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Is a Diet Pill Addiction an Eating Disorder?

Diet pill addiction has become a serious issue in recent years, particularly for those who are suffering from an eating disorder. This is because most of us do not realize that diet pills can become a source of addiction for some. It may be due in part to the fact that diet pills also have chemicals that can have some people hooked, become tolerant to the drug’s effects, and require larger or more frequent doses just to feel any effects.

Some of the known side effects of diet pill addiction include:

  • Fatigue
  • High blood pressure
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Labored breathing
  • Hallucinations
  • Chest pains
  • Seizures

There is some evidence that shows individuals who are dealing with an eating disorder might also suffer from drug or alcohol addiction, in about 50% of cases. This is a high percentage, in comparison with the rest of the population on cases of drug dependency or addiction.

Where Are Diet Pills Found?

Doctors can either prescribe diet pills, as well as over-the-counter options. Many of them have different remedies; some act as appetite suppressants, some are metabolism boosters, and some block the body from absorbing fat. Some of the chemicals used in diet pills are known to work in a similar way as amphetamines; for example, one of the most widely known of these is benzphetamine. If the individual combines the use of diet pills with exercise, the effects are magnified.

In turn, people might need to rely more and more on the pills to notice a difference, as they begin building a tolerance to their effects. For those who are also suffering from an eating disorder, it becomes all the more critical for them to seek help for addiction and any other form of drug abuse.

Overcome Addiction—Contact Us!

If you or a loved one are suffering from abuse or addiction, please contact us today to discuss your case further. Therapeutic Solutions offers a substance abuse intensive outpatient program and together, we can help you fight addiction and seek a better quality of life moving forward.