Substance Use and Eating Disorders : Food Craving and Addiction Transfer

Substance Use and Eating Disorders : Food Craving and Addiction Transfer

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Eating Disorders (ED) are severe and persistent disturbances that are associated with significant harm. These two disorders have many clinical similarities, including craving and behavioral loss of control. Recently, craving for food has been described in newly abstinent patients with SUD. the aim of the study is to verify the hypothesis of addiction transfer based on common neurobiological mechanisms between substance craving and food craving, that postulates that food craving would correspond to an attempt to regulate substance craving (or vice versa).

The knowledge of existence of common addictive, neurobiological and clinical processes between substance use disorders and eating disorders has been a promising approach for a better understanding of the factors involved in the emergence and maintenance of these disorders. Several studies have shown that increased palatable food with high sugar or fat content causes brain neurochemistry changes similar to those observed after use of addictive drugs. Clinical and behavioral similarities concerning craving, loss of control and use as a coping strategy have also been highlighted. Craving is considered as a clinical marker of addiction and a potent predictor of relapse vulnerability. In substance addiction, the link between craving, use and relapse has been previously demonstrated in experimental and daily life studies. The main objective of this study is to examine the hypothesis of addiction transfer between Substance Use Disorders and Eating Disorders, according to which food craving for palatable foods would correspond to an attempt to regulate substance craving or vice versa. One assumption is that food intake could be used to alleviate craving for substances in patients hospitalized for substance use disorder. The secondary objective is to explore psychopathological, addictive, and medical similarities between substance use disorder and eating disorder participants. Included patients (group 1: substance use disorder participants and group 2: eating disorder) will be asked to answer different self-questionnaires, as well as a clinical psychiatric (MINI) and cognitive (MoCA) assessment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder/behavioral addiction (gambling) or an eating disorder (Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa or Hyperphagia access).
• Begin treatment in addiction complex care unit, located in inter-hospital unit Charles Perrens Hospital and Bordeaux University Hospital
• Non-opposition formulated

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severely impaired physical and/or mental health that, according to the investigator, may affect the participant's compliance with the study and understanding of assessment tools
• Trouble in understanding/writing French
• Hospitalization for less than 3-weeks for patients with substance use disorders or behavioral addiction (gambling)
• Individuals participating in another study that includes an ongoing exclusion period.
• Be under guardianship
• Pregnant and/or lactating woman