New CEU Course: Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders

Course Description: SUD treatment counselors are in a good position to help their clients with undiagnosed EDs by being aware of the disorders, screening clients for EDs in the SUD treatment setting, and/or supporting their recovery from SUDs and EDs.

The goals of this Advisory are to raise counselors’ awareness of EDs and their relationship to SUDs and provide an overview of screening and evidence-based treatments for EDs. The Advisory does not provide comprehensive, how-to information for treating clients with EDs. Resources for more information are listed throughout the document and in the Resources section.

Course Objectives

1.  Compare and contrast the characteristics of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and compulsive overeating.

2.  Identify the relationship between eating disorders (EDs), substance use disorders (SUDs), and behavioral health disorders.

3.  Discuss the need for SUD treatment counselors to screen for EDs and refer for treatment.

4.  Describe the various evidence-based specialized treatments for eating disorders.