Binge Eating Disorder & Alcohol Use: The Neuroscience Behind the Overlap

Binge eating disorder (BED) and alcohol use often intersect in ways that are both behavioral and neurological. Both conditions involve patterns of impulsivity, emotional regulation, and coping mechanisms, with similar effects on the brain’s reward system. For many, the two can become intertwined, creating a cycle of bingeing that involves both food and alcohol. Understanding the neuroscience behind this connection can shed light on why these behaviors co-occur and how they can be treated effectively.