Up to 50% of individuals with eating disorders also present with substance use disorders, and up to 35% of individuals with substance use disorders also present with eating disorders, bulimia nervosa being most commonly linked to substance abuse. The findings of the National Center on Substance Abuse indicate both have shared risk factors and characteristics. The DSM IV-TR diagnostic characteristics of substance dependence as well as the criteria for binge eating disorder (now included in the DSM-V) will be discussed with respect to behaviors surrounding food and eating.



Research has indicated that the brain reward system processes positive responses to both food and addictive substances. Due to the many similarities between eating and addictive disorders, the recovery and 12-step models used in substance abuse treatment can be used effectively with eating disorders.



This web conference is intermediate instructional level and designed to help clinicians:




  1. Review and discuss the current animal and human research on food addiction;

  2. Outline the characteristics of binge eating disorder (BED) according to the DSM-5;

  3. Discuss the treatment ramifications of recognizing eating disorders as within the addiction spectrum;

  4. Discuss the similarities and differences between eating disorders and substance dependence.



If you have any questions about this web conference or would like more information, please contact us here.


How the Web Conference Works

In short, participants will be able to listen to the event by calling in to our teleconference center. Prior to the event, all participants will be sent an email with instructions on how to login to the teleconference center. This event will include lecture, interaction, and question and answer periods.


Continuing Education (CE) Information

1.5 CE credits will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety.

GoodTherapy.org is also an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within counseling services.

GoodTherapy.org is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can attend this live web conference for $30.95 or access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

Event Reviews from Members

"Very well organized and knowledgeable." - David Corse, MA, NCC, LPCi, CADCI, CGACII, NCGC-II

Meet the Presenter

Kim Dennis, MD

Dr. Kim Dennis specializes in treating eating disorders, trauma, PTSD, co-occurring disorders, and addictions recovery. She is a board-certified psychiatrist and maintains a holistic perspective in the practice of psychiatry. She is also on the editorial board of Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention. Dr. Dennis has been on CNN and ABC News. She contributes to the Chicago Tribune, Huffington Post, WebMD, Boston Globe Addiction Professional, and Behavioral Healthcare. She writes a monthly column for Daily Strength and is a member of the Academy for Eating Disorders, American Medical Association, American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, American Society for Addiction Medicine, and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. She is the Medical Director and CEO for Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center. For more information about Dr. Dennis and her work, please visit www.timberlineknolls.com.