anorexia and Bulima causing convulsions

Question
My sister suffers from both anorexia and bulimia and when she goes out and drinks alcohol on an empty stomach this causes her to black out and have convulsions,this is like an epileptic fit.  She has been tested for eplilepsy and has been told that this is definatley not this.  When she had all the tests and this came back negative she admitted that she had a problem with food and skips meals and makes herself sick sometimes, she had also mentioned that her heart races sometimes which also concerned me, can she be damaging her heart as well.  The Doctor has said that she is hypoglycemic and that is whats causing these convulsions to occurr.  Please can you give me some advice on what to do and what she damage she could be causing to her body as she doesnt seem to want to seek any help and we are all extremely worries and its also very scary being there when she has one of these "fits".  I hope you can help.  Many thanks

Answer
Hi, Sarah...

I am so sorry to hear about your sister.  It's difficult on all sides to deal with.  Even if she only had one addiction (anorexia and bulimia are treated as addictions as well), it would still be a lot to deal with.  But, as is often the case with addicts, you are dealing with multiple addictions.

The good news is that when your sister is ready to accept help, you'll be in a much better position to help her and support her.

The bad news is that, unless she is under 18 (or 21 in the case of the alcohol), you cannot force her to get help.

I agree with the doctor in that hypoglycemia is probably causing the convulsions.  I have hyperglycemia and often have episodes of hypoglycemia.  You can and should call for emergency help if she begins to convulse because she could end up in a coma and you can't give her body the necessary sugar it needs.  Even if she gets mad at you, you know you're doing it for her health and well-being.

I know this will be hard because I deal with similar situations with my sister when she has had too much alcohol.  I have had to call the police because of threats of violence.  She always gets mad at me, but I know it's better this way before she hurts herself or someone else.

If you've read about alcoholism, anorexia, and bulimia, then you know there is a ton of potential damage she has done or is doing to her body.  Too many for me to list here, but you can head over to http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more about the eating disorders and resources for people in your situation.  Resources are also available at the Alcoholics Anonymous website at http://www.aa.org and http://www.al-anon.alateen.org for help for you and your family.

Often we forget that we need to get help for ourselves when we have a family member facing hard times of any sort.  So, please, at the very least, make sure you and your family get the help and support you need so that you can be stronger and help your sister.

Now, back to your sister.  Usually the way addicts decide they need help is when all of their means of getting their fix is gone.  When she can't get alcohol or food and friends and family are no longer enabling her to help her destroy herself, she may become more receptive to getting help.  Make sure you all have a support system in place when you are ready to do this because it will be very difficult.  However, I can tell you that to love her by doing what is right by her to regain a healthy life is the best thing you can do.

I know you're scared.  I would be as well.  When I was at my worst with anorexia, I am glad my family was not there to see what I was doing to myself.  But at the same time, now when I deal with effects of hypoglycemia, I hate to see them have to help me with that fearing I may have to go to the ER (especially because I have a 12 year old sister and 7 year old brother).

Since you have taken this step to ask for help, I believe you and your family can work through this and help your sister.  It won't be easy, but it can be done.

I wish you the best and please check out those websites so that you can get all of the help you need.

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