Bulimia and alcoholism: two sides of the same coin?

There has been an epidemic rise recently in the number of women evidencing bulimia, an addictive cycle of binge eating and purging of food. A significant number of bulimics are reported to abuse alcohol and drugs as well. There is a need to account for the serious problem of symptom substitution in substance abusing populations. Substance abuse is considered within the framework of ego growth, with a particular focus on developmental deficits and compensatory actions. Alcohol, food, and drugs all serve as attempts to minimize the impact of ego deficits. In this regard, the function the substance serves is more crucial than the specific substance abused. A treatment model for bulimia is outlined which addresses both the addiction at hand and the underlying developmental deficits.