Understanding the Overlap Between Substance Use and Eating Disorders in Young Adults

“Drunkorexia” is not a formal medical diagnosis, but it is a term that increasingly surfaces in both clinical settings and college campuses alike. It refers to the combination of disordered eating behaviors and alcohol misuse, most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults. While the word may sound casual or even humorous, the reality is serious: drunkorexia is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening behavior pattern that places individuals at risk for both medical and psychological harm.

This blog post explores what drunkorexia is, why it occurs, who is at risk, and what can be done to address it—clinically and culturally.

A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for the Fight for Your Life and Freedom

Making the decision to recover from an eating disorder is not a small moment — it’s an act of courage, a declaration of war against a condition that has long whispered lies, dictated your choices, and disconnected you from yourself.

But just like any battle, recovery requires preparation. It’s not about sheer willpower. It’s about having the right tools — the inner resources, external support, and practical strategies that will help you not only survive the war, but begin to rebuild a life of peace, presence, and purpose.

So if you’re ready to say, “I want to recover,” here are the weapons you'll need to carry.

Bullying is a form of emotional, verbal, or physical harm that can leave lasting psychological effects—especially when experienced during childhood or adolescence. One of the less visible, but highly significant, outcomes of bullying is its connection to the development of eating disorders.

While eating disorders are complex, multifaceted illnesses, the role of peer victimization, body-based teasing, and chronic social stress is well-documented in the pathways leading to disordered eating. Understanding this link is essential for prevention, early intervention, and compassionate care.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Saxenda) are increasingly used for weight management and diabetes, including in patients who have had bariatric surgery. However, there are important considerations regarding safety, effectiveness, and interactions with eating behaviors that must be addressed.

Bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or lap-band procedures, is often considered for individuals with obesity-related health concerns. However, when eating disorders (EDs) are present or untreated, bariatric treatment comes with significant risks, psychological challenges, and potential worsening of disordered eating behaviors.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and eating disorders (EDs) often co-occur, creating a complex and emotionally intense cycle of impulsivity, fear of abandonment, self-destructive behaviors, and difficulties with emotional regulation. Individuals with both conditions may struggle with extreme emotions, unstable self-image, and disordered eating as a way to cope with distress.

Substance use and eating disorders (EDs) frequently co-occur, creating higher health risks and making recovery more challenging. Individuals with EDs may use substances to suppress appetite, control weight, numb emotions, or cope with distress. Because both conditions reinforce each other, treatment must address both the eating disorder and substance use simultaneously.

Many individuals with anorexia nervosa experience ambivalence toward treatment—feeling both a desire to recover and a deep fear of letting go of their disorder. This internal conflict makes treatment challenging, as patients may resist interventions even when they are medically at risk.

Perfectionism is often seen as a negative trait—especially when it fuels eating disorders, anxiety, and self-criticism. However, not all perfectionism is harmful. When understood and managed well, perfectionism can be a gift that fosters resilience, motivation, and success in recovery and life.

Journaling is a powerful tool in eating disorder (ED) recovery. It helps teens and individuals process emotions, track progress, identify triggers, and develop healthier thought patterns about food, body image, and self-worth.

Eating disorder recovery is a long and challenging journey, but full recovery is possible. Many families have walked this path and seen their children regain health, happiness, and a positive relationship with food. Below are realistic and hopeful success stories of kids who have recovered, along with the key lessons their families learned.

Recovering from an eating disorder (ED) as a family is challenging, emotional, and requires structure, patience, and teamwork. Below is an example of what a typical day might look like for a family supporting a child through eating disorder recovery, incorporating meal structure, therapy, emotional support, and self-care.

Therapy is a critical component of pediatric eating disorder recovery, addressing the underlying emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of the disorder. Since eating disorders are not just about food, therapy helps children develop healthy coping mechanisms, challenge disordered thoughts, and rebuild a positive relationship with food and body image.

When a child is diagnosed with an eating disorder (ED), treatment is essential for their physical health, emotional well-being, and long-term recovery. Early intervention increases the likelihood of full recovery, but the process can be challenging and emotional for families. Here’s what to expect from pediatric eating disorder treatment and how parents can support their child through recovery.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by extreme food avoidance and restriction, but unlike anorexia, it is not driven by body image concerns. ARFID goes beyond normal picky eating and can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and social impairments.

Treating pediatric eating disorders effectively involves more than focusing solely on symptoms related to food and body weight. A holistic approach aims to address all aspects of a child’s well-being, including their physical, emotional, social, and developmental needs. By evaluating the whole person rather than isolating the problem to eating behaviors alone, caregivers and professionals can create a more comprehensive plan that fosters lasting recovery