Why Alcoholism and Eating Disorders are Co-occurring

Research says that alcoholism and eating disorders are linked to each other and they are co-occurring diseases. Nearly 50% people with an eating disorder have been observed to be abusing alcohol/drugs. Substance abuse in people with eating disorders rises five-fold as compared to the general population. The eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and BED (Binge eating disorder).

In both the cases, the addicts often assume that there is a middle ground. Though they are aware of their binging patterns, they assume that as long as they are maintaining moderation. i.e. limiting the amount of intake or cutting on the substance of binge for a certain period of time, they are safe and not vulnerable to addiction. This is unfortunately a false assumption. Even though they cut on the amounts and allow themselves to binge only once In a while, the amount of damage to the body remains the same.

This co-occurring disease generally develops during the teen years or early adulthood. People diagnosed with binge eating disorders cum alcoholism often exhibit a self- destructive kind of a personality. They tend to ignore weight management. People with eating disorders generally tend to pick up alcoholism as a coping technique to escape everyday issues such as shame and guilt caused by overeating and increased general medical complications and psychiatric illnesses.

Drugs, alcohol and eating disorders which are deemed as a solution to numb pain by addicts actually result in degeneration of the vital organs in his/her body. For example, in case of anorexia, people starve themselves a lot. By depriving the body of essential nutrients for a prolonged period of time, while simultaneously indulging in consumption of excess amounts of alcohol, an irreversible damage to the vital organs is possible. This damage may sometimes lead to the death of the abuser.

In contrast to anorexia nervosa, people may have binge eating disorders called bulimia nervosa and BED (Binge eating disorder). In this case, people tend to eat excessive amounts of food along with binging on excessive amounts of alcohol to escape pain and anxiety. Recurrent episodes of binge eating and over exercising, going on vigorous diets and purging is common among people with this disorder.

This behaviour could mount up calories derived from food and alcohol in a person’s body. Also, the person becomes lethargic day by day due to increasing body weight and inability to exercise due to depression. This combination results in various obesity related health issues including heart ailments and liver damage in the concerned addict.

While alcoholism and eating disorders may seem as two different ailments on the surface, there are reasons why one could explain why they tend to co-occur. Addiction behaviours stem out of emotional dysregulation and impulsive behaviour. Most people delve into the habits of addiction to escape stressors. This mood-altering stuff eventually alters the brain function and gives the opposite of any emotion upon consumption.

Addiction not only changes the functioning of neuro-chemicals in the brain but also makes food and alcohol related pleasure a norm for the body. Using multi-disciplinary evidence-based techniques to address both the ailments at a time can help get rid of the condition easily. Cure is just a phone call away to the rehabs that are well equipped with latest treatment options that are not only customised but also affordable.