What is Alkorexia? - symptoms of mental disorders

Dr Barbara Nawrot Updated: November 20, 2025, 12:46 Table of Contents

• What is alkorexia (drunkorexia)?

• Causes of alkorexia

• Who is most commonly affected by drunkorexia?

• What are the effects of alkorexia?

• Treatment of alkorexia (drunkorexia)

Alkorexia, also known as drunkorexia, is an increasingly described mental disorder that combines elements of alcohol addiction and eating disorders. It most commonly affects young adults, especially students and people who function intensively in party environments. The problem is that alcohol begins to play the role of a meal substitute – instead of eating, the person drinks, which leads to serious health consequences. What exactly is alkorexia, what symptoms does it present, and what causes it? Why are some people more susceptible to developing this disorder than others?

What is alkorexia (drunkorexia)?

Alkorexia, also called drunkorexia, is an eating disorder closely linked to the problem of excessive alcohol consumption. It involves intentionally restricting meals or starving in order to

"save" calories for high-proof drinks. In practice, this means that a person affected by alkorexia gives up food in order to drink alcohol without guilt and not worry about weight gain.

It's worth emphasizing that alcohol itself is very caloric – a glass of wine or a cocktail can provide as much energy as a full meal. For this reason, people suffering from alkorexia often additionally engage in compensatory behaviors, such as intensive physical exercise or inducing vomiting. Drunkorexia is therefore a combination of dangerous mechanisms – alcohol addiction and eating disorder – and can lead to serious health consequences, both physical and mental.

Causes of alkorexia

The causes of alkorexia most often have a psychological basis and result from social and environmental factors. People struggling with this disorder often feel strong pressure to maintain a slim figure, while at the same time abusing alcohol, usually for social purposes or as a form of escape from difficult emotions. Drunkorexia is therefore a consequence of obsessive thinking about appearance, combined with a destructive lifestyle or way of coping with stress. Past experiences also have a major influence on the development of alkorexia, especially various types of trauma, low self-esteem, or lack of emotional support. Risk factors also include relationships in peer groups where alcohol consumption is the norm and a slim figure is treated as a measure of attractiveness. In such an environment, drinking alcohol and giving up meals become a way to gain acceptance. See also: Why do teenagers reach for alcohol?

Who is most commonly affected by drunkorexia?

Alkorexia most commonly appears in young people, mainly during student age and early adulthood. It is precisely during this period of life that peer pressure, the fashion for a slim figure, and intensive social life become particularly strong. People affected by this disorder often do not accept their appearance and, convinced that alcohol can replace a meal, begin to restrict food in order not to gain weight. Research shows that drunkorexia affects women more often than men. This is due to the fact that women are more strongly exposed to cultural pressure related to appearance and the pursuit of a slim figure. However, this does not mean that men are free from this problem. An increasing number of alkorexia cases are also observed among them, especially in environments where the fashion for intensive partying and regular alcohol consumption prevails.

What are the effects of alkorexia?

Restrictive food limitation combined with consuming large amounts of alcohol leads to malnutrition and serious nutritional deficiencies. People struggling with drunkorexia often suffer from:

• anemia

• chronic lack of energy

• hormonal disorders.

In young girls, this can result in delayed onset of menstruation or even its complete absence. Among the effects of alkorexia, we also observe:

• general weakening of the body

• deterioration of skin condition

• brittle nails

• hair loss

• chronic fatigue.

Improper nutrition disrupts the bone mineralization process, which is particularly dangerous for young people because it increases the risk of osteoporosis in the future. Additionally, problems with the cardiovascular system, electrolyte fluctuations, as well as irregularities in the functioning of the nervous system appear. The negative effects of drunkorexia are intensified by the toxic effects of alcohol. Regular consumption of high-proof drinks without an adequate diet primarily burdens the liver and pancreas, which can lead to serious inflammatory conditions, cirrhosis, or chronic organ inflammation. The psychological consequences cannot be forgotten. Alkorexia promotes:

• mood swings

• guilt

• anxiety disorders

• in many cases leads to depression.

As a result, a vicious circle is created – alcohol becomes a way to temporarily alleviate emotions, but at the same time deepens health and mental problems.

Treatment of alkorexia (drunkorexia)

Alkorexia requires treatment that covers both the alcohol problem and eating disorders. The first step is regaining control over drinking. Methods supporting abstinence, such as an alcohol implant, can be helpful in this. Equally important is restoring proper eating habits. The role of a dietitian is to develop a meal plan rich in vitamins and minerals that will rebuild the depleted body. Psychological support is also necessary – therapy helps understand the mechanisms of alkorexia, work on body image, and learn to cope with emotions without alcohol. Treatment of drunkorexia requires time and commitment, but it gives a real chance to regain health and balance in life. If you notice symptoms of alkorexia in yourself or a loved one, don't delay! The sooner you seek professional help, the easier it is to regain control.

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