Eating Disorders and Drug Abuse are related in the compulsivity exhibited by those suffering with these diseases. The relationship is further connected by the stigma attached, by society, to both groups of people. Obese people are shunned in public and suffer countless indignities on a daily basis. Addicts are looked down on and in some cases incarcerated as a result of the behaviors associated with the propagation of their addiction. There is new evidence, published in the Oct 17 issue of Science that the relationship may also be found in genetic abnormalities associated with the production and distribution of the brain receptor Dopamine.

The study shows that there exists a predisposition in women towards obesity due to the lack of dopamine secreted in the area of the brain that controls pleasure. In normal functioning when someone digests something tasty the pleasure area of the brain is rewarded with an amount of Dopamine relative to what they eat. Women that suffer from obesity are found to have less of the receptor therefore less pleasure which causes an increase in food consumption until the reward reflex is satisfied. It has long been accepted that those suffering from drug abuse have lower levels of Dopamine which may led addicts to self medicate to compensate for the reward deficit.

Eating Disorders and Drug Abuse similarities can also be found in treatment approach to these diseases. Eating Disorder Treatment and Drug Rehab Centers address the problem with behavioral and pharmacological interventions designed to satisfy the deficit of the receptor Dopamine in the brain. The compulsive nature exhibited by these individuals can be therapeutically addressed and they can find some relief for their disease.