The increasing prevalence of concurrent eating and substance use disorders has been well documented in both the eating disorders and in substance use disorders literature. Despite evidence for the important role of families and wider social networks in addiction and eating disorder treatment, concurrent eating and substance use disorder therapy has focused on treating the concurrent disorders, and largely overlooked the needs of families. This study explores the impact of concurrent eating and substance use disorders on family members to identify the family's needs in order to direct future intervention.

A series of semi-structured interviews were completed with family members of patients with concurrent eating and substance use disorders. A qualitative grounded theory approach was used to analyze the data and involved the coding of transcripts and the development of emerging themes.

Three major themes emerged from the analyses: 1) Families’ inability to cope; 2) Inadequate communication and involvement of family in therapy; 3) Lack of information about the disorders themselves.

Data suggest that greater emphasis in service provision must be placed on family members and wider social networks to: 1) help assist clients to engage and stay in treatment; 2) improve both disorder outcomes and family functioning, and 3) reduce impacts and harm for family members and others affected. Suggestions for helping clinicians and new avenues for service provision and research are presented.