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Understanding Drunkorexia: A Dangerous Intersection of Disordered Eating and Alcohol Abuse

Drunkorexia is a colloquial term that has gained increasing attention in recent years, especially among younger adults and college students. It describes a disturbing trend that involves a harmful combination of disordered eating behaviors and alcohol abuse, often characterized by the deliberate restriction of food intake to compensate for calorie consumption from alcohol. This dangerous behavior can have serious physical, emotional, and psychological consequences, and understanding it is crucial for recognizing when someone needs help.

As a leader in eating disorder treatment, mental health, and addiction treatment in the Chicago area, SunCloud Health is uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive care for those struggling with drunkorexia. Our approach integrates specialized treatment for eating disorders and substance abuse, ensuring that patients receive the support they need to achieve lasting recovery.

What Is Drunkorexia?

Drunkorexia is not an official medical diagnosis but rather a term that describes a combination of two distinct behaviors: eating disorders and alcohol misuse. Individuals engaging in drunkorexia may skip meals, undergo excessive exercise, or use laxatives to “save” calories for drinking alcohol or compensate for the calories consumed from alcoholic beverages. This behavior is typically driven by a desire to avoid weight gain while still indulging in heavy drinking, often leading to a cycle of starvation and binge drinking.

Drunkorexia is especially common among young adults, particularly college women and men, where there is a prevalent culture of drinking and a strong societal pressure to maintain a certain body image. This behavior is not only physically dangerous but also poses significant risks to one’s mental well-being, as it often exacerbates feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

Who Is at Risk for Drunkorexia?

While anyone can be at risk for drunkorexia, certain groups are more vulnerable due to a combination of environmental, psychological, and social factors. Understanding who is most at risk can help in identifying and addressing the behavior early.

  1. College Students and Young Adults: College-aged individuals are at the highest risk for drunkorexia, largely due to the college culture that often normalizes excessive problematic drinking and places a high value on physical appearance. Many young adults and college students engage in binge drinking alcohol as a social activity, potentially due to peer pressure, and those who are also concerned about their weight may resort to eating disorder behaviors like skipping meals to mitigate the perceived negative effects of alcohol consumption, such as higher caloric intake.
  2. Individuals with Existing Eating Disorders: People who already struggle with an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa (self-induced vomiting), or binge eating disorder, are more likely to engage in drunkorexia as they engage in unhealthy weight management behaviors. The restrictive behaviors associated with a fear of gaining weight or related intrusive thoughts can be easily extended to managing calorie intake through alcohol consumption, creating a dangerous overlap between disordered eating and substance abuse.
  3. Those with a History of Substance Abuse: Individuals who have a history of substance abuse, including alcohol use disorders, are also at an increased risk for drunkorexia. Unhealthy drinking patterns and eating disorder behaviors can both be ways to cope with underlying emotional pain, trauma, or stress, making it more likely for someone to develop overlapping patterns of behavior.
  4. People with High Levels of Anxiety or Depression: Anxiety and depression are significant risk factors for both eating disorders and substance abuse. People suffering from these mental disorders may use restrictive eating or alcohol consumption as a means of coping with their emotional distress, increasing their risk of developing drunkorexia.

The Dangers of Drunkorexic Behaviors

The combination of eating disorders and alcohol use disorder is particularly dangerous because it compounds the risks associated with both behaviors. Some of the most serious risks include:

  1. Malnutrition: Restricting food intake by binge eating/purging or skipping meals to compensate for alcohol calories can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies. Intentional food restriction prior to unhealthy drinking behaviors can result in weakened immune function, muscle loss, fatigue, and other health problems related to malnutrition and low caloric intake.
  2. Alcohol Poisoning: Drinking on an empty stomach is particularly risky. Without food in the stomach to slow the absorption of alcohol, individuals are at a higher risk of alcohol poisoning. This is especially dangerous because it can happen quickly and without warning, leading to potentially life-threatening situations.
  3. Cognitive Impairments: Both alcohol use and malnutrition can have significant effects on brain function, leading to cognitive impairments, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. Over time, these effects can become more pronounced and harder to reverse.
  4. Mental Wellbeing Decline: Engaging in eating disorder and excessive drinking behaviors can exacerbate existing mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The cycle of restriction, binge drinking, and guilt can lead to increased feelings of hopelessness and even suicidal ideation.
  5. Long-Term Health Consequences: Chronic engagement in drunkorexic behaviors can lead to a range of long-term health problems, including liver disease, heart disease, osteoporosis, and gastrointestinal issues. The combined stress on the body from both consuming alcohol and experiencing nutritional deficiencies can accelerate the development of these conditions.

Getting Treatment for Drunkorexia

Effective treatment for drunkorexia requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the eating disorder and the substance abuse components. At SunCloud Health, we specialize in providing integrated care for complex conditions like drunkorexia, individual eating disorders, excessive alcohol consumption, and more, ensuring that our patients receive the support they need to achieve lasting recovery.

  1. Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Treatment Plans: The first step after identifying signs of drunkorexia is a thorough assessment by mental health professionals. At SunCloud Health, our team of experts conducts comprehensive evaluations to understand the unique factors contributing to each patient’s condition, such as binge drinking behaviors, alcohol addiction, or another substance use disorder. This allows us to create personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs and experiences of each individual.
  2. Integrated Therapy Approaches: Treating drunkorexia effectively requires an integrated approach that addresses both the disordered eating and drinking behaviors as well as substance abuse components even emotional symptoms. This may involve a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address disordered thinking patterns, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation, and other evidence-based therapies tailored to the patient’s needs. At SunCloud Health, we use a range of therapeutic modalities to help patients develop healthier coping mechanisms and break the cycle of restriction and binge drinking.
  3. Medical and Nutritional Support: Because drunkorexia can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies and other health issues, medical and nutritional support are critical components of treatment. At SunCloud Health, our multidisciplinary team includes medical professionals and registered dietitians who work together to address any physical health concerns and provide nutritional guidance. This holistic approach ensures that patients receive the care they need to heal both physically and mentally.
  4. Supportive Care Settings: Engaging in a structured treatment program can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to address their addictive behaviors. SunCloud Health offers various levels of care, including Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), which provide patients with the necessary structure and support to explore the underlying causes of mental health issues like eating disorders or alcohol use disorder and develop healthier coping strategies.
  5. Aftercare and Relapse Prevention: Recovery from drunkorexia is a long-term process that requires ongoing support and care. At SunCloud Health, we provide comprehensive aftercare planning and relapse prevention strategies to help patients maintain their recovery after completing their initial treatment. Our team works closely with patients to develop a personalized plan for continued care, ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to stay on track.
  6. Family and Community Support: Family therapy and community support are also essential components of treatment for drunkorexia behaviors. At SunCloud Health, we involve family members in the treatment process whenever appropriate, helping them understand the condition and providing them with tools to support their loved one’s recovery. We also encourage patients to engage with community support groups, which can provide valuable peer support and encouragement throughout the recovery journey.

Why Choose SunCloud Health for Drunkorexia Treatment?

Choosing the right provider for drunkorexia behaviors is crucial for achieving lasting recovery. At SunCloud Health, we offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach to treatment that addresses the complex interplay between disordered eating and substance abuse. Our experienced team of clinicians, therapists, and medical professionals is dedicated to helping patients understand and overcome their behaviors, providing the support they need to build healthier, more fulfilling lives.

If you notice signs of drunkorexia, eating disorders or inappropriate eating habits, or alcohol dependence, in yourself or a loved one, reach out to SunCloud Health today. Our comprehensive treatment programs are designed to address the unique challenges of this condition, offering hope and healing to those who need it most. With our integrated approach to care, you can trust that you are in good hands on your journey to recovery.

Rachel Collins, LCSW
Site Director of Northbrook PHP and IOP

Rachel Collins, LCSW, is the Site Director of SunCloud Health’s Northbrook Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs for both adolescents and adults. Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and went on to complete her master’s degree in social work from Michigan State University. She has since worked in a wide range of settings, including inpatient treatment, PHP/IOP programs, therapeutic group homes, and private practice. Rachel specializes in treating trauma (using Cognitive Processing Therapy) and anxiety, practicing through a relational, compassionate, and client-centered lens. She is passionate about creating a therapeutic space in which clients feel safe and able to explore various parts of themselves with curiosity as opposed to judgement. In addition to her leadership and clinical work, she is passionate about creating art, and learning about the intersection between creativity and mental health.

Kayla Corirossi, MA, LCSW
Site Director, Naperville PHP/IOP (Adolescents & Adults)

Kayla Corirossi, MA, LCSW, is the Site Director of SunCloud Health’s Naperville Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs for adolescents and adults. She brings extensive experience working with individuals across the lifespan, including adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations, and specializes in the treatment of mood disorders, trauma, substance use, family systems, forensic populations, and individuals in crisis.

Kayla has worked in a wide range of clinical and community settings, including community-based interventions, police crisis response, correctional facilities, inpatient treatment, PHP/IOP programs, and with vulnerable and underserved populations. In addition to her clinical and leadership work, she is passionate about providing mental health education and advocacy within the community.

Kayla earned her Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Psychology and Sociology from Aurora University and went on to complete her Master’s degree in Forensic Social Work, also at Aurora University. Her clinical approach is evidence-based, compassionate, trauma-informed, and integrative, emphasizing collaboration and individualized care.

Driven by a personal mission to meet individuals where they are, Kayla is committed to helping clients feel safe, supported, and understood. She strives to create a natural and empathetic healing environment while ensuring individuals from all backgrounds and identities know they are not alone and have access to meaningful resources and support.

Elizabeth E. Sita, MD
Medical Director of Adult Services
Dr. Elizabeth E. Sita, MD, is a Board Certified psychiatrist specializing in the care of patients with eating disorders. She completed her undergraduate training at the University of Chicago and graduated with Highest Honors. She then earned her medical degree at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and was recognized with the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Psychiatry. She subsequently completed residency with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, where she was elected Chief Resident and received the Resident Psychiatrist Leadership & Service Award. Upon completing her training, Dr. Sita came to Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, where she served as Assistant Medical Director of the Center for Eating Disorders and Director of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Services before transitioning to lead the new inpatient eating disorder unit as Medical Director of Eating Disorder Services at Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital – Chicago. In these roles, she has cared for a multitude of adolescents and adults struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other eating disorders as well as severe, cooccurring mood, trauma, personality, and substance use disorders. Dr. Sita has been recognized throughout her training and practice for a commitment to excellence in patient care and for her ability to engage patients in their most challenging moments. Her passions include the care of treatment-resistant eating and mood disorders as well as questions of medical capacity and end-of-life decision making. She believes that, first and foremost, human connection is key to mental health and well-being and strives to share this philosophy in each and every patient encounter. She is excited to bring her expertise to SunCloud Health as the Medical Director of Adult Services!   VIDEO: Meet Elizabeth E. Sita, MD, Medical Director of Adult Services  
Lacey Lemke, PsyD
Assistant Vice President of Clinical Services

Dr. Lacey Lemke (she/her) is a licensed clinical health psychologist with specialized expertise in the treatment of eating disorders and the practice of medical and health psychology. She completed her doctoral training in clinical psychology with a Primary Care emphasis at the Adler School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Lemke went on to complete both her predoctoral clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship through Ascension Health, where she gained advanced training working with individuals experiencing eating disorders and self-injurious behaviors, as well as within pediatric subspecialty settings including endocrinology, neurology, and adolescent medicine.

Dr. Lemke is deeply committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate care and collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive treatment. Her professional mission is to support patients in achieving their fullest potential by guiding them to the most appropriate level of care and empowering them to make meaningful, sustainable progress toward improved health and well-being.

VIDEO: 2. Meet Lacey Lemke, PsyD.