Over 90% of post-secondary students report that they drank alcohol within the past three months. Unfortunately, binge drinking has been increasing alongside the rise of diet culture and disordered eating behaviours. In this article, we will explore the definition of “drunkorexia”, its signs and symptoms, and its consequences. We will also discuss tips for university students to drink safely.
Drunkorexia Meaning
While not an official medical diagnosis, “drunkorexia” is a relatively new term used to describe engagement in disordered eating and exercise behaviours to compensate for the calories consumed from binge drinking alcohol. These compensatory behaviours may include skipping meals to “save” calories for drinking later on that day or engaging in excessive physical activity before or after a night out.
Disordered eating can occur alongside excessive substance misuse. In fact, folks living with an eating disorder are five times more likely to suffer from substance misuse. One study found that 39% of undergraduate students who drank within the past month restricted food before drinking due to concerns about calorie consumption. Another study on female undergraduate students found that 82% of participants engaged in at least one drunkorexia-type behaviour within the last three months.
Negative Impacts
The consequences of drunkorexia can be severe, both physically and mentally. Restricting food and excessive alcohol intake are both known to lead to vitamin deficiencies. Drinking on an empty stomach heightens the risk of alcohol-related complications, such as blackouts and alcohol poisoning. Drunkorexia can also detrimentally impact the brain, by causing permanent brain damage and/or memory problems. Increased feelings of depression and anxiety may also occur in folks engaging in drunkorexia behaviours.
Drunkorexia Symptoms
Here is a list of some signs and symptoms of drunkorexia:
- Restricting food before or after binge drinking
- Engaging in purging behaviours before or after drinking
- Excessive exercise before or after drinking
- Weight fluctuations (gains and/or losses)
- Stomach and digestive problems
- Emotional changes, such as increased aggression or lack of inhibition
Other signs and symptoms may resemble those seen with alcohol misuse disorder, such as changes in sleeping patterns, bloodshot eyes, or engaging in secretive behaviours.
Eating Disorders and University
Starting post-secondary can be an exciting time, but it also presents potential challenges for folks living with eating disorders or those vulnerable to developing one. The new adjustments in lifestyle, such as academic demands, social interactions, and general life responsibilities, can be overwhelming – it is a major transition. As a result, some students might resort to disordered eating behaviours or substance misuse as coping mechanisms.
Safety Tips for Drinking
In post-secondary, you may enjoy a few drinks if you want to, feel comfortable doing so and are of legal drinking age. However, it’s important to keep in mind the following tips to ensure a safe drinking experience:
- Eating before and/or while you drink: Eating while consuming alcohol is important for regulating and slowing down alcohol absorption. Choose foods that are slow to digest, such as those high in protein and/or fat.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water will keep you hydrated and help mitigate the effects of alcohol.
- Set limits: Understand how much alcohol your body can handle and set limits on how many drinks you are going to consume. A good rule of thumb is no more than one drink per hour.
- Watch your drink: Never leave your drink unattended or accept an open drink from someone else.
- Plan your way home: Before a night out, it’s important to have a plan of how you will be getting home, such as a designated driver or Uber.
Essential Takeaways
Engaging in disordered eating behaviours, such as skipping meals or restricting calories before drinking, can lead to harmful consequences, including alcohol poisoning and impaired cognitive abilities. Students should become aware of healthy coping mechanisms to handle the inevitable challenges that come with the transition into university. However, for folks who feel comfortable doing so, safe drinking practices should be followed to enjoy a few drinks every once and a while.
If you believe you are living with disordered eating or an eating disorder and wish to talk to someone, book a free consultation call with us below.
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