“Drunkorexia” on the Rise in College-Aged Women

PR Log (Press Release) – Oct 12, 2009 – This summer, Eating Disorder Center of Denver (EDC-D) experienced an increase in eating disorder patients with binge drinking problems. Of all the college-aged females enrolled in the program, 75 percent met the criteria for alcohol abuse.

Although co-existing substance abuse is seen through all eating disorders, “drunkorexia” most frequently involves college-aged females who are diagnosed with bulimia and binge drink. Often, these patients either starve all day to offset the caloric intake associated with consuming large amounts of alcohol or they binge, on food and/or alcohol, then purge.

“Drunkorexia” is not an official medical term, but it has recently become a phenomenon in both the eating disorder and addiction fields. EDC-D has tailored its treatment program to account for the co-occurrence of eating disorders and binge drinking.

“Over the last 10 years, the prevalence of both eating disorders and binge drinking has increased on college campuses,” said Dr. Tamara Pryor, EDC-D’s clinical director. “With this increase, we have realized the need to offer a dual focus on substance abuse and eating disorders in the treatment of patients.”

For more information about “drunkorexia” and EDC-D’s treatment program, call EDC-D at (303) 771-0861.

About Eating Disorder Center of Denver
Eating Disorder Center of Denver (EDC-D), an eating disorders treatment facility established in 2001, is committed to empowering individuals 18 years of age and older suffering with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and related disorders to help them achieve and sustain recovery. A multidisciplinary team of board-certified psychiatrists, physicians, clinicians, family therapists and registered dietitians work together to create a specialized, evidenced-based treatment plan for each patient. For additional information about EDC-D, visit www.edcdenver.com or call 303-771-0861.


Media Contact:
Beth Hardy         
Weise Communications
303-996-9940, ext. 107
bethhardy@weiseideas.com