You may have heard the phrase “Don’t drink your calories,” sometimes used as a phrase to dissuade people from drinking unhealthy amounts of soda or other high calorie drinks.
And while it is okay to be aware of what you put in your body, it is not good to be so paranoid of your calorie intake that you restrict what you eat to compensate for what you drink.
Such is the case with drunkorexia — a phenomenon of food restriction for the sake of increased alcohol consumption.
What is Drunkorexia?
In recent years, the term “drunkorexia” has emerged as a term describing the dangerous intersection between disordered eating and alcohol abuse. Drunkorexia is characterized by the practice of restricting food intake or engaging in excessive exercise to “save” calories for alcohol consumption, often with the intent of preventing weight gain while binge drinking.
Often seen in college students, it is a way in which individuals can participate in the lifestyle often seen on college campuses without the physical consequence of weight gain — or so it appears.
The truth is, playing in such dangerous waters has numerous consequences on both physical and mental health.
Some of these issues include nutritional deficiencies stemming from inadequate food intake which can lead to weakened immune function, bone density loss and impaired cognitive functioning. Additionally, consuming large quantities of alcohol on an empty stomach can enhance the effects of intoxication, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning, accidents and injuries.
Over time, the strain on the body can result in long-term health issues such as liver damage, cardiovascular problems and the exacerbation of mental health disorders.
What Causes Drunkorexia?
It is important to note that no one factor influences drunkorexia. The glorification of thinness seen on social media and the culture of college partying creates a perfect environment for such behaviors to develop. The pressure to maintain a certain body image can lead individuals to adopt extreme measures, including severe calorie restriction. But also the social emphasis on drinking as a means of socialization puts additional pressure on said risk, as young adults may prioritize alcohol over nutrition to fit in with peers.
Psychologically, drunkorexia is often linked to underlying issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety and a desire for control. For some, the act of controlling calorie intake through food restriction allows for a sense of mastery over one’s body, while the consumption of alcohol serves as a coping mechanism for stress or social anxiety. The dual pursuit of maintaining a certain physique while engaging in social drinking creates a vicious cycle that can have severe health consequences.
What are the Signs of Drunkorexia?
Understanding the signs of drunkorexia is crucial for getting the help you or a loved one may need to properly address disordered eating behaviors.
Signs of drunkorexia may include:
- Preoccupation with calorie intake;
- Skipping meals or significantly reducing their food intake to “save” calories for consuming alcohol later;
- Drinking large amounts of alcohol, often in binge-drinking sessions;
- Compensatory behaviors including excessive exercise, purging (through vomiting or the use of laxatives) or using diuretics to rid the body of calories consumed via alcohol;
- Prioritizing drinking events over meals or other social gatherings that involve food;
- Showing signs of anxiety, depression or stress, often using alcohol as a coping mechanism;
- Noticeable changes in behavior, such as increased isolation, irritability or mood swings.
Over time, the combination of malnutrition and alcohol abuse can lead to severe health consequences. These signs might include sudden weight loss, fatigue, weakened immune system, gastrointestinal issues and signs of nutritional deficiencies like brittle hair and nails. Additionally, frequent hangovers or alcohol-related accidents could indicate a problem.
How Can Drunkorexia be Addressed?
Because of the complications of drunkorexia potentially being both a substance use disorder and mental health concern, the method of addressing the behaviors are various, but can include:
- Raising awareness through conversations, campus programs and an online presence that promotes healthy eating and nutrition, as well as body diversity and positive body talk;
- Encouraging a healthy relationship with food and alcohol through practices like mindfulness and nutritional education;
- Fostering social support and open dialogue where individuals feel comfortable discussing their struggles with alcohol and eating habits;
- Available access to professional help for those who already are struggling with alcohol use disorder and/or disordered eating;
- Promoting healthy body images through conversation, media posts and other social outlets;
- Encouraging healthy coping mechanisms including problem-solving, emotional regulation and stress management, in addition to creative outlets, physical activities or volunteer work.
It is important to remember that when addressing drunkorexia — depending on how far the behavior has progressed — professional intervention may be the best method of reframing one’s thoughts on alcohol and restrictive eating.
Ready to Get Professional Help?
If you are concerned about your unhealthy relationships with food and alcohol, and/or would like to address drunkorexia concerns, Seeds of Hope is here to help.
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