Purging often follows after these spurts of binging on food
Reducing food caloric intake puts a person at risk of not getting the nutrients needed to function properly
There are other risks of the behavior including social humiliating, loss of friends, and poor academic standings. A warning sign for drunkorexia could include someone intentionally skipping meals/excessively cutting calories and engaging in excessive, unhealthy binge drinking.If someone is concerned with the excessive calories of drinking, there are alternatives that can help lead to healthy decisions. A person could consider choosing drinks that are lower in caloric value, for example, light beer. It is also important that individuals are cognizant of their limits and alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks, like water.
If you or a loved one is suffering from drunkorexia, do not feel ashamed to seek help. There are many resources at universities that help students cope with difficult situations and disorders, and even if there isn't a specific professional for drunkorexia, there are professionals who can assist with eating disorders and alcohol abuse.