A Qualitative Study of Co-Occurring Alcohol Abuse and Overweight Obesity
Location
Atrium
Session Format
Poster Presentation
Research Area Topic:
Public Health & Well Being - Addiction Recovery
Co-Presenters and Faculty Mentors or Advisors
Emily Eisenhart, Gemma Skuraton, Jamie Cromley
Abstract
Purpose: Cutting edge research has suggested a strong relationship between alcoholism and obesity. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between self-reported alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity.
Methods: A total of 13 in-depth interviews were conducted with individuals who self-reported alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity and service providers. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was used to identify reoccurring themes and demonstrative quotes.
Results: Participants did not readily recognize a relationship between alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity. However, participants did discuss weight gain associated with the treatment and recovery process. Most participants discussed the high prevalence of sweetened foods and processed foods in half-way houses, which are used to address carbohydrate cravings associated with withdrawal. Some participants discussed overweight/obesity prior to alcohol abuse, while others discussed weight gain associated with treatment and recovery. Service providers discussed the lack of services available for those struggling with co-occurring alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity. A treatment focus on overweight/obesity is avoided to prevent an unhealthy obsession with physical activity and diet from developing.
Conclusions: The relationship between alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity is not readily recognized by those struggling with the dual conditions or their treatment providers. Environmental conditions that encourage the development of overweight/obesity among those who struggle with alcohol abuse, however, are readily apparent. Changes to the environment in long-term treatment and recovery facilities that include the incorporation of healthy foods and reduced reliance on “sweets” are recommended.
Keywords
Addiction, Obesity, Qualitative, Co-occurence
Presentation Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Start Date
4-24-2015 2:45 PM
End Date
4-24-2015 4:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Alfonso, Moya L.; Eisenhart, Emily; Skuraton, Gemma; and Cromley, Jamie, "A Qualitative Study of Co-Occurring Alcohol Abuse and Overweight Obesity" (2015). GS4 Georgia Southern Student Scholars Symposium. 136.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2015/2015/136
A Qualitative Study of Co-Occurring Alcohol Abuse and Overweight Obesity
Atrium
Purpose: Cutting edge research has suggested a strong relationship between alcoholism and obesity. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between self-reported alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity.
Methods: A total of 13 in-depth interviews were conducted with individuals who self-reported alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity and service providers. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was used to identify reoccurring themes and demonstrative quotes.
Results: Participants did not readily recognize a relationship between alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity. However, participants did discuss weight gain associated with the treatment and recovery process. Most participants discussed the high prevalence of sweetened foods and processed foods in half-way houses, which are used to address carbohydrate cravings associated with withdrawal. Some participants discussed overweight/obesity prior to alcohol abuse, while others discussed weight gain associated with treatment and recovery. Service providers discussed the lack of services available for those struggling with co-occurring alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity. A treatment focus on overweight/obesity is avoided to prevent an unhealthy obsession with physical activity and diet from developing.
Conclusions: The relationship between alcohol abuse and overweight/obesity is not readily recognized by those struggling with the dual conditions or their treatment providers. Environmental conditions that encourage the development of overweight/obesity among those who struggle with alcohol abuse, however, are readily apparent. Changes to the environment in long-term treatment and recovery facilities that include the incorporation of healthy foods and reduced reliance on “sweets” are recommended.