Drunkorexia: The problem with under-eating and over-imbibing

(Editor's note: This post was originally published on Get Fit Get Life.)

With emaciated models splashed across every fashion magazine and new cleanses, diets, and workouts being created every day, it’s no wonder many women question their weight and appearance. Advertisers target women – specifically twentysomethings – to have the bodies of Barbies, telling them to tighten their butts, flatten their abs, clear their skin, and tone their arms. What’s worse, college women are reacting to the onslaught, buying every pill, product, and perfume to make themselves more appealing to society. Unfortunately, as they’re “perfecting” their exteriors, they’re damaging their interiors through eating disorders, binge drinking, and substance abuse. Even scarier – in an effort to maintain or lose weight – many college women are combining the addictions, coining the term “drunkorexia.”

“Drunkorexia is referring to the phenomenon where, particularly college-aged women, are trying to compensate for calories that alcohol would contribute to their diet by not eating or by purging after eating so that they can stay at their current weight and still be able to drink alcohol,” explains Lisa Schrader, director of health promotion at Middle Tennessee State University.

“It’s a way to counteract the dreaded ‘freshman fifteen’ – they’re drinking their calories rather than eating them,” says Page Morris, psychotherapist and director of The Renfrew Center of Maryland.

According to a recent study at the University of Missouri, sixteen percent of the 1,000 students polled admitted to practicing drunkorexia. In other national studies, as many as 30% of students reported engaging in the practice. And although men do practice drunkorexia, women are largely the active participants. For women, their reasoning is simple: get or stay thin.

“The logic behind the idea is based in the truth that your weight status is going to be determined by calories in versus calories out,” Schrader explains. “However, the risk that drunkorexia behaviors carry is that you’re depriving your body of the positive nutrition that comes from food – the carbohydrates, the protein, the vitamins, the minerals – and you’re instead replacing it with alcohol which is mind-altering and behavior-altering.”

By starving themselves and binge drinking, drunkorexics are not giving their bodies proper nutrition while simultaneously exposing themselves to substances that dramatically alter their decision-making and concentration. What’s more, they’re increasing their chances of physical or sexual assault and alcohol poisoning.

“Some people die from alcohol poisoning while others need emergency medical attention from it,” explains Dr. Kim Dennis, board certified psychiatrist and medical director at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center. “A more common consequence of drunkorexia – especially for women who are more sensitive to alcohol – is blacking out and experiencing either date rape or rape by somebody that they don’t even know.”

While some women are experimenting with drunkorexia – as they would a new exercise trend or diet shake – others become addicted.

“For many college women, eating disorders and substance abuse don’t stop once they graduate from college,” explains Morris. “Anorexia is the most lethal psychological disorder out there. To add substance use and addiction on top of that makes the recovery very difficult. While it certainly can be done, it requires intensive treatment.”

Fortunately, many college and high school administrations are responding to drunkorexia and other addictions, making sure that their students are aware of the various resources available on campus.

“Over the last five years, I think colleges have gotten very responsive to these issues,” says Morris. “I think RA’s and clinic workers are better trained. I also think college students are more aware if their friend has a problem and have no problem reporting it.”

For women who are suffering from drunkorexia or other eating disorders and addictions, there is help:

Talk to a health professional – “Almost all college campuses have at least one person on staff that is specialized in substance abuse,” says Dr. Dennis. “They do screenings and give people feedback on what level of treatment they need.” Seek her out or explore counseling centers and alcohol education programs to get help.

Confide in a friend – “Know it’s not a weakness to ask for help,” advises Schrader. Talk to a roommate or friend and enlist her support. She can provide accountability and encouragement to take the next step. “If you suspect that a friend has a problem, I would go to an RA or try to speak to the person directly and let her know you’re concerned,” suggests Morris. “In a lot of instances, they’re relieved that someone noticed and provided care.”

Research treatment centers – “People know when they have veered off a healthy track,” says Morris. “Call 1-800-RENFREW, and we will assist you. We’ll get you face-to-face with a counselor, do an assessment, and see what we can do for you.” Since its establishment over 25 years ago, The Renfrew Center, the nation’s first residential eating disorder treatment facility and largest treatment network, has treated over 60,000 women suffering from anorexia, bulimia, and other associated mental health illnesses. The Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center is another great option, treating women who struggle with eating disorders, addiction, trauma, and mood disorders.

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