Kendall D Jeynes1, E Leigh Gibson2. 1. Department of Life Sciences, Whitelands College, University of Roehampton, London SW15 4JD, UK. 2. Department of Psychology, Whitelands College, University of Roehampton, Holybourne Avenue, London SW15 4JD, UK. Electronic address: l.gibson@roehampton.ac.uk.
Abstract
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.
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.
Authors: Nancy J Ames; Jennifer J Barb; Kornel Schuebel; Sarah Mudra; Brianna K Meeks; Ralph Thadeus S Tuason; Alyssa T Brooks; Narjis Kazmi; Shanna Yang; Kelly Ratteree; Nancy Diazgranados; Michael Krumlauf; Gwenyth R Wallen; David Goldman Journal: Gut Microbes Date: 2020-11-01
Authors: Tosca D Braun; Zachary J Kunicki; Claire E Blevins; Michael D Stein; Eliza Marsh; Sage Feltus; Robert Miranda; John G Thomas; Ana M Abrantes Journal: Alcohol Treat Q Date: 2021-01-22
Authors: Kenneth Blum; Ali Raza; Tiffany Schultz; Rehan Jalali; Richard Green; Raymond Brewer; Panyotis K Thanos; Thomas McLaughlin; David Baron; Abdalla Bowirrat; Igor Elman; B William Downs; Debasis Bagchi; Rajendra D Badgaiyan Journal: Acta Sci Neurol Date: 2021-02-02