The 8 Ball And Orange Juice Diet

The 8 ball and orange juice diet refers to an extreme diet used to lose weight. The “diet” only consists of orange juice and an “8 ball,” an eighth of an ounce (about 3 to 3.5 grams) of cocaine or some other drug.

Those who adhere to the 8 ball and orange juice diet might eat food and purge afterward to get rid of what food they consumed. Orange juice can also be substituted with any other drink, it doesn’t necessarily have to be orange juice. The primary factors are illicit drugs (most often cocaine) and a drink.

Why Might Someone Do The 8 Ball And Orange Juice Diet?

Though dangerous, a person may be drawn to do this “diet” for a range of reasons.

A few of these include:

• addiction: using cocaine often eliminates the desire to eat. If a person consumes only cocaine and orange juice, they may have no appetite and not be able to eat much.
• a desire to lose weight: because the diet practically eliminates a person’s appetite, there may be a strong pull to do it in order to lose a significant amount of weight. This, of course, is not losing weight in a healthy way and can lead to serious complications.

Health Risks Of Doing The 8 Ball And Orange Juice Diet

There can be many short- and long-term effects of doing the 8 ball and orange juice diet. Though a person doing the diet may desire the appearance of weight loss, the health risks greatly outweigh the result of losing weight.

Others may not necessarily want to lose weight, but do so anyway because of their loss of appetite.

A few of the serious health risks include:

• developing an eating disorder, such as bulimia nervosa
• a severe decline in physical health
• increased chance of overdose
• heart attack and stroke
• abdominal pain
• malnourishment
• decline in muscle function
• reduced cardio-respiratory functions

The diet can also lead to a number of long-term effects on the digestive system, including:

• worsened gastrointestinal functions
• changes in intestinal blood flow
• diarrhea, which can cause severe dehydration and lead to death
• stomach ulcers
• bowel tissue decay or rupture

Warning Signs Someone Is Using This Diet

It can be difficult to tell if someone is doing the 8 ball and orange juice diet, but there are warning signs to watch for. Physical signs include rapid weight loss, constant sniffling or nosebleeds from snorting cocaine, dilated pupils, excessive energy followed by crashes, jitteriness, and trouble sleeping. The person may also show signs of paranoia and anxiety.

Behavioral changes are also common warning signs. They may skip meals frequently, avoid eating around others, or make excuses about why they’re not hungry. You might notice them spending a lot of time in the bathroom after meals if they’re purging. They may also withdraw from friends and family, have unexplained financial problems, or show obsessive behavior about their weight. If you notice these signs, it’s important to encourage them to get help before serious health problems develop.

The Psychological Impact Of This Diet

The 8 ball and orange juice diet doesn’t just harm the body, it also causes serious damage to mental health. Cocaine use can lead to severe anxiety, depression, paranoia, and even psychosis. When combined with extreme food restriction and purging, the psychological effects become even worse. People doing this diet often develop distorted thinking about their body and may become obsessed with losing weight at any cost.

The combination of drug addiction and disordered eating creates a dangerous cycle that’s hard to break. Many people experience mood swings, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. They may feel shame and guilt but feel unable to stop. Long-term effects can include lasting changes to the brain that make it difficult to feel pleasure without drugs. Treatment that addresses both the addiction and the eating disorder is essential for full recovery.

The Connection Between Cocaine And Weight Loss

In 2013, a group of researchers conducted a study to determine whether the weight loss associated with cocaine use is justified. The study surveyed 65 men, half of whom were considered cocaine-dependent. They found that chronic cocaine abuse directly interferes with metabolic processes.

This results in an imbalance between fat intake and storage, leading to rapid weight loss. The cocaine-dependent men had a very different pattern of food consumption compared with the control volunteers, often skipping breakfast, consuming more alcohol, and eating fattier foods.

Treating The Effects Of The Diet

If you or a loved one have used the 8 ball and orange juice diet, it is strongly recommended that you seek treatment as soon as possible. Cocaine is a dangerous drug that can quickly lead to addiction and risky long-term effects, including increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Treatment options include:

• medical detox
• outpatient rehab programs, which ranges in levels of care to include standard outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization
• inpatient rehab programs
• medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• addiction recovery therapy, such as group, individual, and family therapy

Reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or browse our directory to learn more about addiction recovery services.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff