In this episode of the “Eternally Amy” podcast, Amy Liz Harrison and Kate Vitela delve into the often-overlooked connection between eating disorders and addiction, particularly focusing on the concept of ‘Drunkorexia.’ Through their own experiences, they show how disordered eating and drinking too much can be linked in unexpected and sneaky ways.
The discussion shows how social pressure, shame, and keeping secrets can keep these problems going. By talking about their own experiences, the hosts emphasize how important it is to talk about these problems openly and to understand them. They tell people to meet people where they are, have empathy for them, and not criticize their food choices. Lastly, the episode encourages people to recover out loud and help each other on their way to healthier relationships with food and drugs.
In this episode, we also talked about:
- Relationship Between Alcohol Abuse and Eating Disorders
- The Vicious Cycle of Bingeing and Purging With Food and Drink
- Insidiousness of the Drunkorexia Phenomenon
- Cultural Stigmas Against Eating Disorders
- Influence of Societal Compliments on Body Image and Behaviors
- Transitioning to Intuitive Eating and Using Food for Fuel
- The Importance of Self-Esteem, Agency, and Honesty in Recovery
- Supporting Friends in the Midst of Disordered Eating Struggles
- Meeting Others Where They Are in Their Healing Journey
- Impact of Comments and Peer Pressure on Eating Behavior
- Developing Boundaries and Asserting Choices Around Food
YOU’VE BEEN SELECTED: Kate Vitela has been an RN in Pacific Northwest for over two decades. She has been sober since 2018. You’ve Been Selected is a column that describes her journey through addiction, eating disorders, and what is now known as Drunkorexia. The title comes from years of mandatory drug testing Kate endured after nearly ruining her nursing career due to alcohol. Kate recalls seeing these words appear on her phone each day she was chosen to randomly drug test to prove her sobriety to the nursing board.
Kate chronicles her struggle with body image, perfectionism, stigma, shame, and burnout throughout her career. She also turns this twisted narrative into triumph as she internalizes it as a sign from the universe to speak up and tell her story. Kate continues to work as a leader in the mental health nursing field and is studying to become a board-certified nurse coach.
In her free time, Kate is actively involved in the fashion industry in the PNW. She also serves on the board of the Break Free Foundation, which produces twice-annual shows for NYFW. She has been modeling for two years since starting the blog Walk Your Talk.
Follow along with Kate on IG @katevitela or email her directly at vitela.kate@gmail.com
A Disco Ball is Hundreds of Pieces of Broken Glass, Put Together to Make a Magical Ball of Light. You are NOT Broken, Friend. You are a DISCO BALL!
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
