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Binge Drinking and Bulimia In Males
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope
Bulimia is a complex eating disorder characterized by periods of binge eating and compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercising, and/or laxative abuse. Men and women alike are impacted by bulimia nervosa with statistics estimating that 10-15% of individuals with anorexia or bulimia are male1.
These statistics may not be a true portrayal of the number of men struggling with bulimia, as many may refrain from coming forth with their struggles due to fear, shame, or confusion.
The Many Factors of Bulimia Development
Bulimia is a mental illness that results from a multitude of factors that work together to create a “perfect storm”. Many men with bulimia typically have a genetic predisposition, biological vulnerability, and other psychosocial factors that have increased their risk of developing this disorder.
Men who struggle with bulimia may also be at increased risk of developing a co-occurring disorder, or a coinciding mental illness or substance abuse. Because of the many similarities between mental illness and substance abuse, it is not uncommon for these disorders to develop alongside one another.
The Concurrent Issue of Substance Abuse
For some men dealing with bulimia, alcoholism may be a concurrent issue, which can complicate and exacerbate the consequences of mental illness. Research has revealed that a startling 50 percent of individuals with eating disorders have abused alcohol or illicit drugs2. Men who are bulimic and have erratic behaviors with food may also have such approaches towards alcohol.
This may be more prominent in settings where a man has more exposure and/or access to alcohol, or in social situations in which a man is readily given alcohol. Binging and purging behaviors that may be engaged in with food can easily be transferred towards alcohol, which can quickly escalate out of control.
Seeking Help for Bulimia
If you are a man who has been struggling with bulimia and binge drinking, it is crucial to seek out the professional treatment you need to overcome these fatal disorders. Mental illnesses and substance abuse can only lead to vicious cycles of destruction if left untreated. Find the resources you need on Eating Disorder Hope or Addiction Hope to start the process of getting the help you need.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
How might an individual who is struggling with bulimia be more susceptible to binge drinking? If you have struggled with binge drinking and bulimia, what resources were helpful to you for recovery?
References:
- Carlat, D.J., Camargo. Review of Bulimia Nervosa in Males. American Journal of Psychiatry, 154, 1997.
- “Food for Thought: Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders”, http://www.casacolumbia.org/addiction-research/reports/food-thought-substance-abuse-and-eating-disorders Accessed 9 May 2015
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on June 2nd, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
