Understanding the Link Between Binge Eating and Alcoholism in Adolescents

The Vulnerability of Adolescence

Adolescence is a challenging phase marked by significant brain development. Research indicates that many teenagers exhibit heightened sensitivity to impulsive behaviors during this time. This, combined with an underdeveloped inhibitory system, increases their susceptibility to various addictive behaviors, including substance abuse, anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating.

Impact of Early Substance Use

Engaging in drug and alcohol use during adolescence can lead to a higher likelihood of substance abuse and dependency later in life. While alcohol and drugs are the most extensively studied addictive behaviors among young adults, recent studies suggest that eating for pleasure, rather than out of metabolic necessity, can also trigger dopamine release and activate the brain’s reward centers.

Animal Studies on Binge Eating and Addiction

Research involving animal models has demonstrated that binge eating can heighten vulnerability to alcohol and cocaine addiction. To investigate whether quitting binge eating might make adolescents more prone to using alcohol as a substitute, researchers analyzed the responses of mice in the presence of alcohol.

Research Findings from PLoS One

A recent study published in PLoS One revealed that adolescent mice forced to abstain from binge eating for two weeks exhibited a 6% increase in self-administered alcohol consumption compared to those on a regular diet. This finding suggests that when an organism is compelled to eliminate one addictive behavior, it may become more susceptible to adopting another.

Physiological Changes in the Adolescent Brain

The Spanish research team hypothesizes that these behavioral changes may be linked to physical alterations in the adolescent brain. Binge eating can elevate basal corticosterone levels and alter sensitivity to neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which is integral to the brain’s reward pathways. As a result, the absence of pleasure associated with binge eating may drive these animals to seek out other forms of reward, such as alcohol consumption.

Implications for Human Health

Further research is necessary to ascertain whether these findings are applicable to humans. This potential connection underscores the importance for nutritionists and healthcare professionals to remain vigilant regarding young adults attempting to quit binge eating, as they may be at an increased risk for developing more severe addictive behaviors, such as alcoholism.

Reference

Blanco-Gandia, M.C., Minarro, J., Aguilar, M.A., and Rodriguez-Arias, M. (2018). Increased ethanol consumption after interruption of fat binge eating. PLOS One. 13(3): e0194431.

Author

Written by Calvin J. Chan, B.Sc.