Understanding Drunkorexia
Recognizing the Signs, Finding Support, and Seeking Treatment
What Is drunkorexia?
While not a medically recognized diagnosis, drunkorexia is a term often used to discuss the combination of an eating disorder, commonly anorexia, with binge drinking or alcohol use disorder. Individuals exhibiting signs of drunkorexia will often engage in retrieved behaviors around food to compensate for calories consumed by drinking alcohol. This is often done out of fear of weight gain and may be most prevalent among college-aged students and young adults.
What are common warning signs of drunkorexia?
Drunkorexia describes a set of behaviors where someone restricts food calories because they’re worried about their weight and body, especially when alcohol is involved. This might look like:
- Skipping meals to ‘save’ calories for drinking.
- Exercising a lot to try and burn off calories from alcohol.
- Drinking excessively to make themselves vomit, getting rid of calories from food or drinks.
What are complications from drunkorexia?
According to our treatment center partners at Monte Nido, drunkorexia can increase the risk of alcohol poisoning, malnutrition, and long-term organ damage.
What type of treatment is available for drunkorexia?
An integrated approach to treatment helps address the complex overlap between disordered eating and substance use is beneficial, offering tools for emotional regulation and self-worth that don’t rely on harmful behaviors.
Again, the best course of treatment will vary by individual. We recommend working with your medical providers to develop a treatment plan. Check out our patient advocacy page to learn more about eating disorder treatment options and how to advocate for yourself in a medical setting.
If you need help finding an eating disorder treatment provider, browse the ANAD Treatment Directory or call our Helpline at 1-888-375-7767 to request a personalized treatment referral. Our peer support volunteers are here to help you!
I’m concerned about or am currently supporting a loved one with drunkorexia. What should I do?
We are sorry to hear about your loved one and are here to support you!
Download our How to Have A Convo Guide for several tips on navigating those early conversations with your loved one including the use of “I” statements and the importance of listening.
Our Support At Every Stage Guide is another valuable resource for you throughout your loved one’s healing journey.
ANAD has partnered with FEAST to offer weekly support groups for parents, caregivers, and siblings. These free, virtual spaces offer the opportunity to connect and build community with others experiencing similar situations. You are not in this alone!
Support at every stage
This guide provides essential information and tangible suggestions for effectively supporting an adult in your life through the process of treatment and recovery.
Where can I learn more about drunkorexia
Here are several blog posts from our treatment center partner Monte Nido with more information.
Drunkorexia: What is it and why is it so dangerous?
Drunkorexia is a dangerous behavior pattern where individuals restrict food intake or purge in order to "make room" for alcohol calories. This combination of disordered eating and substance abuse can lead to serious physical and mental health consequences, including malnutrition, blackouts, and increased risk of addiction. Effective treatment focuses on healing both the eating disorder and the underlying issues fueling alcohol misuse.
The Link Between Eating Disorders and Substance Use
Eating disorders and substance use disorders often co-occur, with many individuals using drugs or alcohol to cope with the emotional pain tied to disordered eating. Shared risk factors like trauma, anxiety, and low self-esteem contribute to the development of both. Recovery involves addressing the root causes of both conditions, emphasizing integrated care that treats the whole person.