Alcohol and Drug Use Among Post-Operative Bariatric Patients: A Systematic Review of the Emerging Research and Its Implications
Christine Spadola, Eric F. Wagner, Frank R. Dillon, Mary Jo Trepka, Nestor de la Cruz-Munoz, Sarah E. Messiah
- Alcohol affects the body very differently after bariatric surgery: faster absorption, higher blood alcohol from smaller amounts, and longer intoxication than before surgery.
- Some patients, particularly gastric bypass patients, may be at increased risk for alcohol use problems after surgery.
- The review explains 'addiction transfer,' where compulsive behaviors redirect toward substances like alcohol or marijuana after surgery removes the ability to overeat.
- The review also examined prescription pain medications, marijuana, and illicit substance use after surgery.
- Published in a leading addiction medicine journal, demonstrating recognition across medical specialties.
- Best bariatric programs screen for substance use risk factors, educate patients about altered alcohol/drug response, and provide ongoing monitoring.
This systematic review published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research comprehensively synthesized existing evidence on alcohol and drug use among patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. The review is one of the leading peer-reviewed publications in alcohol and addiction research, published in the official journal of the Research Society on Alcoholism.
Spadola C, Wagner E, Dillon F, Trepka M, de la Cruz-Munoz N, Messiah S. Alcohol and Drug Use Among Post-Operative Bariatric Patients: A Systematic Review of the Emerging Research and Its Implications. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. 2015;39(9):1582-1601. doi:10.1111/acer.12805.
