Sugar reduction during alcohol recovery: a qualitative study with service users and staff members of a service provider

Abstract

BackgroundThe association between alcohol dependence and sugar intake is poorly understood with evidence suggesting that some adults undergoing alcohol recovery, primarily in the early stages, have sugar cravings. This may result in swapping of alcohol dependence for sugar cravings, and therefore have an adverse impact on the recovery process and overall health. This study aimed to explore experiences and views of alcohol recovery service users and staff members of a service provider on sugar cravings during recovery and possible ways to reduce cravings during this crucial time. MethodsParticipants for this qualitative study were recruited from an alcohol recovery services hub in West Sussex, UK. Adult service users (age >25 years) attending the 10 week Growth Workshop Programme, and service provider staff within the hub, were eligible to participate. The researcher attended the programme in week four and outlined the study and circulated the participant information sheet and consent form. The focus group took place in week five; written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Two focus group sessions were conducted with service users, and one session with staff. The focus group audiotapes were transcribed and data analysed using a framework approach for thematic analysis. Ethics approval was obtained from Brighton and Sussex Medical School (ERA/BSMS3653/3/2). FindingsSeven service users (two female) and ten staff (seven female) took part in the study. Key themes emerging from the study were lack of awareness of the impact of sugar on health, addiction swap (substitution of sugar for alcohol addiction), impact of the built environment (accessibility to sugary food and drink), barriers to healthy eating (eg, cost), drinking-related action and behaviour (eg, holding a can), and interventions. Suggested interventions included social marketing materials (posters, leaflets), fresh fruit in service hubs, and group learning sessions and staff training on nutrition. InterpretationOur findings are consistent with existing evidence about sugar cravings during alcohol recovery and could be helpful to inform future interventions focusing on a holistic approach to alcohol recovery. Our study's strengths include capturing the views of both a vulnerable population group and service providers, but the small number of sessions and participants is a limitation. FundingWest Sussex County Council, Public Health Directorate (for AT).