Introducing \'Drunkorexia\'

Introducing 'Drunkorexia'

The New York Times   |  Sarah Kershaw   |   March 2, 2008 09:57 AM

Read More: Anorexia And Alcohol Abuse, Brideorexia, Brides And Anorexia, Drunkorexia, Eating Disorders, Eating Disorders And Alcohol Abuse, Breaking Living News
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'Drunkorexia' is the latest term coined to describe a blend of anorexia and alcohol abuse.

Drunkorexia is not an official medical term. But it hints at a troubling phenomenon in addiction and eating disorders. Among those who are described as drunkorexics are college-age binge drinkers, typically women, who starve all day to offset the calories in the alcohol they consume. The term is also associated with serious eating disorders, particularly bulimia, which often involve behavior like bingeing on food -- and alcohol -- and then purging.

Anorexics, because they severely restrict their calorie intake, tend to avoid alcohol. But some drink to calm down before eating or to ease the anxiety of having indulged in a meal. Others consume alcohol as their only sustenance. Still others use drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine to suppress their appetites.

Keep reading.

-or-

Click here to reading about another disturbing trend in eating disorders, "brideorexia."


 
 

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- bikerdude See Profile I'm a Fan of bikerdude permalink

I'm glad to see this posted here. I had not heard the term before, but I have seen the problem. It is especially serious because they severely deteriorate their bodies with both the lack of nutrition and the damaging effects of alcohol. It goes a lot further because alcohol is often not the only drug used. These people are weaken, and the effect of the drugs and alcohol are severe. Bringing them "back" to a normal life is very difficult. The only treatment I have seen effective is collaborative therapy and a strong support group. The mind seems to be fighting on too many fronts.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:58 PM on 03/02/2008
- omahajim See Profile I'm a Fan of omahajim permalink

as soon as i saw the title, i knew that this was going to make my day. my fiancee has friends who are skinny as a rail and talk about the pilates that they do. riiiiiiight. the only exercise they do is the hoisting of the glass and the holding down of the barstool. they freely acknowledge skipping lunch on most days in order to have cocktails later. these same women in their late 40s and early 50s complain about how the younger generations "just cannot hold their liquor." they fear a stiff breeze. i was at one of her friends homes about a year ago and i was looking for silverware. there were corkscrews in every drawer. must have been 15 of them. drunkorexics. the lot of them.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:21 PM on 03/03/2008
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