Alcohol consumption during binge-eating episodes and associations with drinking patterns and alcohol problems among...

Individuals with binge-spectrum eating disorders (BSEDs) clinically report drinking alcohol during binge-eating episodes, but no empirical research has yet been conducted. Drinking alcohol during binge-eating episodes may exacerbate overconsumption of food and feelings of guilt or sadness in response to binge eating. Characterizing this co-occurring behavior is therefore an important first step and contribution to knowledge about a potential contributor to binge eating. The current study aimed to characterize alcohol use during binge-eating episodes among adults with BSEDs and determine the relationship between this co-occurrence and demographic characteristics or clinical symptoms. Participants (N = 203) reported the frequency and average number of drinks consumed during binge-eating episodes, demographic measures, eating disorder symptomology, general alcohol use and alcohol problems, and depression symptoms. One-third of participants endorsed drinking alcohol during binge-eating episodes in the past three months, with the most common frequency being "rarely" and the typical number of drinks ranging from 1 to 4 drinks. Higher frequency of alcohol consumption during binge-eating episodes was associated with more frequent drinking generally, greater number of drinks during typical drinking episodes, and greater number of alcohol problems. The study's findings indicate potential associations between alcohol use patterns and binge eating, which could be clinically relevant for providers treating patients who consume alcohol. More research is needed with validated measures of co-occurring alcohol and binge eating episodes and in samples with greater variability of clinical severity and demographics.