Drunkorexia is a new term to describe an old condition. It involves a mix of alcoholism and anorexia nervosa. Generally, a person suffering from this eating disorder will either starve or binge and purge. They also believe lowering calorie intake allows them to drink more alcohol.
Understanding Drunkorexia
There are many answers to the question “what is drunkorexia?” First, this is a street term to describe a behavioral pattern. Second, it is a combination of eating disorders and binge drinking.
Fueling this is the misconception that reducing food calories throughout the day balances with binge drinking. Additionally, the person who wants to get drunk quickly avoids food. They believe it helps their body rapidly absorb alcohol.
Another dangerous belief is expecting alcohol to replace calories not consumed earlier in the day. The truth is alcohol has no nutritional value. All the alcohol they drink equals empty calories.
Repeating this behavior can diminish a person’s health. They are also susceptible to developing alcohol addiction. Of course, entering an eating disorder treatment program offers the best chances of overcoming this dangerous condition.
The Dangers of Drunkorexia
Lowering caloric intake to get drunk faster is popular in college settings. However, it’s not limited to only students in college. Adults can also find themselves attracted to this dangerous way of getting drunk faster or maintaining a slimmer body.
Speeding up the effects of alcohol rapidly raises blood alcohol content levels. The danger with this is a person may feel fine one minute, and blackout the next. As a result, this puts them at risk for brain damage.
Consuming large amounts of alcohol also puts a person at risk of developing a dependence. Generally, their brain cannot function without alcohol.
Health Risks Associated with Drunkorexia
The end goal of this dangerous behavior comes at a cost. Answering “what is drunkorexia” raises another issue. There are health risks to engaging in this type of behavior. Eating disorders have terrible side effects on a person’s health on their own. Adding alcohol abuse to the mix only increases the chances of health risks.
Likewise, high consumption of alcohol can lead to heart complications and liver failure. Dealing with both diseases at the same time worsens a person’s physical health outlook. This destructive behavior may cause issues such as:
- Irregular heartbeats
- Seizures
- Abnormal blood counts
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Low blood pressure
- Hair loss
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Treating Drunkorexia
Dual diagnosis treatment is the best way to combat the prevalence of drunkorexia. Both are forms of addiction and require specialized care.
This type of treatment is often combined with other therapies to tackle a person’s addiction. Other therapies may include:
Treating a substance use disorder and an eating disorder simultaneously is the only way to overcome drunkorexia.
Come to Crestview Recovery for Complete Healing
Crestview Recovery specializes in long-term care for people who struggle with addictions like drunkorexia. Furthermore, our team of specialists is ready to support you in changing your distorted relationship with alcohol and eating.
At last, you can reverse choices that previously prevented you from having a meaningful life. Reach out now by calling 8662620531. Your journey to wellness begins today.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
