection of substance abuse and eating disorders?
That eating disorders and substance abuse interact much more than most people are aware of. I wish people knew this and understood it more, so that those suffering from these disorders could receive a holistic approach for all of these symptoms. Moreover, I believe it’s important that professionals and those suffering understand the danger in some medications for those who deal with addiction or eating disorders. For example, some medications can actually increase risks associated with substance use/eating disorder relapses. With that being said, it is important that providers and clients are open about symptoms and side effects.
How can people reach out and contact you?
You can call me at 619-929-0641, email me at natalia@thetherapygroup.com, or fill out a contact form on our website at thetherapygroup.com and request me in the drop down menu for “Preferred Therapist.”
You can also follow me on Instagram @therapywithnatalia.
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Hey everyone, I really appreciate you reading my blog! Have a wonderful day. :)
Marianne
If you want to take the next step toward eating disorder recovery and find out more about eating disorder treatment, ARFID, bulimia, binge eating or other eating disorders in San Diego, check out the resources on my website, including previous blog posts and my guest-speaking gigs on podcasts.
COMING SUMMER 2022: My virtual, 5-week class called Freedom From Binge Eating. Registration deadline is July 5th, and it begins Tuesday, July 12th.
You can find more information about me on Instagram @drmariannemiller or on my Facebook page.