Alcohol abuse and eating disorders, primarily anorexia nervosa, often co-occur and can pose severe risks to physical and mental health. “Drunkorexia” is a term used to describe the comorbidity of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and anorexia, where individuals restrict their food intake to “cancel out” the calories from alcohol.
This dangerous pattern has begun trending mainly among college students and young adults, highlighting a growing demand for awareness, education, and intervention.
Understanding Drunkorexia: What Is It?
“Drunkorexia” is an unofficial term for the occurrence of alcoholism and anorexia nervosa. It combines patterns of restricting food intake and heavy alcohol consumption. Drunkorexia is often rooted in the obsession with binge drinking and controlling body weight, resulting in dangerously disordered eating and drinking habits.
Binge drinking is relatively prevalent among young adults and college students, which can lead to alcohol poisoning, malnutrition, and severe health issues. The combination of alcohol abuse with poor eating habits, including excessive exercise and other abnormal eating behaviors to offset alcohol calories, exacerbates these health risks.
Some individuals may also avoid eating before a night of drinking to heighten the effects of alcohol. Not only does drinking alcohol on an empty stomach amplify its effects, but it also increases the risk of alcohol poisoning and alcohol-related incidents.
The Signs of Drunkorexia
Individuals who engage in these two dangerous patterns are often afraid of gaining weight from heavy alcohol consumption. This can cause them to skip meals, exercise excessively, or maintain a diet deficient in essential nutrients.
Recognizing the signs of drunkorexia in yourself or a loved one is crucial for immediate intervention. The warning signs of alcohol abuse and eating disorders include:
- Frequently skipping meals
- Following extreme diets when planning to drink
- Expressing concerns about weight gain from alcohol use
- Drinking on an empty stomach
- Drinking alcohol in place of meals
- Intense exercise following a night of drinking
- Mood swings and irritability
- Purging after drinking
- Depression and social isolation
- Poor skin health
- Fatigue
While many of these signs can be difficult to pinpoint, some may indicate a dual diagnosis of alcohol abuse and eating disorders. Drunkorexia, mainly drinking on an empty stomach, can heighten the risks of alcohol poisoning and severe health risks.
The Hidden Health Risks of Alcoholism and Eating Disorders
Research indicates a substantial comorbidity between alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa. This comorbidity in young adults and adolescents is especially prevalent in individuals with underlying mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. While drunkorexia is not officially recognized as a psychological or medical diagnosis, it does not underscore the severe dangers and risks associated.
Excessive alcohol consumption, in combination with abnormal eating patterns, carries severe hidden dangers for both physical and psychological health. The health risks associated with alcohol abuse and eating disorders include malnutrition, organ damage, mental illness, and cognitive impairments.
Malnutrition and Bone Loss
Heavy alcohol use and alcoholism can interfere with normal nutrition, resulting in severe deficiencies in essential nutrients and minerals. The nutritional deficiencies caused by alcohol abuse include vitamin B2 and B1 (thiamine), magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and folate. As alcohol deprives the body of essential nutrients, a poor diet and disordered eating behaviors can lead to severe malnutrition.
Drunkorexia can cause vitamin deficiencies, weakened immune system and function, and poor muscle and bone health. Alcohol inhibits nutrient absorption in the body, which can cause bone density loss. Poor nutrition and alcohol abuse can increase the risk of osteoporosis, muscle wasting, and brittle bones.
Increased Anxiety and Depression
More often than not, individuals who struggle with heavy drinking habits and disordered eating behaviors also face internal struggles. Excessive drinking, particularly in college students and young adults, is often used as a coping mechanism for stress, social anxiety, and other internal issues.
When combining unhealthy eating habits with alcohol abuse and low self-esteem, individuals are more likely to experience increased anxiety and depression. Alcohol is a depressant, which exacerbates feelings of sadness, low self-esteem, and isolation.
Eating disorders and mental health disorders are highly prevalent, particularly depression and anxiety. Drunkorexia can be fatal due to risks of medical complications from malnutrition, alcohol poisoning, and suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals with anorexia nervosa.
Cognitive Decline
Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and malnutrition can cause significant cognitive dysfunction and decline. Drunkorexia can impair memory, decision-making abilities, focus, and attention. These cognitive impairments can make seeking recovery more difficult, potentially resulting in irreversible cognitive decline.
Heart and Liver Damage
Both excessive alcohol consumption and poor nutrition can lead to severe alcohol-induced organ damage and failure. Alcohol and nutritional deficiencies can make individuals with drunkorexia more susceptible to liver injury and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Eating disorders and alcohol abuse increase the risk of organ failure, particularly liver cirrhosis and kidney disease.
Malnutrition and alcoholism weaken several bodily functions, including the cardiovascular system. Drunkorexia can cause high blood pressure and irregular heart rate, making individuals more susceptible to heart disease.
Body Dysmorphia and Self-Esteem Issues
Men and women with drunkorexia often struggle with self-esteem issues and body image insecurities. College culture can reinforce unrealistic beauty standards and the pressure to conform and engage in binge drinking. This can lead to a cycle of harmful substance abuse and restrictive eating or purging behaviors due to social pressures. The cycle of alcohol abuse and anorexia exacerbates feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem, and body dysmorphia.
Addressing Drunkorexia: Treatment for Alcohol Abuse and Eating Disorders
Treating co-occurring disorders like alcohol use disorder (AUD) and anorexia nervosa requires a comprehensive program that addresses both conditions. For effective treatment and complete recovery from drunkorexia, both conditions must be addressed and treated.
Alcohol detox and rehabilitation programs often integrate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapies that provide patients with healthy coping skills. CBT in alcohol rehab encourages individuals to identify and address harmful thoughts and behaviors, such as low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, and disordered eating.
Nutritional support and counseling in drug rehab can help individuals with drunkorexia become accustomed to a healthier, nutrient-rich diet in recovery. Nutrition plays a significant role in the addiction recovery process, especially for those with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and eating disorders.
Alcohol Detox Programs in Stuart, FL
Our team of addiction and mental health professionals at Coastal Detox is here to help you recover from alcohol addiction and disordered eating. Our addiction treatment programs, medical detox, nutritional counseling, and holistic therapies can help you break free from the cycle of alcohol abuse.
For more information about our South Florida drug and alcohol detox programs, reach out today.
References:
- WebMD, 2024. What Is “Drunkorexia?”
- Alcohol Health and Research World, 1996. The Link Between Alcoholism and Eating Disorders.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Eating Disorders.
- Alcohol Research and Health, 2002. Eating Disorders and Alcohol Use Disorders.
- Alcohol Research, 2017. Development, Prevention, and Treatment of Alcohol-Induced Organ Injury: The Role of Nutrition.
- National Eating Disorders Association. Substance Use and Eating Disorders.