Changes in Nutrition-Related Behaviors in Alcohol-Dependent Patients After Outpatient Detoxification: The Role of Chocolate

Sweet-liking and sugar supplementation as innovative components in substance use disorder treatment: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Substance use disorders are a major global public health concern. While a wide range of psychotherapies and pharmacotherapies are available for their treatment, efficacy is limited and many patients fail to benefit from these treatments. Like addictive substances, sugar seems to trigger the dopaminergic reward centre, and sweet-liking might be a modifier of substance use disorder treatment.

METHOD

Systematic review to summarize the role of sugar and sugar-liking in addiction and addiction treatment.

RESULTS

Evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies suggests that a certain portion of the population has a genetic predisposition for sweet-liking, which might be related to a higher risk for substance use and dependence. Regarding nicotine dependence, glucose supplementation prior to or during smoking cessation rapidly mitigates withdrawal symptoms and increases smoking abstinence rates during nicotine replacement therapy. In alcohol dependence, sweet-liking patients encounter more challenges in achieving abstinence than sweet-disliking patients. In addition, sweet-liking patients with high cravings demonstrate higher abstinence rates than sweet-disliking patients. Finally, sweet-liking is associated with successful outcomes of naltrexone treatment in patients with an alcohol use disorder.

CONCLUSION

These findings present promising new challenges and opportunities to fine-tune and optimize treatment protocols in addiction care.

Barriers to Accessing Primary Dental Care in Adults with Alcohol Dependence: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

People with alcohol dependence (AD) frequently experience oral health problems, but their dental attendance is poor, with limited evidence to the reasons why from their perspective.

OBJECTIVE

To explore perceived barriers, motivators, and facilitators to accessing primary dental care in people with AD.

METHODS

Qualitative study consisting of remote one-to-one and group semistructured interviews with a convenience sample of adults with lived experience of AD in northern England. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded. A reflexive thematic analysis method was used; use of COM-B model informed data interpretation.

RESULTS

Twenty adults with lived experience of AD participated in 18 one-to-one interviews and 1 group interview (of 3 participants). Barriers to access were fear and physical, social, and environmental factors (physical effects of AD, financial barriers, nonprioritization of oral health). Motivators to access were pain and prioritization of oral health. Facilitators to access were patterns of alcohol use (i.e., sobriety) and dental service provision within recovery services.

CONCLUSIONS

Fear of "the dentist" is a major barrier to accessing dental care, and pain is the primary motivator, among people with AD, although neither are unique to this population. Fear and physical, social, and environmental barriers to access contribute to problem-oriented attendance, which negatively affect oral health outcomes. Opportunity to facilitate attendance increases when a person is in remission from AD through their physical capabilities improving. Increasing capability and opportunity can influence attendance beyond the automatic motivation of pain. Provision of dental care within recovery services could facilitate access to care. Understanding the "web of causation" is key to developing any intervention to improve dental access in people with AD. Further research is needed from the perspective of other adult populations with lived experience of AD, as well as of dental professionals, to gain deeper insight into barriers, facilitators, and possible solutions.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT

The results of this study can help dental professionals understand factors affecting access to primary care in people with alcohol dependence to provide knowledge that may reduce stigma surrounding the disease. Results also demonstrate areas for intervention development for public policy.

Nutritional status of people who inject drugs in Coastal Kenya: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Despite documentation on injection drug use (IDU) in Kenya, the nutritional status of people who inject drugs (PWIDs) is under-explored. Elsewhere studies report under-nutrition among PWIDs which is attributed to food insecurity; competing priorities between drugs and food supply; chaotic lifestyle; reduced food intake; substance use induced malnutrition due to inflammation and comorbidities.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study that sought to assess the nutritional status of PWIDs in Coastal Kenya. We recruited 752 participants of whom 371(49%) were on IDUs and 75 non-IDUs and 306 non-drug users using respondent driven sampling, traditional snowball, makeshift outreach and purposive sampling methods.

RESULTS

More than one half of the participants (56%) had BMI classified as normal while 35% had BMI < 18.5. The proportion with BMI < 18.5 was higher among IDUs (46%) compared to the non-IDUs (33%) and non-drug users (23%) at P < 0.001. Using the mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), 17% were classified as underweight and the proportion was lowest (11%) among non- drugs users compared to 22% among IDUs (P < 0.001). However, the IDUs had lower proportion of overweight (8.1%) compared to 55% among the non- drug users. The proportion with low waist-for-hip ratio was highest among the IDUs (74%) while high waist-for-hip ratio was lowest in the same group of IDUs (11%) at P < 0.001. One half (50%), of the participants had no signs of anaemia, (47%) had mild/moderate anaemia while 21 (2.8%) had severe anaemia. However, IDUs were more likely to be overweight based on waist circumference as a parameter. The IDUs had the highest proportion (54%) of mild to moderate anaemia compared to non-IDUs (37%) and 40% non- drug users (P < 0.001). In the multivariable models, IDUs (aRRR 2.83 (95%CI 1.84‒4.35)) and non-IDUs (aRRR 1.42 (95%CI 1.07‒1.88)) compared to non- drug users were positively associated with BMI < 18.5. Being an IDU was positively associated with mild or moderate anaemia (aRRR 1.65 (95%CI 1.13‒2.41)) while non-IDUs were positively associated with severe anaemia (aRRR 1.69 (95%CI 1.16‒2.48)).

CONCLUSION

A significant proportion of the participants were under-nourished with those injecting drugs bearing the heaviest brunt. Being an IDU was positively associated with the low BMI, MUAC, waist for hip ratio and mild or moderate anaemia but high waist circumference. People who inject drugs have high risk for under-nutrition and should be targeted with appropriate interventions.

Nutritional status changes in the treatment of substance use disorder: Relationship with substance craving

Tailored nutrition counseling enhances the efficacy of routine treatment for substance (alcohol/drugs) use disorders (SUDs). For this purpose, it is important to understand the current nutritional status of addicts and the changes in their nutritional status during the treatment process. Furthermore, the consumption of sweets to manage substance cravings is common among people with SUDs, but the evidence for the effectiveness of this practice is limited and conflicting. We therefore hypothesized SUD treatment would be associated with increases in appetite, nutrient intake, and anthropometric measurements in addicts, and that these changes, including changes in sweet consumption, would not be associated with decreased substance craving. Data for this prospective observational study were collected from 38 adult male patients who completed 21 days of inpatient SUD treatment. During the treatment, the participants' levels of appetite (P < 1.0 × 10-4), the frequency of main meals (P < 1.0 × 10-4), intake of macro- and micronutrients (P < .05 for each), and anthropometric measurements (P ≤ 5.9 × 10-4), significantly increased. Furthermore, it was found that the patients had a significant increase in sweets craving (P < 1.0 × 10-4) and sweets consumption (P = 1.2 × 10-3) during treatment. However, there was no significant difference between the individuals whose craving decreased and those whose craving did not decrease at the end of the treatment (P > .05 for both). The findings suggest the need to offer dietary counseling to individuals undergoing inpatient SUD treatment, given the substantial changes in nutritional status, and that increased consumption of sweets is not an effective strategy to reduce substance craving.

A Complex Interplay between Nutrition and Alcohol use Disorder: Implications for Breaking the Vicious Cycle

Approximately 16.5% of the United States population met the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder (SUD) in 2021, including 29.5 million individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Individuals with AUD are at increased risk for malnutrition, and impairments in nutritional status in chronic alcohol users can be detrimental to physical and emotional well-being. Furthermore, these nutritional deficiencies could contribute to the never-ending cycle of alcoholism and related pathologies, thereby jeopardizing the prospects of recovery and treatment outcomes. Improving nutritional status in AUD patients may not only compensate for general malnutrition but could also reduce adverse symptoms during recovery, thereby promoting abstinence and successful treatment of AUD. In this review, we briefly summarize alterations in the nutritional status of people with addictive disorders, in addition to the underlying neurobiological mechanisms and clinical implications regarding the role of nutritional intervention in recovery from alcohol use disorder.

Association of ALDH2 Genotypes and Alcohol Intake with Dietary Patterns: The Bunkyo Health Study

Dietary habits are associated with various diseases and assessed by dietary patterns (DPs). Since the ALDH2 genotype is correlated with alcohol and several food preferences, this genotype is probably associated with DPs. In this cross-sectional study of 1612 elderly adults, we investigated the effects of the ALDH2 genotype on DPs and the mediating role of alcohol intake. We identified the ALDH2 genotype and conducted a dietary history survey, then used principal component analysis to determine DPs for each gender. We performed multiple regression analysis to determine the independent contribution of the ALDH2 genotype and alcohol intake to DP scores. We identified three DPs: the "Japanese side dish type" (DP1), the "Japanese dish with alcohol type" (DP2), and the "Western dish with alcohol type" (DP3). In men, the single nucleotide polymorphism ALDH2 rs671 was significantly associated with all DP scores. When alcohol intake was added as a covariate, ALDH2 rs671 was still significantly correlated with the DP2 score but not with the DP1 or DP3 score, and alcohol intake was significantly correlated with all DP scores. In women, ALDH2 rs671 was significantly associated with the DP2 and DP3 scores; however, after adding alcohol intake as a covariate, these associations disappeared, and alcohol intake significantly correlated with all DP scores. In conclusion, the ALDH2 genotype was associated with several DPs in elderly adults, but most associations were mediated by alcohol intake.

Restoring an adequate dietary fiber intake by inulin supplementation: a pilot study showing an impact on gut microbiota and sociability in alcohol use disorder patients

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing disease associated with malnutrition, metabolic disturbances, and gut microbiota alterations that are correlated with the severity of psychological symptoms. This study aims at supplementing AUD patients with prebiotic fiber during alcohol withdrawal, in order to modulate the gut microbiota composition and to evaluate its effect on gastrointestinal tolerance, metabolism, and patient's behavior. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 50 AUD patients assigned to inulin versus maltodextrin daily supplementation for 17 days. Biological measurements (fecal microbial 16S rDNA sequencing, serum biology), dietary intake, validated psychological questionnaires, and gastrointestinal tolerance assessment were performed before and after the intervention. Inulin significantly decreased the richness and evenness and induced changes of 8 genera (q < 0.1) including Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides. Prebiotic had minor effects on gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional intakes compared to placebo. All patients showed an improvement in depression, anxiety, and craving scores during alcohol withdrawal regardless of the intervention group. Interestingly, only patients treated with inulin significantly improved the sociability score and had an increased serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This pilot study shows that inulin is well tolerated and modulates the gut microbiota and the social behavior in AUD patients, without further improving other psychological and biological parameters as compared to placebo. Gut2Brain study, clinicaltrial.gov: NCT03803709, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03803709.

Patterned Feeding of a Hyper-Palatable Food (Oreo Cookies) Reduces Alcohol Drinking in Rats

While a bidirectional positive link between palatable food intake and alcohol drinking has been suggested, several rodents studies report reduced alcohol drinking following palatable diets exposure. These studies utilized purified rodents’ diets high in sugar/fat; however, the effects of hyper-palatable food (HPF) rich in fat and sugar on alcohol drinking remain unclear. Furthermore, neural substrates involved in HPF-mediated changes in alcohol consumption are poorly understood. Therefore, the present study evaluated the effects of patterned feeding of a hyper-palatable food (Oreo cookies) on alcohol drinking as well as dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) content in rat’s mesocorticolimbic (medial-prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens) circuitry. Male Long Evans rats received 8-weeks of intermittent (Mon, Tue, Wed) Oreo cookies access, which induced a patterned feeding, in which rats in the Oreo group overconsumed calories on HPF days whereas underconsumption was observed on chow only (Thu, Fri) days. Following HPF exposure, alcohol consumption was evaluated while patterned feeding continued. Alcohol intake in the Oreo group was significantly lower as compared to the chow controls. However, alcohol intake in the Oreo group increased to the levels seen in the group receiving chow following the suspension of patterned HPF feeding. Finally, DA levels in the nucleus accumbens were significantly greater, whereas its metabolite (DOPAC) levels were lower in the Oreo group compared to the chow controls. Surprisingly, 5-HT levels remained unaltered in all tested brain areas. Together, these data suggest that HPF-associated increased DA availability and reduced DA turnover within mesocorticolimbic circuitry may regulate alcohol drinking following patterned HPF feeding.

Prospective Associations between Attitudes toward Sweet Foods, Sugar Consumption, and Cravings for Alcohol and Sweets in Early Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorders

Sweet liking (heightened preference for highly-sweet solutions) is linked to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and relapse, as well as attitudes towards sweet foods - use of sugar to cope with negative affect (sweet-cope), and impaired control over sweets consumption (sweet-control). This prospective analysis of individuals with AUD (N=26) participating in an Alcohol and Drug partial hospitalization program observed increases in self-reported sugar consumption and sweet craving from Time 1 (T1) to Time 2 (T2; 4 weeks later). Sweet-cope (T1) predicted T2 sweet craving. In an exploratory cross-lagged panel model, sweet-cope predicted sugar consumption and sweet craving at T1 and T2, and alcohol craving at T2. This pattern of results suggests the hypothesis that use of sugar to regulate negative affect may prove a novel, modifiable risk mechanism of the association between sweet liking and relapse. Sweet-cope may also prove an intervention target for improving nutrition and weight-related factors in early recovery. Future research in larger sample sizes is needed.

Daily associations between alcohol and sweets craving and consumption in early AUD recovery: Results from an ecological momentary assessment study

INTRODUCTION

Alcohol cravings can predict relapse in persons with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Consuming sweets is a commonly recommend strategy to quell alcohol cravings in early recovery from AUD, yet research is equivocal on whether consuming sweets mitigates alcohol cravings or relapse risk. The current study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data to examine real-time alcohol cravings, sweet cravings, and consumption of sweets among adults in early recovery from AUD.

METHODS

We used EMA methods to follow 25 adults (n = 14 women, 56%; M. age 40, S.D. 10.68) recently discharged from a partial hospitalization program for AUD for 21 days. Prompts were sent to the participants for completion four times per day via a mobile app. EMA data were disaggregated prior to analysis to examine between- and within-person effects. A series of three mixed linear models tested: 1) the contemporaneous effect of sweet and alcohol cravings, 2) alcohol cravings predicting sweet consumption later in the day, and 3) sweet consumption predicting alcohol craving later in the day.

RESULTS

The results of the first model revealed alcohol cravings were associated with sweet cravings early in recovery. In the second model, no effect occurred between alcohol cravings earlier in the day predicting sweet consumption later in the day. The third model suggested consuming sweets earlier in the day predicted higher alcohol cravings later in the day.

DISCUSSION

Sweet craving and consumption are associated with alcohol cravings among adults in early recovery from AUD. These findings suggest consuming sweets may increase alcohol cravings. If future studies can replicate this result, consuming sweets in early recovery may emerge as a potential risk for relapse in this population.

People who use drugs in rehabilitation, from chaos to discipline: Advantages and pitfalls: A qualitative study

Evidence-based models emphasizing on lifestyle behaviours for the treatment of drug use is still in its infancy. The development of multicomponent effective drug use intervention programs as part of health promotion is crucial to decrease risk of relapse. This study aims at exploring the lifestyle practices including dietary intake, physical activity and sleep of people who use drugs undergoing residential rehabilitation treatment in Lebanon with its perceived benefits and pitfalls. A purposive sample of 18 males and 9 females at different stages of recovery from drug use in rehabilitation centers participated in the qualitative discussions. The six phases thematic analysis revealed three themes: chaotic lifestyle, structuredlifestyle, benefits and pitfalls, and suggestions for making rehabilitation a better experience. Participants discussed their chaotic lifestyle during addiction with poor food intake, disrupted sleep and low physical activity moving to a more disciplined routine enforcing normality in lifestyle practices with social and professionlprofessional support. The early phases of treatment were marked with increased food intake and weight gain perceived as a health indicator and the sole divergent from drugs, moving towards more structured meals and efforts to lose weight in later stages. Lack of variety of Physical activity programs taking into consideration the motivational differences among the participants was also highlighted. Measures for improving rehabilitation services in terms of promoting healthy eating behaviours and environmental control were thoroughly addressed. These findings shed the light on the challenges faced in maintaining a healthy lifestyle in rehabilitation centers and the necessities of addressing them to improve the overall rehabilitation experience, prevent relapse and inform the development of future targeted intervention programs tackling all aspects of behavioural changes.

Nutritional status and eating habits of people who use drugs and/or are undergoing treatment for recovery: a narrative review

A comprehensive overview is presented of the nutritional issues faced by people who use drugs or are undergoing treatment for recovery. Chronic substance use affects a person’s nutritional status and body composition through decreased intake, nutrient absorption, and dysregulation of hormones that alter the mechanisms of satiety and food intake. Anthropometrics alone is not the best indicator of nutritional status, because this population has hidden deficiencies and disturbed metabolic parameters. Socioeconomic factors (eg, higher education, higher income, presence of a partner, living at home) positively affect nutritional status. Scarce available data on users undergoing treatment indicate improvement in anthropometric and metabolic parameters but with micronutrient intake remaining suboptimal. Weight gain is noted especially among women who use drugs and potentially increases their risk of relapse. Finally, specific amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids are promising in decreasing relapse and improving mental health during treatment; however, additional high-quality studies are needed. Nutrition intervention for people who use drugs or are undergoing treatment for recovery is underused; comprehensive programs addressing this population’s unique needs are necessary. Future research will identify which components are needed.

Reduced alcohol drinking following patterned feeding: Role of palatability and acute contingent availability

Recent studies from our lab have demonstrated that intermittent high-fat diet access reduces alcohol drinking in rats. However, it was unclear if caloric overload, palatability, or diet itself triggered reduced alcohol drinking. It is also unknown if a similar paradigm could reduce relapse-like alcohol drinking. The presented study tested the hypothesis that acute intermittent palatable diet (PD) access would rescue relapse-like drinking and palatability, but not diet itself contributes to reduced drinking. Male Long Evans rats received six-weeks intermittent or chronic chow (controls) or PDs (high-fat diet, high-sugar diet) exposure, and alcohol testing occurred following PDs suspension. Alcohol intake was not significantly different among groups in either condition, suggesting that diet itself did not impact alcohol drinking. A subset of these rats received two-weeks intermittent PDs (Int-PDs) exposure and alcohol testing reinitiated while Int-PDs access continued. Alcohol intake significantly escalated (~137% compared to baseline; alcohol deprivation effect) in the chow controls, whereas it remained unchanged in PD groups. These data demonstrate the critical importance of acute intermittent PDs availability and its protective effect in relapse-like drinking. To assess the contribution of palatability in reduced alcohol drinking, a separate group of rats received two-weeks intermittent high-sugar diet (Int-HSD) or saccharin (Int-SAC) access and tested for alcohol drinking while Int-HSD/SAC continued. Alcohol drinking significantly decreased (~30%) in both HSD and SAC groups compared to the controls. These data identify the critical parameters by which acute intermittent PD access reduces alcohol drinking and could have important therapeutic implications in the management of alcoholism.

Behavioral and Neurobiological Consequences of Hedonic Feeding on Alcohol Drinking

A complex interplay of peripheral and central signaling mechanisms within the body of an organism maintains energy homeostasis. In addition, energy/food intake is modified by various external factors (e.g., palatability, food availability, social and environmental triggers). Highly palatable foods can provoke maladaptive feeding behavior, which in turn disrupts normal homeostatic regulation resulting in numerous health consequences. Furthermore, neuroendocrine peptides, traditionally considered to regulate appetite and energy homeostasis, also control the intake and reinforcing properties of alcohol and drugs of abuse. Therefore, dysregulated eating as a result of a hedonic/binge-like intake of hyper-palatable food may impact alcohol drinking behavior. Relevant in this case is the fact that eating disorders are highly comorbid with several neuropsychiatric conditions, including alcohol use disorder. The present review is intended to summarize the neurobiological and functional consequences of hedonic feeding on alcohol intake.

Nutritional Contingency Reduces Alcohol Drinking by Altering Central Neurotransmitter Receptor Gene Expression in Rats

We have previously shown that 6 weeks of intermittent high-fat diet (Int-HFD) pre-exposure significantly reduced alcohol drinking in rats, providing preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of a dietary intervention in reducing alcohol intake. However, the functional framework and underlying neurobiological mechanisms of such dietary intervention are unknown. Here, we examined the impact of Int-HFD pre-exposure duration on alcohol drinking, plasma feeding peptides, and central neurotransmitter receptors gene expression. Male Long Evans rats (n = 6-7/group) received no pre-exposure, 1 or 2 weeks pre-exposure to Int-HFD and alcohol drinking (two-bottle choice) was evaluated. We observed HFD pre-exposure-dependent decrease in alcohol drinking, with a significant decrease observed following 2 weeks of Int-HFD pre-exposure. No significant between-group differences in plasma feeding peptides (i.e., ghrelin, leptin, insulin) were detected. A PCR array revealed that the expression of several neurotransmitter receptors was significantly (p < 0.05 and ≥2-fold) altered in the striatum and ventral tegmental area compared to controls. These data suggest that pre-exposure to a palatable diet is critical to reduce alcohol drinking in rats, possibly through genetic alterations in the brain reward circuitry. Importantly, the present study is a step forward in identifying the critical framework needed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of nutritional contingency in the management of alcoholism.

The importance of nutrition in aiding recovery from substance use disorders: A review

BACKGROUND

Nutrition is a prerequisite for health; yet, there is no special nutritional assessment or guidance for drug and alcohol dependent individuals, despite the fact that their food consumption is often very limited, risking malnutrition. Further, the premise is examined that malnutrition may promote drug seeking and impede recovery from substance use disorders (SUD).

METHOD

A narrative review addressed the relationship between substance use disorders and nutrition, including evidence for malnutrition, as well as their impact on metabolism and appetite regulation. The implications of the biopsychology of addiction and appetite for understanding the role of nutrition in SUD were also considered.

RESULTS

The literature overwhelmingly finds that subjects with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and drug use disorder (DUD) typically suffer from nutrient deficiencies. These nutrient deficiencies may be complicit in the alcoholic myopathy, osteopenia and osteoporosis, and mood disorders including anxiety and depression, observed in AUD and DUD. These same individuals have also been found to have altered body composition and altered hormonal metabolic regulators. Additionally, brain processes fundamental for survival are stimulated both by food, particularly sweet foods, and by substances of abuse, with evidence supporting confusion (addiction transfer) when recovering from SUD between cravings for a substance and craving for food.

CONCLUSION

Poor nutritional status in AUD and DUD severely impacts their physical and psychological health, which may impede their ability to resist substances of abuse and recover their health. This review contributes to a better understanding of interventions that could best support individuals with substance use disorders.