The Relationship Between College Drinking and Eating Disorders
College is a new stage of life, full of new beginnings. It is a time to discover who you want to be and where you want to end up—a time to make new, lifelong friendships. For many people, this is a time full of change.
By: Tori Barkosky
Along with the stress of academics, relationships, work, and discovering your path comes the pressure of making new friends and fitting in. And to do so, many students believe it requires a particular body type or shape. Similarly, there is often an unspoken expectation that students should go out with friends at night. “Going out” often involves attending parties, bars, or clubs, where there is usually alcohol present. Eating disorders are more likely to develop in college, along with the cooccurrence of binge drinking.
College Drinking Risks for Eating Disorders
Although college drinking is a problem for the general population, it is further concerning when those with eating disorders engage in this behavior. Consuming alcohol may serve as a destructive coping mechanism and become a replacement for eating. College students with eating disorders may also turn to substances to deal with their issues and escape destructive thought patterns. Eating disorders and alcohol use disorders typically come with similar self-destructive traits characterized by anxiety, perfectionism, and impulsivity. In this way, alcohol is used not only to fit in but also to cope with everyday problems, making college drinking and eating disorders co-occurring.
Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse
Research shows evidence linking eating disorders and alcohol use, stating that almost 50% of people with eating disorders also abuse drugs and alcohol. Furthermore, 25% of people entering treatment for eating disorders meet the criteria for problems relating to substance abuse. Alcohol can play a significant role in the lives of individuals with eating disorders, perhaps to numb problems and relieve pain and anxiety. Restricting essential nutrients with overconsumption of alcohol may cause irreversible damage to vital organs and lead to behavioral problems and depression, along with the side effects of eating disorders alone.
Tips for Recovery Around College Drinking
Treatment centers for eating disorders and alcohol misuse address unhelpful behaviors and provide the care individuals need. However, there are actionable steps to take when entering college to prevent this vicious cycle:
Surround yourself with others with the same intentions to keep you accountable.
Seek professional help or reach out to loved ones in times of need.
Spend time with people who make you feel good and bring out the best in you.
Remind yourself you are enough as you are, and your body is the least exciting thing about you.
Keep yourself focused and motivated to attain your goals.
College can be a trying time, but it does not have to be. Set intentions and goals for yourself and find gratitude in the little things. Reach out to people when you are feeling down, alone, or upset, and remember that recovery is possible.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating behaviors and body image issues.
Our admissions team would happily answer any questions about our programs and services or to learn about what eating disorder recovery might look like for you. Book a free discovery call with our admissions team below, or read more about our philosophy here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Tori Barkosky (she/her).
Tori is a recent graduate of St. Catherine University, having earned a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Nutrition Science. Tori is passionate about all things related to intuitive eating, HAES, mental health, body respect, eating disorders, and disordered eating. She also geeks out on neuroscience and loves studying the brain and its anatomy. Tori currently works as a Mental Health Practitioner at an eating disorder clinic. Outside work, she enjoys practicing yoga, exploring nature, and drinking coffee.
References
“Alcohol and Eating Disorders.” Alcohol Rehab Guide, 11 Aug. 2022, https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/resources/dual-diagnosis/alcohol-eating-disorders/.
“Eating Disorders and Alcoholism.” Eating Recovery Center, 1 Apr. 2016, https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/blog/signs-symptoms/The-Link-Between-Eating-Disorders-Alcohol-Abuse.
“Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders in College.” Addiction Group, 9 Aug. 2022, https://www.addictiongroup.org/addiction/eating-disorders-college/.