How Acupuncture Helps in Treating Addiction

Acupuncture Helps in Treating Addiction

Treatment for addiction isn’t a one size fits all proposition. Just as each person is unique, so too are the circumstances of their addiction and, crucially, what will work best in helping them get past it.

Traditional methods of rehab like individual and group therapy, also known as talk therapy or psychotherapy, have been shown to work absolute wonders for those grappling with substance abuse but that’s not the end all, be all of your options.

Alternative and complementary treatments serve to create a more holistic approach to recovery. 

Of these alternatives, few are more well known than acupuncture. 

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a practice used in traditional Chinese medicine and is a technique in which specific points on the body are stimulated by inserting fine needles through the skin. Remarkably, the use of acupuncture as a method of treatment dates back roughly 3,000 years.

Traditional Chinese medicine and eastern medicine, in general, have been growing in popularity for years now and acupuncture has certainly seen some of the widest acceptance with more than 10 million treatments administered every year in the United States.

It’s worth noting, and to avoid confusion, that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is considered a complementary approach in the United States. TCM is predicated on the concept of Qi, usually translated as “vital energy” and the theory of “yin and yang” or the harmony of all the opposite elements and forces that make up existence. The belief of TCM, therefore, is that:

  • Harmony brings health, wellbeing, and sustainability
  • Disharmony leads to illness, disease, and collapse

So while on the surface it may seem like it’s just sticking needles in the body, there is a concrete and exact intention with each placement. To bring balance to the flow of energy. More precisely, “acupuncture is based on the complex TCM theory that an energy (Qi) flows through meridians in each organ and most acupoints are located along one of these meridians. Because diseases are caused by an imbalance or disturbance of Qi, needling at these acupoints can harmonize Qi and cure diseases”.

That knowledge is all well and good but what’s the benefit of acupuncture for addiction?

How Does Acupuncture Help When Treating Addiction?

Seeing as how addiction throws the body and mind into chaos, or disharmony and imbalance to put it in the language of acupuncture, it stands to reason that any approach that works towards balance and harmony could have a positive effect.

Among the benefits people tend to find with acupuncture are a reduction in cravings and an alleviation of the potential discomfort or pain associated with treatment (i.e., withdrawal symptoms). Additionally, acupuncture can help relieve the stress and anxiety that can creep in when you’re working towards sobriety. With lower stress levels, less pain and reduced cravings, you’ll likely start to get better sleep as well.

It’s been shown that “prominent effects of acupuncture are increases in the levels of enkephalin, epinephrine, endorphin, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the central nervous system and plasma [8] that might mediate substance abuse”. “Might” is the operative word here and is extremely important for context. This technique is not intended to be a standalone treatment for addiction in and of itself. It’s defined as complementary for a reason and acupuncture should only be one facet of a more full-spectrum treatment program.

That’s the whole idea behind holistic treatment, to treat the whole person. Drugs and alcohol are an incredibly destabilizing force on your entire being and in order to set yourself up for a long lasting recovery, it’s important to approach treatment with that in mind.

Get Treatment at Inneractions

At Inneractions in the San Fernando Valley, we understand the value that alternative treatment methods offer in overcoming addiction. If you’re curious about acupuncture and whether it’s right for you, get in touch with us and let’s chat about it.

Addiction and Trauma Treatment in California

Addiction and Trauma Treatment in California

It should come as no surprise that there’s a close relationship between addiction and trauma. Of course, that by no means is to say that one necessitates or causes the other, but it is quite common that trauma and mental health issues accompany substance abuse.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that there are 3 pathways that contribute to the coexistence of these two things:

  1. Common risk factors can contribute to both mental illness and substance use and addiction.
  2. Mental illness may contribute to substance use and addiction.
  3. Substance use and addiction can contribute to the development of mental illness.

Are Addiction and Trauma Related?

The short answer is that yes, they very much are related and it’s notable that north of 25% of adults with serious mental issues also have a substance abuse problem.

In fact, a report by the National Trauma Consortium found that “the prevalence of physical and sexual abuse among women in substance abuse treatment programs is estimated to range from 30 percent to more than 90 percent, depending on the definition of abuse and the specific target population”.

Truly astonishing statistics and it goes without saying this sort of comorbidity is not limited to women. Men, as well, frequently have trauma-related addiction problems.

The spectrum of trauma is vast and each individual is equipped to cope with it differently. What may be nothing for someone could be another person’s worst case scenario. While adults, by nature of having lived longer and experienced more in life, are generally better able to deal with a traumatic event, the trauma that we experience as children can, and often does, have ripple effects that can extend well into adulthood.

Research has consistently shown a link between childhood trauma, substance use and PTSD, with one study explicitly stating that it “confirms previous findings of a strong relationship between adverse childhood experience and subsequent substance use and poor mental health outcomes, particularly PTSD. In all subjects, physical abuse correlated with the use of all substances examined…”

Taking it back to the top and those 3 pathways, you can see how a traumatic experience, either in childhood or as an adult, could lead to substance use as a coping mechanism.

On the flip side, one of the effects of long term substance abuse is the fundamental rewiring and changing of the brain over time which can lead to the development of mental health issues like paranoia, depression, anxiety and more.

The formal term for when both are present, a mental disorder and a drug and/or alcohol problem, is dual diagnosis.

Why You Should Seek Professional Addiction and Trauma Treatment

Given that they so frequently go hand in hand, it would make sense for addiction and trauma treatment to be taken together as well. Fortunately, there are facilities that do just that.

Seeking treatment for both, at the same time, is the most holistic and penetrating method of treatment. Why? Because it tackles both issues and their interplay. How one informs the other.

Fact is, if you detox the body but don’t dig deep enough to uncover the real, root cause of your substance abuse and addiction, the chance of relapse remains high because the actual problem technically hasn’t been solved. The new coping mechanism you develop in rehab for triggers may not work in the long run because there was no internal resolution to the trauma you experienced.

Inneractions Is Here to Treat Your Trauma and Addiction

At Inneractions, that idea of treating the whole person directly informs our philosophy. We understand the interlinkage between trauma and addiction because we’ve seen it firsthand and have successfully helped so many people to the other side of both.

If you or a loved one have co-occurring trauma and addiction or just have questions, get in touch with us.

Finding an Alcohol Rehab in Woodland Hills

The very act of deciding to go to rehab is already an achievement worthy of celebration. It’s not simple and it’s certainly not easy.

Alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder tend to wrap us up tight in what can falsely feel like a warm embrace. The drink becomes a crutch and coping mechanism for dealing with whatever our problems may be. Big and small.

The longer chronic alcohol use goes unchecked, the more we fall back on it and grow yet more dependent. It’s why quitting becomes increasingly more difficult and why eventually deciding to get treatment is a big step in its own right.

The self-awareness to make that move is huge.

What’s also important though is not just knowing you want to get better on a deeply personal level but also where that healing process takes place. The where can help and actually even compliment the how in that sense.

Even if you’re not from California yourself, there are benefits to considering alcohol rehab in Woodland Hills, CA. 

Who Should Go to an Alcohol Rehab in Woodland Hills CA?

Whether you’re in our neighborhood, in northern California, on the east coast or anywhere in between, venturing to Woodland Hills for rehab can be a boon to your recovery prospects.

For starters, depending on where you are there genuinely might not be robust, thorough and well-reputed treatment centers to begin with. At Inneractions, we’ve been doing this for quite a while so we not only understand the process but know what those with alcoholism truly need to succeed on their journey of recovery.

Our highly trained and qualified counselors and mental health professionals have a combined 30+ years of experience with alcohol use disorder and addiction. That type of concentrated and deeply developed knowledge isn’t available just anywhere, but it is our Woodland Hills rehab.

In addition to the expertise you’ll find in California, going to a new place altogether allows you to leave behind negativity and potential triggers. On a basic level, where you are and who you’re with could very well be contributing to your alcohol problems. If you’re in a toxic environment with people that rely on drugs and alcohol, that’s a tough place to get sober.

Moreover, leaving some of the relationships with friends or significant others behind can help you gain perspective.

Heading to a new part of the country, city or state gives you a chance to live within a sober community and have a laser-like focus on building a foundation for lasting sobriety. It quite literally puts distance between you and everything else. Alcohol rehab in Woodland Hills, CA allows you to put all distractions out of your mind and work on only what matters: recovery.

Also, there’s the plain old matter of privacy. Staying wherever you are for treatment is certainly doable and at the end of the day it’s all about getting better but some people prefer to keep that journey to themselves. If you’re attending a treatment facility in your own area, there are chances you’ll bump into people who you may not want to know that you’re in recovery. Now, that being said, this isn’t to say that there’s anything to be ashamed or embarrassed about regarding rehab at all. It’s to be celebrated. Addiction can happen to anyone after all but telling people should be left exclusively up to you and you shouldn’t have to feel like you’re sneaking around.

How Inneractions Can Help You Get Sober from Alcohol

As we mentioned above, we’ve been at this quite a while at Inneractions, in Woodland Hills, CA and that’s given us deep and profound knowledge on what really works for people. Let that experience of helping countless people get their lives back and onto the path of leading fulfilled, sober lives guide you as well.

Reach out to us and let’s get started.

How Telecommuting Impacts Mental Health

 

In theory, the idea of working from home can sound like a dream come true. For one thing, it eliminates the hassle of commuting. It also can lead to increased productivity, as you may be more focused in your personal environment. But, as recent studies have shown, there could be some detriments as well; particularly when it comes to mental health.

 

According to a new article on the Forbes website, remote workers often struggle with anxiety, depression or even social phobias. Loneliness is also a big issue (as many as 19 percent of home workers claim to experience this), along with self-doubt (which covers 22 percent) since you may not receive regular gratification for your output.

 

Therapeutic consultant Dr. Amy Cirbus, PhD spoke to Forbes about this particular phenomenon, emphasizing a host of common mental health symptoms.

 

“Remote workers often experience symptoms of anxiety and depression at a higher rate than people commuting to traditional office spaces,” she explained. “Specifically, they report feelings of isolation and loneliness and high rates of worry about job performance and stability. Insomnia and sleep disturbance are common, along with increased fatigue, irritation, sadness and feelings of disconnection. Remote workers report a lack of concentration and focus that can compound and exacerbate these mental health challenges. It can lead to a loss of self-worth and a questioning of one’s abilities. Combined together, these symptoms can have a significant impact on job performance, job satisfaction and the efficiency of productive work.”

 

Those who freelance often have the added stress of looking for new work to do from home. Job projects can come and go in an instant, so the fear of unemployment and not paying bills is constantly on their minds.

 

There are also physical issues to address. Being on call throughout the night (for many who telecommute for international companies) can interrupt much needed sleep. Sitting in uncomfortable chairs, as opposed to something ergonomic that you would find in an office, can easily create stressors for the body and mind. And let’s not forget the addiction component, as you have much more freedom to drink and use when not in a corporate setting. So, as uncomfortable as it may sound, sometimes cubicles do have their benefits.

 

The keys to successfully staying out of harm’s way (per Forbes) involve building a support network of people you can physically interact with, investing in a functional home office and seeking out therapeutic services if you’re experiencing emotional struggles.

 

Adults Coping With Alcoholic Parents

 

Growing up in an alcoholic household can be tremendously traumatic for a child. But there are instances when the problem remains buried or perhaps nonexistent until that child reaches adulthood. As you grow older and more observant, you may begin picking up signals that a parent in the home was hiding an addiction. And as difficult as it may be; once you hit adulthood, you may be called upon to identify and resolve this life-threatening issue.

 

The BBC actually flagged this growing trend on their website. In an article on their homepage, the global news outlet called out a sharp increase in grown children taking their parents into treatment. For example, the Association for the Children of Alcoholics (also known as ACOA) received inquiries from more than 23,000 people last year. That pales in comparison to the stats from 2013, which leveled off at 6,400.

 

But the data doesn’t end there. The site went on to report that as many as one in three older adults battling alcoholism first developed it later in life. Now there could be a myriad of reasons for this occurrence. An aging parent may find themselves drinking after the loss of a spouse, or perhaps depression after retirement. They could also be dealing with more physical pain at an advanced age and look to booze as a coping mechanism.

 

This scenario can be especially difficult for the adult children, as they never grew up with alcoholism in the home. Seeing a problem occur somewhat suddenly in an older parent can stir up a variety of difficult emotions, as NACOA rep Stephanie Page explained to The BBC.

 

“The parent may have retired and is lonely; they may have had issues adjusting to retirement,” Page told he site. “The adult child of the alcoholic often finds that really difficult because they haven’t seen this side of them before and they may not know what to do. It can be really surreal seeing this side to your parent.”

 

Having to take the lead and “reverse roles” with a parent can be very difficult, especially when it comes to seeking out treatment. At Inneractions, we have been through these instances countless times and are happy to offer support or counseling before step one is taken. If you or someone you are close to is dealing with an alcoholic older parent, please reach out so they can get the care and recovery regimen they need.

 

Parenting A Grieving Child

 

Grief can take many forms, depending what age you may be. Imagine the tremendous loss you would feel if your spouse passed away. Now imagine what the experience would be like for your child. The truth of the matter is, kids process these feelings much differently than adults and it is important to understand the nuances.

 

Recently, The American Academy of Pediatrics (aka The AAP) published a helpful guide for parents of grieving children. Several scenarios are explored, but the most common pertains to a spouse who may have lost their life. It doesn’t matter if it was sudden or following a gradual illness, the pain will still resonate throughout the household. Ultimately, a tricky balance emerges where the surviving loved one must grieve for themselves and also care give.

 

Though you may not realize it, children tend to have a lot of empathy. Depending on their age, they may shift their concerns toward the surviving parent and the urgency to “take care of their needs.” They may also experience deep anxiety, thinking that whoever’s left may soon pass away as well. In any case, reassurance is critical; as it helps to ease worries about another dramatic event happening in the home.

 

There is also the difficult hurdle of explaining death to a young child. For them, it is a foreign concept and they will often have a hard time making sense of such a loss. The AAP guide singled this out as a common challenge for parents of grieving children.

 

“Especially in these difficult moments, your love and support are very important to your children,” the guide explains. “They learn how to deal with their grief by watching what you do to cope. However, if the task of explaining death feels overwhelming to you right now, you may want to have someone else assist you with the discussion. Adults can help children understand death accurately. This involves more than simply giving them the facts. It means helping them grasp some important new concepts.”

 

It is advised to speak gently, but frankly to children. As easy as it may seem to soften the blow with the hope that a deceased loved one will return, it is important to never pass along misleading information. You can also create artistic or journaling activities to help tell a story and illustrate the changes happening around them.

 

And setting aside time for professional help is highly recommended. As mentioned above, having a proper support system can make a major difference in how you handle this type of scenario. If an issue like this is impacting your family, please do not be afraid to reach out.

 

Why Are More Women Abusing Opioids?

 

As the opioid addiction crisis continues to cripple the country, more studies are underway to determine some of the causes behind these dependencies. Of course it’s hard to pinpoint one single underlying factor, but there are some interesting trends that have been emerging regarding painkiller abuse and gender. In the case of women, for example, certain research has shown that domestic violence may play a role in why females begin using.

 

Nabila El-Bassel is a professor of social work at Columbia University. In article for the academic site The Conversation, she discussed examples and stats that may lend credence to the physical abuse theory. El-Bassel also touched upon the slippery slope many addicted women face and how an opioid dependency can quickly evolve into heroin needles and the potential for HIV contractions.

 

“Research has repeatedly indicated that drug use is associated with partner violence, specifically against women, who may be particularly susceptible to such violence when under the influence of opioids,” El-Bassel wrote. “Living with substance use disorders puts these women into a number of contexts that expose them to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases that jeopardize their survival in many ways.”

 

Another harsh reality is that domestic violence can lead to painkiller prognoses. It’s a sad fact, but there are many abused women who need to be hospitalized for their injuries; breaking bones and receiving brutal concussions. A common treatment method for that has been opioid prescriptions, in the hope that they can reduce the severe physical ailments. So, in essence, the household violence could ultimately lead to a woman’s first exposure to opioids.

 

El-Bassel also brings up the fact that abusive male spouses sometimes purposely feed addictions to assert more control. A common technique will be undermining a woman’s attempt to get sober and preying on sensitive emotions. It is ultimately done as a form of dominance.

 

One other alarming stat brought up by El-Bassel was the fact that women are nearly three times less likely to receive the life-saving naloxone treatment during an overdose. In her opinion, it was because women may be devalued and there could be a gender barrier involved that first responders may not be aware of.

 

El-Basel finished her piece with some recommendations on how society as a whole can help to change the stigma.

 

“Women who use drugs face multilayers of stigma and disbelief, preventing them from disclosing problems such as partner violence,” she wrote. “Staying in treatment is difficult for women when services are designed and delivered by men who may not know how to create an environment of trust for women. These issues must be changed if we are serious on addressing the opioid epidemic among women.”

 

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Breaks the Cycle of Addiction

cognitive behavioral therapy cbt addiction

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, has been posited by numerous studies(1) and mental health facilities(2) as an effective form of treatment for disorders ranging from substance dependency, anxiety, and depression to post-traumatic stress (PTSD). CBT has been shown to be effective both as a primary treatment, alone or in conjunction with medication, and in cases where medication has failed to yield satisfactory results. CBT treatment is regarded by many mental health professionals and organizations, including (3) the World Health Organization and National Institute of Mental Health, as the “gold standard” of psychotherapy.

CBT usually consists of a weekly one-on-one session with a therapist over a period of six to 12 weeks. The therapy focuses on addressing present negative thoughts and feelings, and, with the help of a therapist, enables patients to develop practical coping mechanisms to identify and then reframe the thoughts in order to generate a healthier, more positive outlook. Once the CBT skills are learned, they can be practiced outside the therapeutic relationship, and should be incorporated in daily routines. “Using CBT lets us work on the unhealthy thought patterns that lead us to substance dependency and other mental health issues, among other behaviors – we are killing two birds with one stone,” says associate marriage and family therapist Jessica Fieldman.

CBT sessions can take a number of different forms and employ different tools, depending on the patient’s particular needs. While talk therapy is the most common way for individuals to begin CBT, there are other formats that may provide similar tools and results to that application, including group therapy, videos, books, computer software and web sites. The growth in popularity of CBT can be attributed in part to its reduced time commitment, compared to other modalities. In fact, CBT treatment can be completed in as few as five to 20 sessions. But CBT also offers a variety of other benefits, including ones that can be of immense value to patients struggling with addition.

CBT presents the patient with real-world skills that can be applied directly to the internal responses – thoughts, emotions, physical reactions, and dependency-related behavior, including high-risk behavior, cravings and urges, “permission-giving beliefs” and adverse psychological reactions to a relapse or slip (3A) – that are making them feel unable to progress in their lives. “Once a person recognizes that the thoughts they have are creating negative consequences, CBT becomes an effective mechanism in transforming these negative feelings and thoughts,” says Angela M. Rukule, M.S.Ed. M.F.T. and clinical therapist at Inneractions. “A negative mindset can change into a different way of thinking, offering opportunity for change. Instead of jumping to conclusions, the client can be offered a less anxiety-producing way to evaluate a situation fully. Removing the need to catastrophize each situation allows the client to approach difficult problems with more openness and far less panic.”

Additionally, CBT has been very effective when employed in conjunction with medication, or when prescription treatment alone has not yielded positive results. A study(4) conducted by researchers from the Family Institute at Northwestern University found that recovery rates for patients with recurrent and severe depressions who received both CBT and medication were substantially higher (81%) than for those who only received medication. The former patients also reported experiencing fewer serious side effects.

In a number of different studies, CBT has yielded impressive results in both for young people(5) and for adults of all ages. Children as young as six years of age have responded positively, with an approximate 70-80% response rate, and even those as young as two or three can benefit from the approach with parental support and gradual exposure. Elderly patients have also shown consistently positive response(6) to CBT treatment for depression and late-life anxiety.

Are there scenarios for which CBT may not be effective? The answer lies more (7) with the patient employing the treatment than with the treatment itself. CBT requires patients to explore the issues that create discomfort – the stressors, the external situations that create negative reactions. For those unwilling to commit to all that CBT may entail – from the necessary number of sessions to outside writing assignments – CBT may only yield limited results.

But for those ready to make a positive change in their outlook and behavior, CBT may provide the skills and tools to effect significant improvement. “When we become more aware of our thoughts and beliefs, we are able to challenge their reality and substance,” says Loree Cohen, M.S. L.C.S.W. and Clinical Director of Inneractions. “We can attack our faulty thoughts and beliefs by using a variety of techniques that are specifically designed to increase awareness. I use it as a therapeutic technique, but do so in my personal life as well. I would venture to say that I do it automatically. It’s like a daily check-in.”
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Paul Gaita is a writer based in Los Angeles. He has contributed to Amazon.com, the Los Angeles Times and LA Weekly, The Fix.com and many other publications and web sites.
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1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5797481/
2 https://www.thecbtclinic.com/pros-cons-of-cbt-therapy
3 https://www.starlingminds.com/data-science-cognitive-behaviour-therapy/
3 https://beckinstitute.org/treating-substance-misuse-disorders-cbt/
4 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150311160240.htm
5 https://www.worrywisekids.org/node/22
6 https://austinpublishinggroup.com/depression-anxiety/fulltext/depression-v2-id1063.pdf
7 https://connectusfund.org/15-pros-and-cons-of-cognitive-behavioral-therapy

Anxiety’s Physical Manifestations

Yes the term may be “mental health,” but in reality many of the emotional hurdles people face can also lead to serious physical symptoms. Anxiety, in particular, shows itself in a variety of ways, evolving into painful struggles that can have a real impact on the human body. The website Bustle recently touched upon this, highlighting a series of symptoms that are tied to chronic agitation.

Though you may not realize it, stomach problems tend to be associated with anxiety. Research has shown a clear link between this mental health struggle and the human gut. Symptoms can include everything from indigestion, to searing belly aches, to the need to physically vomit. Resility Health clinical director Kirsten Fescoe spoke to Bustle about this particular ailment, emphasizing its commonality.

“Each time we experience stress and don’t manage it, it builds in our body,” she explained. “Many people living with high levels of stress and anxiety experience stomach issues of all sorts. Both mental health professionals, as well as physicians, can help you deal with these unpleasant symptoms.”

Back pain is another major symptom of anxiety. This also can be related to tension and perhaps the way you physically carry yourself when you are under a lot of stress. Muscle tension falls under the category as well, whether it be because of clenched fists or even jitters during a tense moment.

Another physical manifestation is headaches. This could be a lingering pain or a sharp, shooting migraine after a stressful encounter. A common stereotype you see is people rubbing their temples during a period of anxiousness, but there is some truth behind that. Additionally, the head pains often lead to a lack of concentration. As Fescoe mentioned in the article, difficulty focusing is a common side effect (which, in turn, can create even more stress).

The last major callout has to do with a general lack of sleep. We all know the physical toll a night of tossing and turning can lead to. And one of anxiety’s biggest side effects is, in fact, insomnia. Often times, the time we are lying in bed is the time we set aside to ruminate and potentially focus on anxious habits. Not addressing this (and averaging less than your fair share of rest hours each night) can have long term health effects on major internal organs.

Our advice is to always check in with a mental health professional before any of these “minor” aches and pains turn into something much more serious.

The ‘Drunkorexia’ Phenomenon

They often say that one disorder can feed into another. And that apparently is the case with a newer issue called “drunkorexia.” Covered in outlets like The Washington Post, this alarming trend involves purposely avoiding food throughout the day in preparation for a night of binge drinking. Worse yet…purging is also commonly linked, as a way to consume heavy cocktails without gaining weight.

Apparently, this is a growing phenomenon among primarily females. As the article explains…many young women do get caught up with body image concerns, while also getting enticed by the party-like atmosphere of college.

“Drunkorexia addresses the need to be the life of the party while staying extremely thin, pointing to a flawed mindset about body image and alcoholism among college students, mostly women,” Post journalist Cara Rosenbloom writes in her article. “But drinking in this manner is dangerous, particularly because the lack of food in the stomach means a faster absorption of alcohol.”

Indeed, it is common knowledge that drinking on an empty stomach can do a lot more damage on organs like the liver. It also lowers the immune system and puts people (especially with low weight counts) at a much greater risk for alcohol poisoning.

And when you think about young women on a college campus, the idea of being blackout drunk can raise many other concerns. Sadly, we are all aware of the sexual assault risks that can happen at those wild parties. Not to mention the drunk driving dangers and the possibility of fights and physical violence.

In an earlier article on The Fix website, drunkorexia was called out as a major concern. For one thing, it was reported that as many as 16 percent of U.S. college students engage in this practice. Plus with the advent of social media, airbrushed supermodels and glorified Instagram icons, “perfect” looks and body sizes are often thrust in front of these 20-somethings’ faces.

Dr. Douglas Bunnell, former president of the National Eating Disorders Association, was interviewed for the piece and believed that anorexia and alcoholism make for a very dangerous combination. He also mentioned that it was easy to see the allure of both from the eyes of a vulnerable young coed.

“Both disorders are behaviors that are glorified and reinforced,” Dr. Bunell told the site. “Binge drinking is almost cool and hip, and losing weight and being thin is a cultural imperative for young women in America. Mixing both is not surprising, and it has reached a tipping point in terms of public awareness.”