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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2009
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Drunkorexia On Rise in Women

Eating disorders increasingly blending with substance abuse, experts say

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(Newser) – Drunkorexia isn't an official medical term, reports the New York Times, but the disorder is on a growing list of afflictions that combine societal acceptance of substance abuse and pressure to be thin. Drunkorexics, who are typically college-age women, shun food to prevent weight gain and to offset the calories they consume in alcohol.

“There are women who are afraid to put a grape in their mouth but have no problem drinking a beer,” said one expert. Studies show that binge drinking and alcohol abuse are increasing among women, and many are simultaneously combating substance abuse. Researchers are now investigating if eating stimulates the same pleasure centers in the brain as drugs or alcohol.

Dr. Douglas Bunnell, the past president of the National Eating Disorders Association, said the obsession with being skinny and the social acceptance of drinking and using drugs -- along with the sense, lately, that among celebrities, checking into rehab is almost a given, if not downright chic-- are partly to...
Dr. Douglas Bunnell, the past president of the National Eating Disorders Association, said the obsession with being skinny and the social acceptance of drinking and using drugs -- along with the sense,...   (Index Stock)
Dr. Douglas Bunnell, the past president of the National Eating Disorders Association, said the obsession with being skinny and the social acceptance of drinking and using drugs -- along with the sense, lately, that among celebrities, checking into rehab is almost a given, if not downright chic-- are partly to...
Dr. Douglas Bunnell, the past president of the National Eating Disorders Association, said the obsession with being skinny and the social acceptance of drinking and using drugs -- along with the sense,...   (Index Stock)
Diabulimia is among a growing list of variations on the eating disorders anorexia and bulimia that have become buzzwords popping up on Web sites and blogs, on television and in newspaper articles, the New York Times reports. Diabulimia refers to diabetics who avoid taking insulin, which can cause weight gain,...
Diabulimia is among a growing list of variations on the eating disorders anorexia and bulimia that have become buzzwords popping up on Web sites and blogs, on television and in newspaper articles, the...   (Associated Press)
Studies show that binge drinking and alcohol abuse are on the rise among women, who are also more prone than men to eating disorders, the New York Times reports. About 25 to 33 percent of bulimics also struggle with alcohol or drugs, according to a study published last year in...
Studies show that binge drinking and alcohol abuse are on the rise among women, who are also more prone than men to eating disorders, the New York Times reports. About 25 to 33 percent of bulimics also...   (Index Stock)
Dr. Douglas Bunnell, the past president of the National Eating Disorders Association, said the obsession with being skinny and the social acceptance of drinking and using drugs -- along with the sense, lately, that among celebrities, checking into rehab is almost a given, if not downright chic-- are partly to...
Dr. Douglas Bunnell, the past president of the National Eating Disorders Association, said the obsession with being skinny and the social acceptance of drinking and using drugs -- along with the sense,...   (Index Stock)
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,...
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...   (Index Stock)
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