Enterhealth, a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment company, recently participated in a joint presentation discussing the ways in which addiction and eating disorders often co-exist. “The Enterhealth and Eating Recovery Center” luncheon featured Dr. Harold Urshcel, Chief Medical Strategist of Enterhealth, and Dr. Stephanie Setliff, Medical Director of Eating Recovery Center. The discussion focused on the reasons why many patients suffer from both an eating disorder and addiction.According to Dr. Urschel, between 20 to 30 percent of the patients Enterhealth treats for alcohol or drug abuse also suffer from an eating disorder. Dr. Urschel explained that eating disorders and alcohol or drug abuse activate certain parts of the brain, signaling artificial stimulation.This alters the way the brain responds to neutral and pleasant activities.

“Our brains have special reward centers that are generally stimulated by certain behaviors, such as being praised, taking care of our bodies, exercising, or feeling loved,” said Dr. Urschel. “When drugs, alcohol or food abuse is used to trigger the reward centers of our brain, artificial positive signals are sent to the brain, sending the reward center out of whack.”

Dr. Urschel explained that overtime, addiction saturates the brain with “feel-good” neurotransmitters as a result of stimulation from drugs, alcohol or an eating disorder.This process causes the brain to block unpleasant feelings and triggers the stimulus, such as drugs, alcohol, or food to become a desperately desired substance, eventually creating dependency and addiction.Enterhealth offers a science-based alcohol and drug addiction treatment program created by a dedicated team of addiction experts determined to dramatically improve treatment outcomes. Based on the latest National Institutes of Health (NIH) research identifying addiction as a chronic brain disease, this program is implemented by a full-time staff of addiction-trained physicians, psychiatrists, nurses and therapists, beginning with a thorough medical and psychological assessment designed to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. With science-based medical treatment, Dr. Urschel said the brain can usually be revitalized, or “reset” within a year of treatment.

“When the reward center of the brain is stimulated inappropriately, specifically through drugs, alcohol, or abuse of food, it stops functioning the way it was intended,” said Dr. Urschel. “Abuse of any substance, whatever form it may be, may create a false, temporary sense of happiness or relief, but not without damaging consequences.”

According to Dr. Urschel, patients who suffer from alcohol or drug abuse and eating disorders participate in the addiction facility’s dual-diagnosis program, which works to address the root causes of each patient’s addiction. The end goal is to help each patient find a peaceful and fulfilling life, independent from any type of drug, alcohol or food abuse.

Members of the media who want to cover this story can email Jena Spiro at jspiro@fortegroupinc.com or call 214-378-7970 ext. 245, or contact Amy Jones at ajones@fortegroupinc.com or (214) 378-7970 ext. 302.

About Enterhealth:

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Enterhealth offers a science-based alcohol and drug addiction treatment program created by a dedicated team of addiction experts determined to dramatically improve treatment outcomes. Based on the latest National Institutes of Health research identifying addiction as a chronic brain disease, this program is implemented by a full-time staff of addiction-trained physicians, psychiatrists, nurses and therapists, beginning with a thorough medical and psychological assessment designed to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. This approach has proven to be at least three times more effective than traditional programs.

Enterhealth Ranch, an exclusive treatment facility, is nestled on 43 scenic acres just 30 minutes north of Dallas/Fort Worth. The facility features 40 beds, private rooms and bathrooms, chef-prepared meals, housekeeping service, a luxurious pool, a gym and more. Enterhealth Outpatient Center of Excellence, an outpatient treatment facility, is located in the Park Cities, just north of downtown Dallas, and provides ongoing addiction management care and support. For more information, visit www.enterhealth.com.