HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Loss Of Appetite In An Alcoholic?

default
Posted on Tue, 5 Jul 2016
Question: Hi I just found a half empty bottle of strawberry vodka under my 16 year old daughters bed. She recently told me she had experimented with pot but stopped. She has been honest with me that she drinks at some parties having "only" (her words not mine) two beers or one beer and a shot or two shots. I found an 8oz water bottle filled with vodka in her room and she told me she wants her own so she does not take a chance using other peoples vodka. We discussed it and I told her that hard liquor was terrible on her organs. She is an honors student under great stress maintaining her grades doing ballet doing track. Lately I find her to be more grumpy - she has lost weight - she does not want to eat on a regular basis she has a coffee every morning and a banana and then only eats when she gets home. My father was an alcoholic my brother was a cocaine addict and her grandma and aunt on the other side have addiction issues. I believe I may have a highly functioning alcoholic daughter now and need some very direct advice on how to proceed forward. She has taken AP honors tests, SAT tests, prep courses and maintained her GPA of 3,90 and all her activities so I see no change in that side of things but I am so worried now. Please help me.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

There are a couple things that are definitely concerning here. Her alcohol use is likely more than she is telling you, evidenced by her dishonesty about the vodka. Additionally, her eating behavior suggests she may be restricting. This could all be alcohol use, and eating disorder, or even depression. Given her high performance at school, it could also just be a normal variant of teenage behavior. I would have her evaluated in-person by a psychiatrist or psychologist. This is the best thing you can do for her right now.

tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Dr. Sheppe
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Loss Of Appetite In An Alcoholic?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. There are a couple things that are definitely concerning here. Her alcohol use is likely more than she is telling you, evidenced by her dishonesty about the vodka. Additionally, her eating behavior suggests she may be restricting. This could all be alcohol use, and eating disorder, or even depression. Given her high performance at school, it could also just be a normal variant of teenage behavior. I would have her evaluated in-person by a psychiatrist or psychologist. This is the best thing you can do for her right now. tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers Dr. Sheppe