‘Drunkorexia’ is a term that is of recent coinage. It describes the condition of being drunk along with anorexia. Anorexia is actually a biological, brain-based disorder where one excessively fears weight gain and thus, reduces the food intake. In this context however, it seems to be more of a disorder of mind. It refers to the condition where one starves oneself to ‘save on the calories’ which are then utilized for binge drinking. In a bid to remain thin, people wear themselves down and they indulge into drinking at night. This drunkorexia is observed in a more pronounced manner among females. The combination of two problems, starvation and alcohol consumption makes it a deadly fad.
What’s in the trend?
Nowadays, young women face excessive pressure to maintain a body that fits the ideal image. At times due to the peer pressure they indulge in drinking during social meetings and gatherings. Alcohol adds to the calories and so, young women get caught in the horns of a dilemma, choosing between drinking and remaining thin. They choose the most dangerous option of starving themselves to later binge on alcohol. This trend is on a rise because it seems ‘cool’ to drink and ‘hot’ to have a great body. For instance, the Auckland Hospital has reported almost a 30 percent rise in the past five years in the number of youngsters being admitted due to alcohol-related issues.
Dangerous teen fad: Why?
This Drunkorexia is a dangerous teen fad. It could lead even to death in worst cases. And it affects anyone who indulges in it without any exception. Here are some of the deadliest problems that this fad brings along.
1. Skipping meals can result in low blood sugar and energy throughout the day. This can often lead to weakness and fainting.
2. When drunkorexia is done frequently, it could lead to severe malnutrition. The body receives no proteins, vitamins, minerals and salts. Alcohol provides the necessary calories alone. The malnutrition reduces the immunity and greater susceptibility to medical problems. At times, it can lead even to cardiac complications and brain injuries.
3. Starvation leads to one being severely dehydrated. Alcohol consumption further dehydrates the body. Such an extreme dehydration can affect the vital organs.
4. The susceptibility of those who indulge in drunkorexia is high when it comes to seizures and comas. Many cases require hospitalization. Persisting with such behavior could lead to irreversible damage to the liver, kidneys, stomach and the intestine.
5. Alcohol is an addictive substance. Those who drink it empty stomach are at a greater risk of drinking more as the body is craving for food. Thus, the chances of them becoming addicted drinkers is very high.
6. Starvation makes the body weak and susceptible. Alcohol gives a false sense of being high and having strength. This could lead the person to indulge in activities that could cause grievous bodily harm.
Why is it worse for teen girls?
The foremost reason of ‘Drunkorexia’ being worse for the teen girls compared to the teen boys is the fact that the female body has been built in a more delicate manner as compared to the male body. Thus, the problems and dangers listed above affect the female body with great intensity. Here are some more reasons why it is worse for teen girls:
1. Women metabolize alcohol in a manner different from men. Thus, compared to the teen boys, teen girls get affected more intensely.
2. Girls hit puberty before boys and thus, their growth phase occurs before the boys. So, the chances of teen girls getting affected by drunkorexia is greater as compared to teen boys.
3. The rate of getting sick and damaging the internal organs is much faster and higher among teen girls as compared to teen boys.
4. The excess of alcohol makes the teen girls into easy targets for sexual abuse.
5. The increased chances of sexual behavior, increases the chances of deadly sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS, Gonorrhea, Syphilis etc.
6. Teen girls face great pressure to maintain an ideal body shape. This makes them more susceptible to indulge in this behavior.
